If you are planning to build something, then plywood is always a good option to go with. That said, there are many different types of plywood out there to choose from, too many. As far as relatively high-end plywood goes, there are some choices to make. Today, we want to compare three specific types of such material.
These include ApplePly, EuroPly, and birch plywood. Let’s figure out what makes them different and which one is right for you.
ApplePly vs. EuroPly vs. Birch Plywood: What Are the Differences?
What we want to do right now is to cover all of the main differences between ApplePly, EuroPly, and birch plywood. They may be fairly similar in the grand scheme of things, but there are some notable differences nonetheless.
Basics
Let’s first take a look at the basic differences between them. To do this, let’s simply examine each type in some detail.
First we have ApplePly, which is a premium type of plywood. This was invented in the USA and is also made there. This type of plywood is made with various layers of alder and birch and can feature up to 10 different types of veneers, which may be soft or hardwood. This plywood ranges in dimensions from 24 to 96 inches long and 12 to 48 inches wide. This type of plywood also has a nice appearance.
We then have EuroPly. Although the name suggests it, it’s not made in Europe, but rather made by a company known as Columbia Forest Products. The core is made out of birch, and there are many different surface veneers that can be used. What stands out is that this plywood is made without formaldehyde. In terms of size, common sizes include 4×8, 2×8, 2×4, and 2×2 feet. This is a premium type of plywood that is both strong and beautiful.
We then have birch or Baltic birch plywood. As you can guess, this plywood does come from the Baltics, hence why it is sometimes called Russian birch. This is hardwood plywood with a birch core and birch veneers. This plywood is strong, beautiful, expensive, and it comes in many sizes too.
Availability and Manufacturers
One big difference is that birch plywood is readily available. It is made by many different manufacturers. However, both ApplePly and EuroPly are only made by single manufacturers. Therefore, ApplePly and EuroPly are both far more difficult to find than birch plywood.
Cores
Another major difference has to do with the core wood used for these types of plywood. For instance, ApplePly is made with both birch and alder cores (in combination). On the other hand, both EuroPly and birch plywood only use birch as the core.
Weight
The next difference has to do with weight. Generally speaking, ApplePly is the densest and heaviest of the three. A 1/2-inch panel of 4×8 feet Appleply is going to weigh around 60 pounds. The same size of birch plywood is going to weigh around 50 pounds. EuroPly is similar in weight to birch plywood.
Veneers
With birch plywood, the exterior is coated in birch veneer. However, for both ApplePly and EuroPly, these must be coated with veneers after purchase. That said, both can take on a very wide variety of veneers, both soft and hardwood.
Eco-Friendliness
One of the biggest differences is that birch plywood is typically made with formaldehyde. It’s not eco-friendly and it’s not really overly safe either. Both ApplePly and EuroPly on the other hand are not made with formaldehyde. This makes them both much safer and more eco-friendly than typical birch plywood.
Cost
Cost depends on the location you purchase these products from. However, due to limited availability, EuroPly and ApplePly tend to be more expensive.
When to Use These Types of Plywood
What is important to note here is that all three types of plywood discussed in this article are extremely similar. This means that they also have very similar, if not the same uses.
When to Use ApplePly?
ApplePly is primarily used for high-end furniture, cabinets, architectural interiors, and fixtures. It’s a good option for appearances due to many possible veneer choices.
When to Use EuroPly?
EuroPly is best used for high-end indoor and outdoor furniture, cabinetry, and basic interior architecture. It’s also ideal because you can choose various veneers.
When to Use Birch Plywood?
This type of plywood is also used for high-end cabinetry, furniture, pattern making, plywood underlayment, and other similar purposes.
As you can see, they are all very similar. It really all comes down to which one you like the look of the most, and which one is readily available in your area.
Alternatives to ApplePly, EuroPly, and Birch Plywood
Now that you know all about these three types of plywood, let’s take a quick look at some of the best alternatives to them:
- If you need it to be structurally sound, either indoor or outdoor structural plywood is called for.
- If you want something very visually appealing, softwood plywood like pine is a good option.
- If you need something that can resist water, even when submerged, marine-grade plywood is the way to go.
- If you need something that looks decent but doesn’t cost much, (and doesn’t need to be structurally sound), various other types of engineered wood such as MDF, HDF, and particle board are all good choices too.
Summary
As you can see, all three of these types of plywood are relatively high-end. They certainly look nice and have many possible uses.
We have done our best to illustrate the main differences between them, given that there is somewhat limited info to work with. Both ApplePly and EuroPly are somewhat rare, but if you can find them, they do make for great building materials.