what is acx plywood

What is the difference between CDX and ACX plywood?

What are the different plywood grades?

• “A” Grade. Sanded smooth, paintable.
• “B” Grade. Solid surface with some repairs, usually football-shaped patches and/or wood filler.
• “C” Grade. Tight knots to 1-1/2 in.
• “D” Grade. Knots and knotholes up to 2-1/2 in.

What is ACX and BCX plywood?

ACX vs. BCX plywood are normally very similar, but the BCX is typically just those sheets that couldn't quite make the cut for an A grade. Letters C and D indicate a much a lower quality veneer than those found in ACX and BCX plywood. Simply so, what does ACX stand for in plywood? ACX plywood is a type of plywood of a very high grade.

What is term ACX on ply wood?

What Is ACX Plywood?

• Plywood Manufacture. Plywood is made from very thin sheets of peeled wood grain known as veneers. ...
• Exterior Plywood. There are two main differences between interior and exterior solid wood plywood. ...
• Plywood Ratings. Plywood veneers are rated by appearance from AA to E. ...
• ACX Descriptions. ...

Is plywood cheaper than solid wood?

This means all joints have to allow the movement to cope with the expansion and contraction. After that its up to you. There are some practical concerns too; plywood is cheaper but not as strong as solid wood. Plywood is difficult to impossible to refinish whereas solid wood is relatively easy.

What is the difference between ACX plywood and CDX?

Since ACX plywood is a higher grade material than say CDX plywood, it is specifically used in cases that require good appearance or a smooth finish, along with durability. Because this plywood is more expensive than other grades of softwood plywood, it is only used where needed, not in all situations.Feb 20, 2014

Is ACX plywood structural?

Selex ACX Sanded Pine Plywood Panels are TECO certified for structural use and building code compliance and come from sustainable, certified forest plantations.

Can ACX plywood be used outdoors?

A good middle ground is ACX: less expensive than marine plywood but more attractive than CDX. Beside cost and look, each type of exterior plywood has a different thickness and weight, which will also affect the weight of the plywood and, therefore, the best ways to use it.Jul 16, 2021

What is the difference between ACX and BCX plywood?

ACX plywood is a variation on BCX. In many mills, BCX plywood is plywood that has been manufactured and then determined not to be good enough to be rated ACX. While both can be used in the same manner, the better face veneer of ACX plywood makes it ideal for visible exterior panels on a home.Nov 18, 2014

Is ACX plywood waterproof?

It can be made of hardwood of high density or mixed light hardwood. The layers are glued with waterproof glue. Often, the glue is the same high-quality waterproof glue as used in marine plywood. ACX plywood is intended for indoor or outdoor applications where resistance to weather and water is necessary.Mar 30, 2020

What is ACX plywood made of?

ACX is constructed of a very high grade plywood. It is not made from a species of wood or tree, but rather from veneers, which are layered together with each layer's grain perpendicular to the surrounding two layers.Jul 29, 2019

What plywood is water resistant?

BWP Grade Plywood This is “boiling waterproof" plywood, and it's also referred to as Marine plywood. It is completely waterproof. Being a hundred percent waterproof ply board, it is extremely versatile and durable in nature. Anytime that your mind can imagine can be built using BWR grade plywood.

Can pressure treated plywood get wet?

Pressure treatment with chemical compounds does not waterproof the plywood. Continuous exposure to water will leach the preservative chemicals from the wood. Often made with soft wood to enable the penetration of the chemicals. Softer woods will also allow for the penetration of water.

Is ACX plywood fire rated?

AC Grade Plywood can be used for interior and exterior applications and has great exposure durability with its moisture resistant qualities.

Can ACX plywood be used indoors?

Similar to other plywoods, ACX Plywood is environmentally friendly due to the fact that it is not made entirely of traditional wood. Plywood production in the United States also remains notably high as people continue to choose it for indoor or certain outdoor projects.Jul 9, 2020

Is BCX plywood exterior grade?

BCX Plywood for Exterior Building an outdoor project means that your wood will have to withstand the elements. The X at the end of BCX implies that it was formed using adhesives to withstand a little moisture.Nov 8, 2019

What are the 3 types of plywood?

Although specialty plywood can have any number of plies above three, most plywood is categorized as 3-ply, 5-ply or multi-ply. 3-ply is one of the most common types of plywood. It is about 2- to 3-millimeters thick and is generally used indoors, since it looks more decorative than thicker plywood boards.

What is the difference between ACX and CDX plywood?

ACX and CDX plywood are different in terms of their front face. ACX has a smoother grade, which is perfect for sanding and painting, among other things, to improve its appearance. In contrast, CDX has a rougher front and back, as designated by grades C and D. CDX is ideal for projects wherein the backside of the wood does not require a good appearance.

What is AA plywood?

AA is the highest designation for plywood. This means that both the front and rear portions have an A rating. They are smooth and have minimal or no flaws. This is against ACX, wherein the front is A grade, and the rear is a C grade.

What does A grade plywood mean?

One side of this plywood has an A grade, which means that it is smooth. It has almost no imperfections. Because of the texture of the surface, you can stain, varnish, or paint the plywood as you desire.

Can ACX plywood bend?

ACX plywood is not for projects that will require you to curve or bend the material. It has voids, which can cause the plywood to break. It is best only in applications that require flat wood.

Is ACX plywood good for outdoor use?

If you need plywood for outdoor applications or exterior projects, ACX is a great option. It is built to avoid water and moisture penetration, making it more durable despite exposure to such elements.

Is ACX plywood cheaper than hardwood?

While it is high-grade plywood, ACX is affordable. It is economical because it is softwood. This is a cheaper alternative compared to hardwood plywood. Even if it is cheap, this does not mean that it compromises quality.

Is ACX wood or hardwood?

Because ACX is softwood, it is not as dense as hardwood. This means that it uses less wood compared to its solid counterparts. It is a great way to conserve a finite resource.

What is ACX plywood?

ACX is a designation given to a traditional wood exterior plywood panel with one sanded face and one rough face. It can be used in a wide variety of outdoor projects.

What does the A in ACX mean?

The A in ACX represents the front face and indicates, as previously outlined, a veneer that is high quality with good grain. This side of the panel is designed for display, or installation facing out. The C in ACX represents the back face, which may be considerably rougher with visible seams, patches and voids. The X in ACX represents the exterior rating, which, as previously mentioned, indicates the use of exterior rated waterproof adhesives in the manufacture of the plywood.

What is plywood veneer grade?

Plywood veneers are rated by appearance from AA to E. Exterior plywood is not typically made with an AA veneer, which is a perfect, straight grain, solid sheet with no visible seams, patches or voids in its surface. Instead it is usually rated between A and C. A grade veneers are single sheets, with no voids and well-matched patches, so that the face can be stained if so desired. As the letters go up toward E, the quality goes down. A C grade veneer can be made from multiple sheets and may have small voids, visible seams and patches. It is sound, but not visually appealing.

What is the difference between interior and exterior plywood?

There are two main differences between interior and exterior solid wood plywood. The first is in the materials used. Interior plywood is made from a range of veneers, from very fine quality hardwoods to rough, patched pine or " whitewood." Exterior plywood is typically sound for finishing only on one face and is not made from softer grains or fine hardwoods in most cases. The second main difference is in the glue. Interior plywood is rugged and lasts well, unless subjected to extreme humidity or water, which causes delamination. Exterior plywood has a waterproof adhesive , which makes the seams between veneer impervious to water. The glue will last as long as the wood.

How are plywood layers layered?

It is layered together with each layer's grain perpendicular to the surrounding two layers. The outside layers always have vertical or lengthwise grain, and plywood panels always have an odd number of "plies.". The even-numbered layers run widthwise, or horizontally through the sheet.

Does plywood last longer than exterior plywood?

Interior plywood is rugged and lasts well, unless subjected to extreme humidity or water, which causes delamination. Exterior plywood has a waterproof adhesive, which makes the seams between veneer impervious to water. The glue will last as long as the wood.

What is ACX plywood?

ACX plywood is a high-grade plywood made not from a species of tree but from veneers, which are thin sheets of peeled wood grain. Veneers are typically stacked together with each layer’s grain perpendicular to the adjacent two layers. The ‘A’ in ACX plywood refers to the side of the wood that is considered the ‘front’ — and ...

What is the difference between ACX and C?

The ‘A’ in ACX plywood refers to the side of the wood that is considered the ‘front’ — and that can sometimes be sanded — while the ‘C’ designates the ‘back’ face. The ‘C’ side is usually not visible and is lower-grade (rougher) than the front side.

Where is Curtis Lumber located?

Founded in 1957, Curtis Lumber is an independently-owned and operated wholesale lumber distributor that specializes in both plywood and treated products and services lumber dealers throughout Virginia and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Is ACX plywood eco friendly?

ACX plywood also fits curved surfaces easily and smoothly. Like most plywoods, it is also eco-friendly because it uses less wood than solid wood products, so timber is conserved.

Is ACX plywood stronger than other types of wood?

ACX plywood is better than other types of wood primarily because it is extremely strong and durable. Here is what you need to know about it.

Is Douglas Fir plywood good for walls?

However, it is also generally great for rooms that are frequently exposed to moisture. ACX Douglas Fir Plywood, for example, is often used for projects that require both durability and a professional look, including wall building and flooring — especially because it is often more expensive than other types of plywood.

Does plywood split easily?

Thus, plywood can usually resist heavy blows and wear and tear. This type of plywood also does not split as easily as solid wood because of the cross-layered structure that makes it stronger and higher-grade.

What does an X on plywood mean?

If the plywood compound has an X at the end, it signifies that it is “exposure” plywood and can be exposed to a bit of moisture. The letters progress like grades in school — A is the highest grade, D is the lowest. A-grade plywood: A-grade plywood is the highest quality and is the most expensive, as most sheets will be free of flaws.

What is the most inexpensive plywood?

D-grade plywood: D-grade plywood sheets are the most inexpensive. They haven’t been repaired, and the flaws can be a little larger and more noticeable. This grade of plywood can feature knots up to 2.5 inches.

What is CDX sheathing?

CDX sheathing: This type of plywood material is made from the two lowest grades of plywood, C and D. It’s an inexpensive material, and it shouldn’t be left uncovered. It’s typically covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, storage bins, or garages.

What does the X on a CDX mean?

The X signifies that this material can withstand some exposure to moisture. CDX is oftentimes used for creating work tables and storage units. Sanded Pine: Sanded pine is a versatile plywood material. It has a clean and smooth surface, and it holds nails and screws well.

What type of plywood is used for cabinets?

This type of plywood is commonly used to build cabinets and boxes. Baltic Birch: Another versatile plywood material is Baltic birch. This is a more expensive option, as it has clean edges and has a nice finish.

What is B grade plywood?

B-grade plywood: Another option for an almost perfect sheet of plywood is B-grade. B-grade plywood has a mostly smooth surface and a solid foundation. Some repairs might have been made on this plywood, but B-grade would have only minor flaws.

What is a wafer board?

Oriented Strand Board: Also known as wafer board, Oriented strand board has a flakey look, as it’s made from wood chips. This type of plywood sheet has a patchwork design with a variance of shapes, sizes, and colors of wood chips glued together.