Birch plywood is the premium choice of plywood in Australia. Cut from deciduous trees of the same name, they are mostly manufactured in Northern Europe, North Asia and North America. A hardwood, it is popular for its strength, durability and affordability. It’s also recognisable by its warm, light beige / honey colour and subtle, squiggly grain detail.

Although regular plywood sheets are made from multiple layers too, birch plywood has a cross-banded composition which gives it an edge. The two outer layers are called the face and back veneers, with the inside referred to as the core stock. It’s lighter and sturdier than regular ply and has a high resistance to water damage, cracking and warping.