FAQ

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. And in the north and
northeast, it’s usually aspen.
Is Handprint birch plywood the same as
Baltic Birch plywood?
In short, no. Baltic Birch is a specialty plywood
originally created for cabinet makers. It’s plies are
thicker and all made from 100% birch. Birch plywood
has thinner plies which are dierent species- anything
from pine to poplar. We find Birch plywood oers the
same great look and benefits as Baltic Birch, but can
be more cost eective for a maker’s budget.
How can I tell how much plywood weighs?
There are many variables that factor into the weight
of any piece of plywood. You can find a specifications
section on almost every retailer’s website product
page that tells details like weight, dimensions, etc.
How much weight can each thickness
of plywood hold?
There are many variables that determine the weight
any piece of plywood can hold. And more important
is the type and location of the support. Here are
some basic guidelines and two examples we hope
are helpful:
• Plywood with fewer than 4 layers has the least
strength and should not be relied on to hold much
weight without support
• Plywood with 4-7 layers is moderately strong and
can be used (with the right support) for shelves,
cabinets, and most other home projects
• Plywood with more than 7 layers is the strongest
and can be used for heavy-duty projects
Examples:
• ½” 2’ x 4’ birch plywood - supported only at the
short ends – can hold about 30-40 lbs. evenly
spread across it
• ¾” 2’ x 2’ birch plywood – unsupported – can
hold 50-100 lbs. all on its own
Can Handprint plywood be bent?
Handprint doesn’t currently oer the kind of
plywood made for bending.