Choosing the wrong type of plywood can affect the longevity and durability of your DIY projects. Learning what types of plywood are commonly sold in the US can help you make sure you know what type of plywood you need before you buy.
This article will go over the 5 main types of plywood commonly sold in the US. We’ll compare and contrast softwood, hardwood, marine, exterior, and sanded plywood so you’ll have the tools you need to make an informed purchase.
1. Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is made from hardwood species like oak, maple, birch, or mahogany. It is known for its strength and toughness, and as such, it’s ideal for most furniture-making projects.
This type of plywood is more resistant to dents and scratches and is perfect for DIYers looking for a blend of durability and aesthetics. It can be used for general-purpose applications like roofing, flooring, and even custom interior design projects.
Apart from its superior strength and smoother finish, hardwood plywood is denser and long-lasting. Pieces made from hardwood plywood can withstand daily use while maintaining their polished, quality finish.
Hardwood plywood is harder to cut, sand, and shape than its softwood counterpart.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Great strength and load-bearing capacity | ✗ More expensive and heavier than other plywood types |
| ✓ Aesthetically appealing and premium finish | ✗ Difficult to use and repair. |
| ✓ Suitable for long-lasting furniture and cabinetry |
2. Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is made from softwood species like pine, spruce, and fir. Unlike hardwood options, softwood plywood is cheaper and lighter. It can be used for structural applications like roofing, flooring, and sheathing.
Softwood plywood usually comes in thick sheets and is highly durable. While not as strong as hardwood plywood, it is easy to work with and is a good choice for DIY projects where appearance is not the major concern.
Although it depends on factors like grade, ratings, and number of ply layers, softwood plywood can also be used for small or custom woodworking projects like shelves and tool sheds. This is because it’s easy to cut, sand, and shape.
However, Softwood is not the best option for an outdoor DIY project since it’s not weather or moisture-resistant.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Cost-effective and lightweight | ✗ Prone to moisture damage |
| ✓ Suitable for structural projects | ✗ May have knots and voids |
| ✓ Easy to work with | ✗ Less visually appealing. |
3. Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is made from strong waterproof adhesive and high-quality wood layers. It is known for its moisture-resistant capabilities, hence the name.
This plywood type is designed to resist rot and delamination in wet environments. It is perfect for projects involving boat making or outdoor furniture like decks, gazebos, and more.
Furthermore, marine plywood is usually Grade A. This means that it has a great finish and is free from knots and defects.
Note: Even though marine plywood can hold up in wet conditions, it’s not entirely waterproof.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Exceptional water resistance. | ✗ Relatively expensive. |
| ✓ High durability in humid environments. | |
| ✓ Less prone to bending, warping, and delaminating. |
4. Exterior Plywood
Exterior plywood is not as water-resistant as marine plywood, but since it’s made from water and weather-resistant glue, it still holds up quite well against the elements.
Staying true to its name, exterior plywood is usually used to finish the outer parts of outdoor structures. This means it’s ideal for exterior walls, sheds, and outdoor decks.
Although it is designed to withstand the weather, mold, and rot, you must paint or seal the plywood first. This enhances its ability to brace the elements and improves its longevity.
Note: While exterior plywood protects the internal structures, it is not as high-end as marine plywood and may not last long in moisture-heavy environments.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Durable and resistant to the elements | ✗ Requires sealing or painting for longevity. |
| ✓ Budget-friendly alternative to marine plywood, albeit not as moisture-resistant |
5. Sanded Plywood
Sanded plywood is a type of plywood that has been sanded down to create a smooth surface. It is a budget-friendly option for DIY projects where appearance matters, but you don’t want to use hardwood plywood.
This plywood type is usually used for visible surfaces like cabinets, workbenches, or tabletops. Due to the smoothness of one or both sides, sanded plywood comes ready for staining or painting, which saves time on extensive prep work.
If you’re looking for a balance between a nice finish and cost, then opt for sanded plywood. However, due to its softness, sanded plywood can dent easily.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Affordable and easy to work with. | ✗ Can dent easily |
| ✓ Great for projects where visibility matters |
Types of Plywood Based on Grade
Plywood grade refers to the quality of the plywood’s surface. It determines how smooth the surface of your finished project will appear. No matter what type of plywood you buy, it will have a grade based on its appearance.
The front grades A – D indicate the quality of the plywood’s visible face, with A being the best and D being the lowest quality. The back Grades 1 – 4, on the other hand, indicate the smoothness of the back of the plywood, with 1 being the best and 4 being the roughest.
The higher the grade, the more expensive the plywood usually is. But there are ways of getting plywood at a more affordable price. We cover these methods in our article about buying plywood as cheaply as possible.
Front Grade (A – D)
Grade A
- Most expensive and highest quality plywood.
- Has a smooth and sanded surface that is free of knots and defects.
- Best for projects where the grain will show. As such, it requires a flawless appearance.
- Applications include high-end cabinetry, interior paneling, and painting and staining projects.
Grade B
- High-quality plywood.
- Looks like grade A plywood but may have minor patches from repair and small, tight knots (usually about 1 inch or less).
- Best for projects where appearance is important but a few imperfections are acceptable—for example, shelving and general cabinetry.
Grade C
- Average quality plywood.
- Has noticeable splits and knots (up to 1.5 inches).
- Usually unsanded and preferred for its durability rather than its appearance.
- Best for projects where appearance is not as important as function. In structural work, for example.
Grade D
- Cheapest and lowest quality plywood.
- Has large knots (up to 2.5 inches) and a rough, unsanded surface with visible defects.
- Best for projects where appearance is not a concern at all —like hidden structural areas and subflooring.
Tip: For most DIY projects, grade A or B plywood is recommended for exposed surfaces, while grade C or D can be used for the structural components or the hidden parts of the project.
It’s also possible to have multiple grades on the same piece of plywood, like AB, BC, etc. This just means that a significant part of the sheet qualifies as the higher grade, with some sections scoring the lower grade.
Back Grade (1 – 4)
Grade 1
- Best quality and features smooth, sanded surfaces with few or no visible defects.
- Best for projects that require a good appearance on both sides.
Grade 2
- Good quality and well-sanded surface with few minor defects or repairs.
- Best for projects where one side will be visible, but small imperfections are acceptable.
Grade 3
- Fair quality and rougher surface with more knots, repairs, or defects.
- Best for Areas that will be covered, like the backs of cabinets or wall sheathing.
Grade 4
- Roughest quality with numerous large defects, knots, cracks, and repairs.
- Areas that will not be visible or exposed, such as roofing or subflooring.
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