Before you buy a sheet of oak plywood, it’s important to understand a few key points. First, consider the face veneer. Then, consider the grades, colors, and staining options. Then, choose a specialized variety that will bend well. You can find close-grained hardwood plywood with poplar and mahogany faces. Also, note that if you plan to stain or varnish your plywood, make sure to do a test bending to ensure that it’s straight.
Face veneer
There are several design and selection points to consider before purchasing oak veneer plywood. First, consider the grade of the wood. Some plywood grades are higher in quality than others. For example, a 4′ x 8′ sheet of A2 plywood may cost $75 but has a sliced veneer, while a C3 sheet will cost more than twice as much. The difference is in the veneer’s thickness, and the face veneer of one type of cheap plywood may be as thin as 1/100”, while that of a better grade is about 1/40”.
Lastly, the design and selection points of oak plywood face veneer are largely dependent on what you want the veneer to accomplish. The radial grain of oak plywood can be difficult to match, and veneer that is too thin will have an uneven look. A solid wood veneer should be 6” to 8” wide, and each piece of wood should mirror the next one. Depending on the level of detail you’re aiming for, you can choose between rotary-cut veneer or bookmatched veneer. Purchasing a good veneer will double the price of the plywood, so you should be sure to carefully check the quality.
There are three main styles of wood veneer. Rift cut and quarter-sliced are the most popular, and are made of the finest grade of wood available. If you’re trying to achieve a straight-grain look, choose “rift cut” and “quarter-sliced.” If you don’t want a figure on your face veneer, choose “quarter-sliced” or “specified flitch,” and it’ll work out just fine.
Grades
There are several types of oak plywood, each graded for quality and durability. These products are usually heavy and have good wear resistance. Grades of oak plywood range from light to heavy, depending on the species. Red oak and white oak are two varieties of oak, while white oak is usually softer than red oak. Oak plywood prices are more volatile than those of other wood products, and homebuilding and construction is often moving faster than sawmill capacity. For these reasons, lumber prices can be high.
In general, you should purchase A-grade or “A+” grade plywood. This type of plywood is the highest quality and is usually painted. Grade B-grade plywood is slightly less smooth than A-grade and has minor imperfections that can be repaired. C-grade plywood has knots that measure up to 1.5 inches in diameter. D-grade plywood may have more defects and may have uneven surfaces. This is an ideal choice for furniture projects.
When purchasing oak plywood, make sure you ask about the different grades. A1 and C2 grade sheets will have a slight imperfection on the face, but otherwise are considered “cabinet” grade. Lower grades of oak plywood are considered paint grade. They can have flaws and other imperfections, but they’re typically not visible on the surface. This grade of plywood is typically 1/4″ thick, making it perfect for cabinets.
CDX-grade plywood is typically the cheapest material. It’s made from the two lowest grades and can tolerate some moisture. It’s excellent for cabinets and work tables, and is also a good option for use indoors. Although it’s not waterproof, CDX-grade plywood is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Moreover, it is a bit rougher on edges and softer than pine plywood. However, it’s perfect for projects that require a bit of elbow grease.
Colors
There are many different types of oak plywood. Oak is a popular choice for cabinetry because of its durability and natural color. The different species produce slightly different colors. If you’re looking for the perfect color for your cabinetry, red oak may be the right choice. Red Oak has a coarse texture and the heartwood is a light tan or pinkish brown. Oak plywood is made from a core called Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). This type of wood has a smooth, void-free surface for veneer faces.
The red oak plywood offers excellent strength, dimensional stability, and screw-holding capacity. Its color varies from light tan to pinkish brown or reddish brown. Red oak plywood is suitable for projects that have concerns about shrinkage. Red oak may also contain knots and grain patterns, making it an attractive choice. Generally speaking, red oak plywood is best suited for cabinets and cabinetry. Its consistency is another key factor to consider when choosing a type of oak plywood.
While birch plywood is widely available, oak is more expensive and may require special ordering. Oak plywood is stronger and more resilient against moisture. Its density is higher, so it won’t warp or crack when exposed to water. In addition, oak is more resistant to moisture and insects. Oak is the choice for structural applications. It is also more durable and water resistant than birch plywood. And, it looks like real wood!
Oak plywood comes in a range of different colors. The red oak variety is typically cheaper and comes in many different colors. White oak, on the other hand, has gained popularity with designers. It is lighter in color, and is typically sawn for rift or quarter sawn boards. Woodworkers Source, a division of MacBeath Hardwood Co., offers a wide variety of colors. They can also match any color you choose.
Staining
If you want to make your oak plywood look like real walnut, you need to begin by applying a coat of walnut stain. To achieve this look, sand the plywood lightly with a 180-grit sandpaper and wipe it with a damp cloth. Then, apply another coat of walnut stain. Allow the stain to dry for a day before applying another. You can also use a walnut-colored wood stain. Once the stain has dried, apply another coat of stain to achieve a rich color.
If you choose to use an oil-based stain, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for staining and apply the stain with a brush or sponge. Apply the stain evenly over the surface, following the grain of the wood. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The longer it takes to dry, the darker the color. To ensure that the stain dries evenly, you can check the wood after about 24 hours. To avoid a streaky look, wipe the stain back using a rag or sponge.
If you want to get a more uniform finish, you should apply water-based stain. The stain will be thicker than an oil-based stain. To make it even, stir the stain until the consistency matches the wood. While staining oak plywood, remember that different wood types can have different colors. For this reason, it is important to use the proper stain for your project. While you’re staining oak plywood, you should make sure to ventilate the area so that you don’t breathe any of the dripping stain.
Hardwoods like red oak are not common in plywood but are excellent for fine woodworking projects. Unlike softwood, hardwoods don’t need wood filler. They are also often blemish-free and are perfect for furniture and fine woodworking. Hardwood plywood is best for stained projects because it takes stain well and won’t require any additional treatments. So, when you buy oak plywood, it is crucial to consider the type of wood before purchasing.
Cost
Oak plywood is more expensive than birch plywood, but there are a few good reasons why you might want to go with it instead. This hardwood is denser and more resistant to rot and catching fire. It’s also a bit more resistant to water, unlike birch, which can absorb water easily. Oak plywood is a good choice for structures, as it’s both strong and flexible. You can also use it for furniture and sheathing walls.
Oak plywood price vary widely depending on the quality of the wood and veneer. The thinnest types are about two millimeters thick and are available in standard sheets. More expensive versions have bookmatched veneers. Some plywood manufacturers also produce specialty grades with additional features. For instance, there are products that are designed to be used in special applications, such as yachts and cars. The cost of oak plywood will depend on its thickness and type of use, so make sure to take the time to shop around and compare prices.
Plywood prices also vary widely. Depending on the size of the plywood sheet, it may cost up to twice as much as a two-by-four-foot sheet. This is because more material is used to produce a single sheet. Buying larger sheets of plywood will save you money and increase the durability of your project. Just remember that the thickness is also important, as the thicker it is, the more expensive it is.
When purchasing oak plywood, be sure to look for a company that sells the widest range of thicknesses. Usually, they offer lower prices than those of the smaller retailers. You can also check out the Timber Products website for helpful documents. If you’re not sure where to buy your new plywood, check out their FAQ page. If you’re planning a large project, buy a larger quantity than you need.