Good Plywood???

[Russianwolf]

Okay, we all know what kind of plywood most of the Borgs offer (5 ply vaneer core with a ultrathin face vaneer). I want something better than that for some projects I have in mind.

I have one source for 5x5 BB ply. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a seven ply construction, right?

Is there anything better than BB? and if so, where does one find it?

Any other Finish grade Plywood info is also welcome.

[Tom Miller]

I have one source for 5x5 BB ply. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a seven ply construction, right?

5x5 BB will be 13 ply for 3/4" (actually 18mm). 9 ply for 1/2" (12mm), 5 ply for 1/4" (6mm)....

Regards,
Tom

[JimD]

The key thing about BB that is unusual is that the interior plys are the same species as the exterior. "Normal" birch plywood has either poplar or softwood inner plys (I much prefer poplar). "Oak" plywood at the big box stores also has poplar or softwood inner plies. BB has birch on the inside and outside. Very few voids. I use it for drawers like solid wood (i.e. I dovetail it).

If you do some searching you may also find bb in 4x8 sheets. I haven't seen it but others have reported finding it. I buy the 5x5 sheets for not much more than a 4x8 of the "cheap" stuff.

Jim

[Russianwolf]

Has anyone heard of a source for BB-like plywood with different surface vaneers (ie Maple, or Cherry)? Or do I have to make my own?

A table I just put together for my office is Maple ply with 13 layers. I would love to find a source for this. And most importantly, the surface vaneers are decent thickness.

[mschrank]

After finally making my first trip to a "real" lumber yard about a year ago (one that has more than dimensional doug-fir and construction grade plywood), I can tell you that pretty much anything is available (at a price ). You might need to do a bit of searching your area, but there's got to be a place to find what you are looking for.

Out here I have Crosscut Hardwoods...they had ply in maple, walnut, cherry, Jatoba, oak...you name it. Ask some other woodworkers or traditional lumber yards in your area where to get the "good stuff"

[cabinetman]

The big box stores do not sell quality hardwood veneer plywood. In your area look in the yellow pages under different headings, such as "plywood", "hardwood", "veneers", or just check a good lumber yard. You might also call some local cabinet shops and ask where to buy, maybe they will offer to order for you (for a small fee). If you do get it through the trade, you will pay a lot less. A good supplier should carry a wide selection, and the quality will be much better. Those type of suppliers are usually the only way to buy bookmatched/sequenced sheets, if you need them that way. They also refer to that labeling as "numbered" sheets.

[siliconbauhaus]

I'd come across this place while surfing. I havent gone down there yet but it's not too far from you mate.

http://www.hardwoodsincorporated.com/plywood.htm

[Russianwolf]

Cabinetman, So are you saying that I shouldn't let what I see at Borg color what I expect to find at a good lumber dealer?

I know a couple places that sell all types of ply, but I'm concerned that it won't be as high quality as I would like (similar to BB). I really like the look/quality of the 13 ply Maple on this table. I don't mind paying the same price for 25 foot (BB is $55 per 5x5) that I would for 32 (Birch is $55 for 4x8) of the regular stuff, if the quality is there. Of coarse the most expensive price Borg has is $40 for Birch ply so I'm hoping the regular birch at the lumber dealer is way better.

Patrick, Yeah, I've contacted them a couple times for prices. I've never been too impressed. If you can make a lumber run during the week, I can give you a place that's close to me, Kearneysville, that has nice prices. Only problem is they are only open weekdays. I'll have to find their name/number again, I just know how to get there (the wood calls me).

[cabinetman]

Cabinetman, So are you saying that I shouldn't let what I see at Borg color what I expect to find at a good lumber dealer?

What I'm suggesting is that the suppliers that a good cabinet shop buys from sells hardwood veneer plywood that is a better quality. The cores are more consistant, the face veneer is thicker, and it's usually square. If you get directed to a place through a cabinet shop that buys from a top level wholesaler, take a small piece of the BORG stuff with you and see the difference.

[Curly Qsawn]

You might want to try Allied Plywood, 6100 Farrington Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22304, Phone (703) 256-5800. I think they supply a lot of the local businesses. I just can never get there when they are open. Baltimore or Pittsburg may have similar suppliers if that is closer.

[Greg in Maryland]

I'd come across this place while surfing. I havent gone down there yet but it's not too far from you mate.

http://www.hardwoodsincorporated.com/plywood.htm

I've been to Hardwoods a few times and they have a nice selection and layout of both plywood and rough cut lumber. I picked up some maple and oak and have been pleased with it. They have plenty of room to pull boards, look at them, have a reject, maybe and keep stack. I went during the week, so I don't know how busy they get on the weekend.

I don't have enough experience to be able to accurately compare prices so I can't help you there.

Greg

[Tom Slick]

is apple ply higher grade plywood?

[reddog552]

vaneer plywood

I have a good lumber supply ,near Ebensburg Pa."THE BARN' supplys contractors &homeoners with some of the best vaneer ply I have seen Oak cherry Maple. give them a call they will get what you want 814-472-9122 Tell them Dillon sent Ya

[Russianwolf]

I've been to Hardwoods a few times and they have a nice selection and layout of both plywood and rough cut lumber. I picked up some maple and oak and have been pleased with it. They have plenty of room to pull boards, look at them, have a reject, maybe and keep stack. I went during the week, so I don't know how busy they get on the weekend.

I don't have enough experience to be able to accurately compare prices so I can't help you there.

Greg

4/4 Padauk is $6.20 and 8/4 is 6.75

A place in Vienna has it for $6.20 and $6.45 (I'm likely to have other things to do near Vienna)
And the place in Kearneysville is in the $4 range for both. (I just have to take a day off)