What is BC Grade Plywood?

When it comes to construction, home improvement and DIY projects, one common material that often comes to mind is a perfect plywood. Among the various plywood grades available in the market, BC grade plywood is among the most popular choices with its more natural characteristics.

But what exactly is BC-grade plywood? This article delves into the specifics of BC-grade plywood, its applications, benefits of the right plywood grade, and considerations when using it in your projects.

Different Plywood Grades

There are four main different grades of softwood (construction) plywood veneers to consider: A, B, C, and D, with A being the highest grade and D the lowest. Occasionally, you might encounter a fifth grade known as "C-plugged."

Each sheet will be labelled with two grades, such as AC. The first letter represents the grade of the face veneer, and the second letter represents the grade of the back veneer. Some marine plywood may have a third letter, X, indicating that they are suitable for exterior use. Here is a guide to the grades of plywood, from highest to lowest quality:

Plywood Grade Guide

"A" Grade: These sheets are manufactured to have a high quality finish, are sanded smooth and suitable to be painted. While some manufacturer repairs are acceptable, you should be able to find A-grade plywood that is free of repairs and knots.

"B" Grade: This veneer quality grade features a solid surface with some repairs, typically in the form of football-shaped patches or wood filler. It may have tight knots (without missing chunks of wood) up to 1 inch and some minor splits.

"C" Grade: Plywood in this grade can have tight knots up to 1-1/2 inches and knotholes up to 1 inch, along with some splits and timber discoloration.

"D" Grade: This grade allows knots and knotholes up to 2-1/2 inches, some splits, and generally no repairs.

Highest Quality - BC Grade Plywood

BC grade plywood is a type of structural plywood graded based on the quality of the plywood surfaces.

The 'B' represents the face grade, while the 'C' represents the back grade veneer faces. The face grade is typically of higher quality, with fewer knots and defects, making it suitable for visible structural applications. The back grade, on the other hand, may have more knots and defects, but these are usually filled and sanded smooth.

BC grade plywood is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, or 'plies' with bond glue. The plies are arranged with their grain directions alternating, enhancing the plywood's strength and stability. This construction method makes BC-grade plywood versatile and durable for various applications.

Applications of BC Grade Plywood

Construction Projects

BC-grade plywood is widely used in construction projects due to its strength and durability. It can be used for wall sheathing, roofing, cladding, joinery and subflooring. Its smooth surface also makes it a good choice for projects where the plywood will be visible, such as in interior walls and ceilings.

Furthermore, BC-grade marine plywood is often used to construct outdoor structures such as sheds, decks, and patios. Its resistance to warping and cracking makes it ideal for these applications where the plywood will be exposed to the elements.

Furniture and Cabinetry

Another common application of BC-grade structural plywood is in manufacturing furniture and cabinetry. The smooth and attractive surface of the 'B' grade face makes it suitable for visible parts of furniture and cabinets. While not as visually appealing, the 'C' grade back provides a stable and durable backing.

BC-grade structural plywood is also used to construct drawers, shelves, and other furniture and cabinet interior components. Its strength and stability make it a reliable choice for these applications.

Benefits of Using BC Grade Plywood

There are several benefits to using BC-grade plywood in your projects. One of the main advantages is its strength and stability. The alternating grain direction of the plies makes BC-grade plywood resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting. This makes it a durable choice for many general purposes and both indoor and outdoor applications.

Another benefit of BC-grade plywood is its smooth and attractive surface. The 'B' grade face is typically free of knots and defects, making it suitable for visible applications. This means you can use BC-grade plywood for projects where aesthetics are essential, without additional finishing or veneers.

Considerations When Using BC Grade Plywood

While BC-grade plywood offers many benefits, there are also some considerations when using it. One of these is the potential for the plywood to delaminate if exposed to excessive moisture. Therefore, it's important to ensure that BC-grade plywood used in outdoor applications is properly sealed and maintained.

Another consideration is the cost. BC structural plywood is typically more expensive than lower grade plywood due to the higher quality of the 'B' grade face. However, the improved aesthetics and durability of a BC-grade plywood sheet can justify the additional cost.

BC Grade Plywood and Western Australian Law

When using BC-grade plywood in construction projects in Western Australia, it's important to comply with the relevant building codes and standards. These regulations ensure that the construction is safe and durable. BC grade plywood used in construction should be certified to Australian Standard AS/NZS 2269 for structural plywood.

Furthermore, if the BC-grade plywood is used in a commercial setting, it may need to comply with additional fire safety and health regulations. It's always recommended to consult with a building professional or local council to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

BC grade plywood is a high quality face grade and durable material that is suitable for a wide range of exterior applications. However, it's important to consider the potential for delamination and the cost when choosing high-quality face grade for your project. Ensure that the structural plywood complies with the relevant Australian standards and regulations for safe and durable construction.