FAQ

ManualsBrandsHandprint ManualsLumber & Composites¼ in. x 18 in. Birch Circle

What is Plywood?

Plywood is a sheet or panel made by gluing

multiple, thin layers of wood together in a very

tight stack.

What’s a veneer?

Veneer is another word for ply, as in, the plies

used to make plywood. Every piece of plywood

has three kinds of veneers: face, back, and core.

The face and back veneers are the outermost

layers, made from whatever kind of wood is in the

name. Our plywood’s inner plies (core veneers) are

made from a combination of dierent hardwood

and softwood species.

Plywood Panel

Face Veneer

Core Veneer

Back Veneer

The Basics

How thick are the two outer plies

(the face and back veneers)?

Industry-wide, face and back veneers average

approximately ⁄". Handprint birch plywood,

for example, has ⁄" face and back veneers.

PLYWOOD FAQ

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Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
PLYWOOD FAQs Searching for more? Visit handprintmade.com/FAQs The Basics What is Plywood? Plywood is a sheet or panel made by gluing multiple, thin layers of wood together in a very tight stack. Face Veneer Core Veneer Back Veneer Plywood Panel What’s a veneer? Veneer is another word for ply, as in, the plies used to make plywood. Every piece of plywood has three kinds of veneers: face, back, and core. The face and back veneers are the outermost layers, made from whatever kind of wood is in the name.
PAGE 2
The Basics How many plies are in each thickness of plywood? In general, the more plies, the stronger the panel. The number of plies will vary depending on the tree but typically, ¼” plywood has 3-5 plies, ½” has 5-7, and ¾” has 7-9. What are the inner plies (the core veneers) made of? The most common species used to make core veneers varies from region to region. In the western US and Canada, it’s typically fir or pine. In the east and central, it’s most often poplar.
PAGE 3
The Basics Why is there a little hole in the edge of my plywood? How do I hide the plies around the edges of my plywood? Voids are naturally occurring empty spots that can sometimes be found between the plies of any plywood. A void does not change the quality of strength of the plywood but may be visually unappealing for the project you had in mind. Wood putty (also called wood patching compound) can be used to fill voids in your plywood. It’s easy to use, is sandable, and paintable.
PAGE 4
Miscellaneous What’s the best hardware for mounting decor to different types of wall material? Paneling Wood is the easiest surface to mount decor to. Depending on the hardware on the back of your artwork, all you may need is a small nail or a standard wood screw or two. Or, you might want to use an ordinary metal picture hanger and a nail. Check the weight limit stated on the packaging, and use two hangers whenever needed or when in doubt.
PAGE 5
Protecting Your Projects What’s the difference between polyurethane and polycrylic? Both products protect projects. Applied to natural, painted, or stained wood, polyurethane and polycrylic both increase durability as well as moisture and heat resistance. They also both allow you to choose your desired sheen.
PAGE 6
Tool Choices What’s the difference between an electric screwdriver, a power drill, a drill driver, and an impact driver? How do you choose? Electric screwdriver Power drill A battery-operated tool used to fasten screws into surfaces using various bits (Phillips, straight, star, etc.) that fit into the various types of screwheads. While a power drill can also fasten screws, either a manual or an electric screwdriver offers more precision and better control over speed.