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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchOn hardwood plywood with different veneer grades on its two outer faces, the better-grade side is the face; the opposite, poorer-grade side is the back. If both sides are the same grade—or look nearly identical on a premium panel—inspect the sheet and choose the surface that best suits the finished project. This is an appearance choice for hardwood veneer plywood, not a rule for structural sheathing.
What “face” means on hardwood plywood
ANSI/HPVA HP-1 2024 defines the face veneer as “the exposed veneer of a plywood panel.” In panels whose outer veneers differ in grade, the face is generally the better-quality side and the back is the opposite, poorer side. The USITC explains this terminology in its 2025 report on hardwood and decorative plywood.
In the grading system described in that report, face grades run from AA, A, B, C, D to E, in descending order; back grades run from 1, 2, 3 to 4, also in descending order. These are appearance-grade designations for hardwood and decorative plywood, not structural sheathing ratings. If both sides are intended to be exposed, both are face veneers and are typically the same grade.
How to choose the show side when both look good
Premium hardwood plywood can have two sides that appear very similar. For that case, WOOD Magazine recommends judging the panel by color first, grain second, and veneer splices last. This is practical selection advice, not a formal grading requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- STRONG, DURABLE, HEAVY-DUTY – These craft wood pieces of multi-coated Baltic Birch plywood offer exceptional durability, rigidity, and stability for all your woodworking needs. The surfaces provide excellent holding power for glue and screws and the birch edges create cleaner joinery.
- BEAUTIFUL WOOD, BEAUTIFUL PROJECT- Baltics-grown birch plywood is prized by woodworkers everywhere. Manufactured using the latest methods in wood production, this hardwood from the snowy forests of the north is extremely durable and creep resistant. It has a beautiful lengthwise grain and takes stain well. TRUE SIZE: 11-7/8" x 7-7/8".
- CHOOSE LASER CUTTER WOOD – The layers of the Baltic Birch sheets of thick plywood are designed to smoothly glide through laser cutters and scroll saws, making it the ideal wood sheets for efficient woodcutting. Are you looking for wood for wood burning projects? Woodpeckers has the perfect wood boards for crafts.
- GRADE B/BB – Graded as B/BB, this hardwood has a single piece face and a back veneer. The face veneer has a smooth surface with a light uniform color while the back surface typically has 1-2 Small color-matched patches. The thick face veneer provides a smoother surface for CNC routers or engraving machines to glide on the birch wood.
- WOOD SHELF BOARD FOR DIY FURNITURE DESIGN – ½” thick wood planks create strong shelving & cabinetry. Use these wooden boards for classroom cubbies, cabinet making, or wooden shelves for walls. Custom closets and storage start with our pre-cut boards.
- Compare color. Choose the side whose tone works best with the other panels or components that will be visible together.
- Check the grain. Decide which face has a pattern and direction that suit the intended look of the cabinet, furniture part, or other finished surface.
- Look at the veneer splices. Compare the faint joints between veneer strips; if the other qualities are equivalent, fewer noticeable splices may make a side preferable.
- Inspect for visible imperfections. A small defect can outweigh the earlier comparisons if it will land in a prominent spot.
WOOD Magazine’s guidance focuses on premium AA, A, and A1 hardwood veneer plywood, where the two sides may initially look nearly alike. See its discussion of choosing the face side.
Do not apply decorative face rules to structural sheathing
Wood structural sheathing is a different product category from decorative hardwood plywood. APA says that, from a structural or durability standpoint, it makes no difference which side of a wood structural sheathing panel faces up or out. That does not determine which face to display on a hardwood veneer panel.
Rank #2
- 【Natural Texture of Walnut Plywood】Our walnut wood craft board have perfect walnut wood texture,These walnut wood sheet has a smooth and sturdy surface. Rigorous craftsmanship makes the unfinished wood sheets lightweight, straight and will no burrs.
- 【Appropriate Size and Quality】Pack of 5 walnut plywood sheeets suitable amount for DIY creation.Each piece of wood sheets is approximately 30 x 45cm/11.8 x 17.7 inch in size.The thickness of 1/8" (3mm) ensures the rigidity, durability, and stability of the wood sheets.
- 【Easy to Cut】Our walnut plywood sheet is easy to cut.It will help you to complete the creation easily.You can use laser cutting, laser engraving, knife to complete your design.
- 【Rich Creativity】The unfinished wood sheets have wide applications.The 1/8 thick wood sheets can be used at school projects,arts and crafts and DIY projects.It can use laser cutting, wood burning, painting and other methods to create holiday gifts.Such as military models, architectural models, Valentine's Day cards, Easter gifts, Christmas and Halloween decorations，etc.
- 【Warm Tips】Please store the plywood at a suitable temperature and humidity to prevent warping.Manual measurement, please allow for a positive and negative tolerance of 0.2mm.
For sheathing, follow any manufacturer marking such as “this side up.” Orientation can also matter for practical installation details: tongue-and-groove edges may be asymmetric, stamps may need to remain readable for inspection, or installers may turn stamps down to reduce the chance of ink showing through vinyl flooring. APA’s plywood guidance addresses structural sheathing; it does not establish a universal stamp or edge-marking convention for identifying the show face of hardwood plywood.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium Quality Materials: Made from premium quality Baltic Birch from Nordic regions, these unfinished plywood sheets are suitable for carving and woodblock printing applications
- B-BB Grade Veneer: One face features no splices or patches, providing a smooth surface for scroll sawing projects with excellent holding power for glue and screws
- Appealing Characteristics: Valued for its light color, uniform grain pattern, smooth texture, and durable construction that withstands various crafting applications
- Precise Dimensions: Measures 3mm 1/8" x 12" x 18" with a package of 6 flat sheets and size tolerance range of 0.19mm for consistent project results
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for arts and crafts, school projects, DIY projects, drawing, painting, wood burning, wood engraving, and CNC laser cutting projects
Rank #4
- STRONG, DURABLE, HEAVY-DUTY – These craft wood pieces of multi-coated Baltic Birch plywood offer exceptional durability, rigidity, and stability for all your woodworking needs. The surfaces provide excellent holding power for glue and screws and the birch edges create cleaner joinery.
- BEAUTIFUL WOOD, BEAUTIFUL PROJECT- Baltics-grown birch plywood is prized by woodworkers everywhere. Manufactured using the latest methods in wood production, this hardwood from the snowy forests of the north is extremely durable and creep resistant. It has a beautiful lengthwise grain and takes stain well. TRUE SIZE: 11-7/8" x 23-7/8".
- CHOOSE LASER CUTTER WOOD – The layers of the Baltic Birch sheets of thick plywood are designed to smoothly glide through laser cutters and scroll saws, making it the ideal thin wood sheets for efficient woodcutting. Are you looking for wood for wood burning projects? Woodpeckers has the perfect wood boards for crafts.
- GRADE B/BB – Graded as B/BB, this hardwood has a single piece face and a back veneer. The face veneer has a smooth surface with a light uniform color while the back surface typically has 1-2 Small color-matched patches. The thick face veneer provides a smoother surface for CNC routers or engraving machines to glide on the birch wood.
- SERVICE & SELECTION – We are dedicated to partnering with business owners, home crafters, and woodwork artisans. Our customer care agents are thoroughly familiar with our products, and we will be happy to assist you with any concerns and inquiries. Looking for plywood boards in different sizes? Visit the Woodpeckers storefront for a large selection of plywood squares in both 1/4" and 1/8" thickness.
Rank #3
- 【Natural Texture of Walnut Plywood】Our walnut wood craft board have perfect walnut wood texture,These walnut wood sheet has a smooth and sturdy surface. Rigorous craftsmanship makes the unfinished wood sheets lightweight, straight and will no burrs.
- 【Appropriate Size and Quality】Pack of 10 walnut plywood sheeets suitable amount for DIY creation.Each piece of wood sheets is approximately 30 x 30cm/11.8 x 11.8 inch in size.The thickness of 1/8" (3mm) ensures the rigidity, durability, and stability of the wood sheets.
- 【Easy to Cut】Our walnut plywood sheet is easy to cut.It will help you to complete the creation easily.You can use laser cutting, laser engraving, crimping, and even a knife to complete your design.
- 【Rich Creativity】The walnut wood have wide applications.The 1/8 thick wood sheets can be used at school projects,arts and crafts and DIY projects.It can use laser cutting, wood burning, painting and other methods to create holiday gifts.Such as military models, architectural models, Valentine's Day cards, Easter gifts, etc.
- 【Warm Tips】Please store the plywood at a suitable temperature and humidity to prevent warping.Manual measurement, please allow for a positive and negative tolerance of 0.2mm.
What to check before cutting
- Use the panel’s grade information to distinguish the face and back when the veneer grades differ.
- When the sides are similar, inspect the actual sheet and mark the chosen show face before laying out parts.
- Follow manufacturer markings where present; do not assume that a stamp or a particular edge universally identifies the show face.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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