Plywood Grades

Plywood veneers for general purposes are graded from A grade being the top clear grade to D grade being the bottom or lowest. B grade is slightly lower than A. C grade has any knots, splits, etc filled and is then sanded. D grade can have open knots and splits and can be unsanded.

The face grade of plywood is always the first designated:

AA has two A grade faces
AD has an A grade face and a D grade back
S Selected grade, equals or betters B grade
BB has two B grade faces
CD has a C grade face and a D grade back
DD has two D grade faces

Grade Characteristics

A High quality face, suitable for clear finishing
B High quality surface suitable for painting
S High quality surface suitable for painting
C Non appearance grade with a solid face, not meant to look attractive
D Low appearance grade with permitted defects
PG Non-structural, for packing use, unsanded rough appearance