FAQ

Plywood Questions
Why is there a little hole in the edge
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. Simply follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Is there formaldehyde in plywood?
Is it Title TSCA IV/CARB Phase 2 compliant?
While there is formaldehyde within the glue that binds
the veneers together, it reacts chemically with other
products which results in a safe and stable product.
This new product is used to manufacture the Title
TSCA IV/CARB Phase 2 compliant plywood we sell.
Why are people concerned about formaldehyde?
Because in the past, manufacturers were allowed to
use glue that contained unreacted formaldehyde.
Worse, the chemical reactions were reversible
when exposed to water. This old glue was high
formaldehyde-emitting and would often break down
enough to unglue the plywood layers. If plywood like
this is even made anymore, it’s inferior and not Title
TSCA IV/CARB Phase 2 compliant product.
It’s interesting to know, however, that trace amounts
of formaldehyde are incredibly common in thousands
of everyday household products. Examples include
dishwashing liquid, fabric softener, permanent press
fabrics, medicines, cosmetics, paints, lacquers/
finishes, paper products, insulation, and fertilizer. We
all come into safe contact with more formaldehyde
daily than the amount that’s emitted from newly
manufactured plywood.
How do I hide the plies around the edges
of my plywood?
The two most common ways to hide the plies around
the edges are with edge banding or screen molding.
Edge banding is fast, inexpensive, and easy. It’s also
flexible and great for covering curved edges.
Screen molding is a thin strip of wood made in widths
that match the most common thickness of plywood.
The screen molding is tacked along the plywood edge
using small finishing nails. This technique is best suited
for straight exposed edges.
Are plywood Project Panels good for
floors, cabinets, and interior walls?
Yes, these smaller panels are great for a variety of
build, repair, and create projects. These panels are
easier to transport and handle than a 4 x 8 sheet and
generate less waste.
When choosing plywood, underlayment, or OSB
for flooring, consider the size of your project. If it’s
important to have as few joints as possible, choose 4’x8’
sheets instead.
Will the climate affect my wood before
starting my project?
We attempt to minimize the expansion and
contraction caused by temperature and humidity
changes by kiln-drying our wood to stabilize it.
However, the climate in your home may still aect
its behavior. We recommend storing wood wherever
the conditions in your home are most consistent, then
acclimatizing it for a few days in the room it will be
used in before starting your project.