12mm Birch Plywood Sheets

We offer different types of plywood for various applications which we can cut to any size or shape on our CNC router for accuracy and repeatability. Whatever design you want, we can cut it – all you need to do is send us your CAD drawing or a sketch, and we can make it a reality for you. In addition to cutting any shape or curve into plywood sheets, our CNC router can be used for rebating, pocketing and hole cutting. There is also the option of laser cutting and CNC engraving for added customisation. 

If you’re looking for a great surface material for printing, birch plywood sheets offer professional and consistent results. Using state-of-the-art UV printers, we can print full sheets of plywood in one go, providing a consistent finish with a quick turnaround time. We currently only list 8x4 sheets (2440x1220mm) but we can purchase and cut sheets of up to 2000x3000mm, so call our team today to discuss your requirements. And with optional next day delivery, your products can be with you fast. For larger orders, we have our own transport service which operates throughout most of the UK. Got a bigger project taking place? Contact us to discuss bulk discounts and regular supply orders. 

12mm birch plywood is a durable material that is characterised by its excellent strength and rigidity. It performs well in applications where high strength is required, such as furniture and outdoor structures. Birch plywood has a smooth surface that’s ideal for staining and lacquering, but it’s equally as beautiful without -  to show off the clean, blemish-free wood. Birch plywood is made from birch veneers which are glued in layers to create a consistent and incredibly tough material that is also light and easy to machine. As it’s an aesthetically-pleasing material, it’s also well-suited to applications such as tables, cabinetry or signs. 18mm birch plywood is also a popular option, offering more rigidity than the 12mm.

12mm Birch Plywood Grades

Birch plywood is available in a variety of grades and we offer the grades listed below. For more information about the types available, please see our plywood grading guide.

The birch plywood that we offer comes in high BB/BB grade which is good for general use, furniture, painting, laminating, and veneering. Please note that BB/BB grade can have plugs on either side of the sheet, if you are clear finishing and require a plug free finish then please ask us about higher grades.

Advantages of 12 mm Birch Plywood

Birch plywood is typically chosen over other materials for its robust strength and stability, making it a great foundation for a host of structural applications. From frameworks for concrete to roofing and flooring, 12mm birch plywood is incredibly tough and won’t be subjected to warping and bending unlike thinner plywood sheeting. Birch plywood is free from knots and jagged edges, providing a much smoother finish that is safer and more aesthetically-appealing.

The process of making plywood creates a tough material that is reliable in construction industries as well as for applications around the home. Another benefit of using birch plywood is that it is more affordable than other types of wood, particularly those which provide the same level of finish. Because it’s more cost-effective, it can be used to great effect with more expensive hardwoods to cut costs and still benefit from a high-quality product.

Applications of 12mm Birch Plywood

12mm birch plywood  is a high-strength material that provides fantastic load-bearing properties and stability. It’s well-suited to applications that require structure such as shuttering, sheathing, packaging, roofing, walling and flooring. It’s a great material for construction projects as it’s lightweight and easy to machine but is also robust and reliable. This size of plywood can be used both for interior uses and in exterior applications, once treated with an appropriate sealant to protect the wood from moisture. Birch plywood can be engraved and laser-cut to different shapes and sizes, allowing for a great deal of creative freedom for applications such as signs or decorative furniture. We offer other types of plywood such as marine plywood, hardwood plywood and softwood plywood.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is birch plywood used for?

Traditionally birch plywood sheets lend themselves for use in decorative projects, furniture such as tables, chairs, or finished cabinets. As it’s an aesthetically pleasing material, birch plywood sheets are also well-suited to applications such as tables, shelving, cabinetry or signs.

Is Birch ply waterproof?

Birch plywood is unfortunately not waterproof as it is made from layers of birch veneers. For our best water-resistant sheet see our Marine Plywood sheets. 

Is birch plywood good for cabinets?

Birch plywood is perfect for cabinets as it is a very aesthetically pleasing material as well as great to manipulate into the desired shape or application.

What thickness is birch plywood?

We offer birch plywood in thicknesses 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm. For more information on how best to make use of your varying thicknesses see our Guides.

How do you finish birch plywood?

Birch plywood can be finished with lacquer or varnish. Birch plywood is also ideal for painting, staining or glueing.

Can you paint plywood?

You can paint plywood, but be sure to use primer, as plywood will absorb more paint than you would expect so the primer seals the plywood, and allows it to take to the paint more easily keeping your surface smooth and sealed.

Can you bend plywood?

It is possible to bend plywood. There are numerous ways of bending plywood, but if you are after a sheet that cannot be bent, look at our MDF sheeting.

What is plywood used for?

Plywood can be used for a wide range of versatile structural applications whether interior or exterior, from furniture to internal panelling.

How strong is plywood?

Plywood is relatively strong as it is numerous layers of wood pressed together. For a stronger piece of plywood, look for 5-ply or multi-ply sheets as these will have more layers, and thus more strength.

What are the types of plywood?

We sell a variety of types of plywood, including softwood, hardwood, marine, and birch, all of which have specific characteristics and will aid specific projects. For more information on the respected types, read their descriptions at the bottom of their product pages.

Can I cut plywood?

It is possible to cut plywood yourself, but we are able to do it for you if you request at the point of ordering. To do so yourself please follow safety procedures, and use a sharp saw else you risk the sheet breaking.

How is plywood made?

Plywood is made by glueing a series of thin veneered sheets of wood together. Each adjacent layer is rotated by up to 90 degrees to reduce the risk of splitting when nailed in at the edges. This technique, referred to as cross-grain, improves strength, stability and prevents warping, making it an excellent general-purpose construction panel.

How do you seal plywood edges?

Plywood should be sealed to prevent moisture from affecting the sheets and causing warping. The sealant you use will depend based on how you intend to use the plywood, but you should use something quick-drying and can withstand all temperatures, and be compatible with paint if you intend to paint your plywood.

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