Birch and hoop pine plywood: key features, qualities and where to use them

Plywood is the most preferred material for the construction of many different types of furniture. It is manufactured by gluing together adjacent thin layers of plies of wood veneer, with their grains rotated up to 90-degrees with each other. A composite material is formed by binding together the resin and wood fibre sheets, creating an alternation of grains. This method is known as cross-graining that makes it resistant to splitting when the plywood is nailed at its edges. Here, we will focus our discussion on two types of plywood – hoop and birch.

Hoop pine (Araucaria Cunninghamii) is a native Australian species of Queensland and New South Wales. Its grain is straight while the texture is fine to very fine. It comes with a light-coloured and warm appearance, with a fine to very fine texture. A white interior glue system is used to enhance the clear and bright finish of hoop pine plywood.

Hoop pine AC plywood can be used for non-structural interior applications, ceiling linings, laser cutting and engraving, and acoustic panels and interior walls where a high-quality aesthetics finish is required. It’s very popular for architectural linings, particularly large ceiling areas. The plywood provides an excellent multi-edge detail that suits a wide range of joinery applications. It can be used for a wide range of feature panels, for use in domestic and commercial cabinetry and architectural projects.

Different grades of hoop pine plywood  

Being a designated marine species, AA-grade hoop pine plywood is suitable for use in the marine industry where strength, durability and high-quality aesthetic finish are required. The timber is suited for use in the harsh Australian environment. AC grade has a higher-grade face and lesser-grade back, with a consistent and uniform surface which is fit for clear water-based finishing. AC grade’s consistent and uniform face makes it suitable for joinery with clear staining. BB Grade is a structurally rated marine timber species. It is well suited where emphasis is upon an edge feature.

For finishes, it is recommended to use water-based finishes for hoop pine plywood. Oil-based coatings and finishes should be carefully checked for compatibility before applying.

What makes birch plywood suitable for different applications?

As the name suggests, birch plywood is manufactured from the birch tree which is a deciduous tree with thin leaves. It boasts of high physical and mechanical qualities that make it appropriate for a variety of application uses. As birch plywood allows for fast mounting, it becomes highly resistant to water and as such can be used in floors and ceilings.

Birch plywood is the perfect choice for a diverse range of applications. This plywood is recognized by its warm, light-coloured appearance and grain detail. Birch plywood possesses high mechanical qualities when used for interior applications. It is broadly used in the construction of furniture and within the home.. Exterior birch plywood is used for leveling floors and ceilings, as well as a base for flexible roofing. Film-faced birch plywood is used for equipping playgrounds, and in the construction of monolith buildings.

Plywood with high-structural integrity

Birch plywood can be treated for use in water-resistant interiors and waterproof exteriors. It can be sanded on either side, or one side can be left without sanding. Its smooth surface is typically void of splinters or rough jagged edges, making it perfect for use in cabinets, dollhouses, toys and other small-scale structures.

High structural integrity means birch plywood can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Common uses of birch plywood include wall and ceiling finishes, furniture, joinery solutions, shop fittings, bench tops and laminated products. Bakelite birch plywood has a high-tensile strength and a resilient material that makes it suitable for use in varying weather and chemical conditions. It is widely used in the production of yachts, boats and advertising boards. Birch plywood used in aviation is obtained from fine-grain wood, using modern technologies and equipment.

Matilda Veneer for best quality plywood 

Matilda Veneer is Australia’s leading manufacturer of timber veneer and plywood. Matilda Veneer source their birch plywood, hoop pine plywood, structural and non structural plywood and other varieties from sustainable plantations. The tree stems are pruned to a certain height during the first decade of growth to maximize the amount of high-quality clear wood in the butt logs.

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Created on Mar 4th 2021 12:29. Viewed 437 times.

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