Pre-Delivery/Install Checklist

Overlaid – This plywood’s overlaid face gives it a finished, decorative appearance with a
smooth, durable, scratch- and abrasion-resistant, coated surface. This keeps water and other
particles from sticking and damaging, resulting in a finished project that’s stronger and more
durable than one made from traditional plywood.
Structural (a.k.a. sheathing) – This inexpensive, C- or D-grade plywood is less aesthetically
appealing but manufactured with very strong adhesives that offer the strength necessary for
framing and building applications in areas that will ultimately be covered by weather-resistant
material. Use inside or out, but not recommended for exposed outdoor conditions.
Plywood Alternatives:
Composite Woods - Uses regular wood layers on the inside and layers that consist of fiberboard
covered with a layer of hardwood externally, smooth outside, easy to work with, strong core,
durable and unyielding frame for furniture and cabinetry, interior
MDF - Less expensive, stronger than particleboard, no knots or rings, no wood grain, won’t
handle a lot of stress, easy to cut and paint, no splinters when sawn, dense construction,
smooth finish, interior
Hardboard - Exceptionally durable, despite its thin frame, one side rough and the other
finished, doesn’t bend or warp, strong, can stand up to constant wear and tear for kitchen
countertops, furniture frames, subflooring, base of their laminate flooring, interior
Particleboard – Least expensive, no layered construction, much less durable, split and crack
easily, heavy, untreated, susceptible to swelling if it’s in an area with high moisture, should be
sealed to avoid warping and swelling, for inexpensive furniture pieces, interior
By Grade:
A-B:
 For anything that may be exposed to weather or needs excellent strength
 For projects that require a high-end finish, opt for higher grades. These should have
little to no knots and voids and should provide a nice, smooth finish for staining or
painting
C-D: For a covered, internal structural
CDX: Lowest class, often used in construction for foundations and roofing or as a base for other
materials, cannot stand prolonged exposure to water, must be covered by another material,
can be sanded easily, which will prepare it for a coat of primer and paint