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