Plywood is one of the most widely used sheet materials in construction, joinery, and DIY projects. However, not all plywood is the same. If you’re planning a project where strength, appearance, and long-term performance matter, hardwood plywood is often the better option. Understanding how it differs from standard plywood can help you choose the right material and avoid costly mistakes.
What is hardwood plywood?
Hardwood plywood is made by bonding together multiple thin layers of hardwood veneers, with each layer laid at right angles to the one below. This cross-layered construction gives plywood its strength and stability, reducing the risk of warping or splitting. The key difference is in the face veneers, which are typically made from durable timbers, giving a smoother and more consistent finish.
Standard plywood, by comparison, often uses softwood veneers or a mix of hardwood and softwood layers. While it’s perfectly suitable for many structural and general-purpose uses, it doesn’t always offer the same level of surface quality or strength as hardwood plywood.
How hardwood plywood differs from standard plywood
The main differences between these sheet materials come down to strength, appearance, and consistency.
Hardwood plywood is generally more suitable for external applications because it resists moisture better and degrades more slowly than softwood alternatives. Class 3 hardwood plywood is specifically manufactured for outdoor use and is bonded with WBP (Water and Boil Proof) adhesive, making it capable of withstanding damp and exposed conditions.
Hardwood plywood also sands to a smoother finish than softwood plywood. Softwood faces can “fur up” when finely sanded, whereas hardwood veneers remain cleaner and more consistent.
Because of these properties, Class 3 external-grade hardwood plywood is commonly used for soffits, fascias, and other exterior joinery where durability and a neat finish are important.
In terms of appearance, hardwood plywood is usually more visually appealing. The face veneer is smoother and more uniform, which makes it ideal for visible applications where the plywood will be painted, stained, or left exposed (unless it’s outside - in this case, we recommend you treat the wood).
Standard plywood is often used for roofing, flooring, hoardings, and other structural or temporary applications where appearance is less important. Choosing between the two usually comes down to whether the plywood will be seen and how much wear it needs to withstand.
Why hardwood plywood costs more - and when it’s worth it
Hardwood plywood typically costs more than standard plywood due to the quality of the raw materials and the manufacturing process. The hardwood veneers, tighter grading, and reduced defects all contribute to a higher price point.
That extra cost is usually worth it when the plywood is part of a finished feature, furniture piece, or long-term installation. Hardwood plywood lasts longer, performs better under load, and delivers a cleaner final result, which can save time and money in the long run by reducing waste and rework.
Choosing the right plywood for your project
If your project requires protection from weathering, a reliable finish, and long-term durability, hardwood plywood is often the best choice. For structural or hidden applications, standard plywood may be perfectly suitable.
By understanding the differences, you can select the right material with confidence.