Panel Grades:
Plywood panels for structural use are available in three grades, identified by a designation of the intended end use.
- Sheathing (Sheathing Span*) is intended for use as covering material for roofs, sub floors, and walls.
- Structural 1 Sheathing (Structural 1 Sheathing Span*) meets additional requirements for cross-panel strength and stiffness; it serves in panelized roof systems, diaphragms, and shear walls.
- Single Floor Panels (Floor Span*) are used as a combination subfloor and underlayment, under carpet and pad, meeting requirements that are more stringent than for sheathing grades.
Sizes and Availability:
Standard plywood panel thickness range from 3mm to 30mm. Standard dimensions are 2400mm by 1200mm. Some mills also produce specialty sizes. Panels 12mm thick or thicker are manufactured with a square edge or with a tongue and groove (T&G) edge. Most T&G panels are manufactured with a 1220mm net face width, although manufacturing practices vary.
Floor Span:
Designed for use as subfloor/underlayment. Provides concentrated and impact load resistance and smooth surface for application of pad and carpet. Available in square edge or T&G.
* Sheathing Span:
Appropriate for a range of construction and industrial applications, but specifically designed for wall and roof sheathing and subfloor.
Handling and Storage:
Like all building materials plywood panels should be stored and handled correctly to prevent damage and assure reliable performance. Edges and ends of all panels must be protected. Panels to be moved by forklift should be placed on pallets or bunks to avoid damage by fork tines. Panels to be transported on open truck beds should be covered for protection from weather exposure. Plywood panels should preferably be stored under a roof, with the top panel in the stack being weighed down to minimize warpage from humidity. If moisture absorption is expected, the steel banding on panel bundles should be cut to prevent edge damage.
| Typical Appearance |
Description |
Suggested End Uses |
 |
GRADE A:
High quality clear veneer with minor filled splits |
Textured exterior cladding
Interior wall and ceiling linings
Furniture and Joinery |
 |
GRADE B
Appearance grade with minor repairs. Suitable for high quality paint finishing. |
Furniture and Joinery
Concrete formwork
Primary Sheathing
Signs
Engineered Components |
 |
GRADE C
A solid sanded surface allowing filled holes and splits and small intergrown knots for a basic paint finish. |
Concrete formwork
Gussets
Roof decking
Flooring
Bins, Boxes, Crates
Sub-Sheathing
Stressed skin panels
Hoardings |
 |
GRADE D
Unfilled veneer allowing open holes to a maximum of 75mm diameter. Splits and solid knots also allowable. |
For structural applications where appearance is not a primary consideration.
Structural Components
Beams, Portals
Roofing
Bracing
Utility Buildings |
 |
GRADE PG
Non standard, non structural veneer with unrestricted holes, knots, splits and rough grain. |
Temporary Security Covers
Pallets
General Packaging
Fillets/Liners
Crates |
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