Veneer Grade
Veneer grade is the quality classification of individual wood plies in plywood, ranging from A (smooth, paintable, minimal defects) to D (interior use only, knotholes up to 2-1/2" permitted), as defined by PS 1-09.
In Detail
Veneer Grades in Plywood
Plywood panels are graded based on the quality of their face and back veneers. The grading system runs from A (best) to D (lowest), with each grade allowing progressively more defects:
- A Grade: Smooth, paintable. Neatly made repairs permitted, no open defects. Used for furniture and architectural panels.
- B Grade: Solid surface. Small circular repairs, tight knots up to 1", minor splits allowed. Used for underlayment and cabinet backs.
- C Plugged: Improved C grade. Synthetic repairs, limited small knotholes. Used for underlayment.
- C Grade: Minimum veneer for exterior use. Knotholes up to 1-1/2" permitted. The "C" in CDX plywood.
- D Grade: Interior use only. Knotholes up to 2-1/2", white pocket, stitching. The "D" in CDX plywood.
A plywood panel grade stamp shows both the face and back grades — "A-C" means an A-grade face with a C-grade back.
Related Terms
CDX Grade
CDX is a plywood grade designation meaning C-grade face veneer, D-grade back veneer, and Exposure 1 (X) adhesive — the most common structural plywood grade used in residential construction for roof sheathing, wall sheathing, and subflooring.
Exposure 1
Exposure 1 is a plywood adhesive classification indicating the panel uses waterproof glue that will not fail from moisture, but the panel is designed for temporary construction moisture exposure — not permanent outdoor use.
Related Materials
CDX Plywood
This is a test description for CDX plywood as we work on the technical backend of the website.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is a premium plywood panel manufactured with waterproof adhesive and void-free core veneers, designed for permanent or chronic moisture exposure in boat building, dock construction, and marine-adjacent structural applications.