CDX Plywood: Everything You Need to Know - Today's Homeowner

How Is CDX Plywood Made?

CDX plywood can tell you a lot about how it is made simply in its name. The ‘CDX’ is actually a combination of ratings that provide information as to the quality and construction of the plywood.

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The ‘X’ in CDX plywood refers to the way in which the different layers of plywood veneers are glued together. Depending on the quality of glue used, the plywood will be more or less susceptible to damage due to exposure. When it comes to CDX plywood, the ‘X’ signifies exposure, which means that while CDX plywood is slightly water-resistant, it is not waterproof, and therefore the CDX plywood can only withstand a limited amount of moisture over a short period of time before showing signs of degradation.

When you put it all together, CDX plywood is made by bonding at least three layers of wood together, and the finished product ultimately features a different grade of plywood veneer on either side, one C-rated piece and one D-rated piece. Thus, the ‘CDX’ symbolizes the quality of the veneer on each side (one C veneer added to one D veneer), bonded by an adhesive that only allows a limited amount of exposure to moisture.

During the CDX plywood adhesive process, manufacturers carefully position the wood grain elements of the plywood so that they are aligned in a way that reduces shrinkage. Sometimes, a lower quality wood is used for interior layers, reserving the better layers for the outside. Nonetheless, CDX plywood ranks as a convenient and affordable sheet of wood composed of several layers. When you think about it, this single piece of CDX plywood actually has a lot of elements to consider!

What Is CDX Plywood Used For?

While the classification of CDX plywood may seem like it is not a very durable option, CDX plywood is actually a perfectly suitable choice for a lot of home building projects, both inside and outside of the home!

Outside of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood as an integral part of building exterior walls and roofs during the construction process. Granted, CDX plywood is never used as the final exterior layer, because of its lack of durability. Instead, it is typically used as added support underneath shingles, beneath roofing felt, and behind insulation and siding.

How Long Can CDX Plywood Be Exposed?

Homeowners considering using CDX plywood for their next project should recognize that, by no means is CDX plywood fit for extensive exposure to the elements, because it is not weatherproof. Rain and snow can serve as a serious threat to the integrity of a structure made with CDX plywood. With that said, CDX plywood is capable of withstanding limited exposure to moisture – including rain and snow.

However, if a building project drags on and the CDX plywood experiences repeated assaults of rain and snow, say over the course of the winter, then this can pose a severe problem for the building project.

In general, CDX plywood should not be left as the first line of defense against heavy moisture on the exterior part of a building, especially over an extended period of time. However, when used on the interior, such as in a bathroom, laundry area, or another room that experiences frequent humidity, the composition of CDX plywood should be able to hold up reliably.

What Is CDX Treated Plywood?

Plywood in general – and especially CDX plywood – is known for being susceptible to damage from everyday elements. That is why manufacturers have come up with a solution that reinforces the integrity of CDX plywood to make it a better fit for holding up against rain, snow, humidity, and mold. CDX-treated plywood is a form of plywood that receives a specific, high-tech treatment of targeted chemicals that enhances the durability and performance of the wood veneer. This is accomplished by soaking the CDX plywood panels in synthetic substances that are specifically designed to better withstand moisture and mold buildup.

Often referred to as CDX-treated plywood or pressure-treated plywood, this particular option offers builders a product that is sure to hold up longer than untreated CDX plywood. This matters because increased durability extends the life of CDX plywood, which means that homeowners will have to deal with less maintenance, like repainting or replacing CDX plywood panels. As most homeowners know, continually repainting, staining, or replacing segments of full sheets of CDX plywood panels can be a pain. Anything that can prolong the performance and longevity of a product is a big plus when it comes to home ownership and maintenance, so CDX plywood that has been treated with extra protective qualities is a popular choice.

CDX Plywood Vs. OSB

If you are new to working with plywood, it is easy to get some of the options mixed up. For example, many first-time homeowners confuse CDX plywood with OSB plywood. But the truth is that, even though both OSB and CDX plywood are commonly used in a single home construction site, there is a big difference between these two plywood types!

OSB which stands for oriented strand board, is composed of wood chips bonded together with resin and glue.

Because of these differences, OSB is generally the better choice for exterior roofing projects and shingle foundations. In addition to being more affordable, the ability to withstand higher levels of moisture is such a significant benefit to the OSB board.

CDX Plywood Sizes, Thickness, & Availability

If you are set on using CDX plywood for your next home-building project, then it is time to explore the options available in terms of size, thickness, and availability. The good news is that CDX plywood is available at most home and garden stores, since it is a common material used for home DIY and construction projects. CDX plywood sizes are typically available in sizes 3, 5, 7, and 9, and there are a variety of thicknesses available, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch thickness. In addition, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 thicknesses are usually available at most stores, too. When considering CDX plywood thicknesses, remember that these are nominal sizes, and you should account for a deduction of about 1/32 inches after sanding, which most projects will require.

Determining If It’s Right for You

As you can see, CDX plywood offers a lot of pros and cons. Be sure to consider the specific needs of your project to determine if CDX plywood is fit for the task at hand. Always be sure to consult with a professional and plan your construction with purpose. CDX plywood is an excellent resource for homeowners and contractors who are looking for an affordable, durable sheathing solution.

Choosing the right grade of plywood is essential for ensuring the success and durability of your project. With various grades available, each suited for different applications, understanding their distinctions can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the different grades of plywood and their best uses.

Grades of Plywood: Softwood

Plywood is an engineered wood that is a staple in many home building projects because of its strength and low cost. Understanding the different grades of plywood is critical to choosing the best material for the task.

In the case of softwood plywood, each veneer contains two grades, one for the “face” veneer and the other for the “back” veneer. There are four grades of veneer: A, B, C, and D.

A-Grade Plywood

A-grade plywood is the highest quality. While it will cost more, the time savings can be worth it for projects that will be visible to the eye. This type of plywood is smooth and easy to paint.

B-Grade Plywood

B-grade plywood usually has minor flaws that may require small repairs. It is slightly less smooth.

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C-Grade Plywood

C-grade plywood has more visible flaws and knots up to 1.5 inches in diameter.

D-Grade Plywood

D-grade plywood can have large flaws and knots up to 2.5 inches in diameter. This is typically the cheapest grade of plywood veneer.

The first letter refers to the grade of the face of the plywood, and the second letter refers to the back. Therefore, “AB” plywood would have an A-grade face veneer and a B-grade back sheet.

Grades of Plywood: Hardwood

The grading system for hardwood plywood is a little different. Like softwood, the face veneer is represented by letters, and A is the highest quality and D is the lowest quality. However, there is a different standard for backs: 1 is the best and 4 is the worst.

A1 Hardwood Plywood

A1 hardwood plywood represents the top quality plywood, and D4 the lowest quality (but most cost-effective) plywood.

Difference Between Construction and Project Plywood

Construction Plywood

Construction plywood is a common material for building garages and roofing houses, and it’s also used for household projects like building cabinets. Here are some labels that differentiate the two:

CDX

CDX-grade plywood is an inexpensive plywood material, which is made of the two lowest grades, C and D. The X signifies that this material can withstand some exposure to moisture. CDX is oftentimes used for creating work tables and storage units.

Sanded Pine

Sanded pine is a versatile plywood material. It has a clean and smooth surface, and it holds nails and screws well. This type of plywood is commonly used to build cabinets and boxes.

Baltic Birch

Another versatile plywood material is Baltic birch. This is a more expensive option, as it has clean edges and has a nice finish.

Plywood for Indoor Uses

Sanded Plywood

If you’re looking for a quality plywood material that can be used indoors, pine veneer is a good option. This material could be labeled Sanded Pine BC or Sandeply. It’s an inexpensive material that used for projects like building cabinets or shop furniture.

Oriented Strand Board

Also known as wafer board, Oriented strand board has a flakey look, as it’s made from wood chips. This type of plywood sheet has a patchwork design with a variance of shapes, sizes, and colors of wood chips glued together.

Plywood for Outdoor Uses

Although some grades of plywood can withstand snow, rain, and other outdoor elements, there’s no guarantee that plywood can hold up for a certain amount of time. This will depend on moisture, heat, and other outdoor factors.

Pressure-Treated Plywood

If you’re looking for a plywood that’s made to reject mold and mildew, pressure-treated plywood has been saturated with chemicals to keep it safe. This material could last for years without paint or any type of protective coating.

CDX Sheathing

This type of plywood material is made from the two lowest grades of plywood, C and D. It’s an inexpensive material, and it shouldn’t be left uncovered. It’s typically covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, storage bins, or garages.

At Forest Plywood, we have a large selection of plywood options so you can find the right plywood grade for your next project.

Which Grade Of Plywood Is Right For My Project?

That depends on your project. If both sides of the plywood will be visible, A1, A2, B1, or B2 are acceptable choices. If the back will not show, A4 or B4 will be a suitable alternative.

If you are planning on a clear finish, A1 or A2 is likely the best choice. If the plywood will be painted, grades B and lower are suitable for faces, and 3 or lower are suitable for backs.

Planning to use plywood for an outdoor project such as a deck, roofing material, or shed? You will want to make sure the material is resistant to moisture. If the plywood has an X at the end, this means it can withstand some exposure to moisture.

Marine grade plywood is available for structures such as cisterns and boat hulls that will have prolonged exposure to water.

Choosing the Right Plywood Grade for Your Project

Although this grading system can be a useful guide when balancing cost and quality, it is always a good idea to examine plywood products in person to be sure the grain pattern, flatness, and edges meet your project requirements. If you’re not sure what grade is right for your needs, contact Forest Plywood. Our expert team will help you choose the best product for your next project.

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