18mm Birch Plywood Sheets

We offer several 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 smooth surface material for printing, birch plywood sheets offer great 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. With optional next day delivery, your products can be with you quickly too. For larger orders, we have our own transport service which operates throughout most of the UK. If you have an ongoing project taking place, contact us to discuss bulk discounts and regular supply orders. 

18mm birch plywood is a superior quality sheet material with a smooth surface and a precision finish, making it suitable for a host of uses such as display signs, furniture, cladding and fascias. It’s also extremely popular for engineered structures, as it’s less likely to splinter and crack like MDF board so it can be used for everything from playground equipment and toys to doors and sheds. Birch plywood is popular for its versatility and potential to be used both in and outdoors. This dense wood has a pale colour that looks great on its own, or it can be stained and lacquered to great effect. For a popular cheaper option, offering slightly less rigidity is our 12mm birch plywood or OSB boards.

18mm 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. BB/BB has a solid face but may include patches and other knots/imperfections and is described as the all-around workhorse for the trade.  

Advantages of 18mm Birch Plywood 

Birch plywood sheets are commonly chosen over other varieties of plywood for the aesthetic properties it holds. It has a rich sheen and a pale colour that provides an elegant and stylish finish to any application, whether it’s being used for cabinets, doors or tables. Another benefit of using 18mm birch plywood is that it is incredibly strong and provides great durability. Unlike thinner forms of plywood, this thickness won’t bend or warp, nor is it prone to splintering, so it provides a more reliable finish that is smooth and free from jagged edges. In addition to the look and strength of birch plywood, another benefit of this material is that it is affordable and won’t break the bank. A great option is to combine this wood with more expensive hardwoods for a mix of textures and finishes whilst keeping costs to a minimum.

Applications of 18mm Birch Plywood

18mm birch plywood can be used for a wide variety of projects and applications, but typically this thicker plywood is used for roofing, floors, walls, as frameworks for concrete work and or sheds. It can also be used for bath panelling, storage boxes and interior vehicle building to provide strength and structure without warping or bending. Plywood has a great surface for painting and staining, plus it’s easy to work with as it can be cut to size easily with a handsaw or an electric saw. The benefit of using birch plywood is that even at a thicker size such as this, it has a brilliant strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to manoeuvre. We also offer other plywood types 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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