Table 3-9.-Plywood Uses
SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD GRADES FOR EXTERIOR USES
| Grade (Exterior) | Face | Back | Inner Plies | Uses |
| A-A | A | A | C | Outdoor where appearance of both sides is important |
| A-B | A | B | C | Alternate for A-A where appearance of one side is less important |
| A-C | A | C | C | Siding, soffits, fences. Face is finish grade |
| B-C | B | C | C | For utility uses, such as farm buildings, some kinds of fences, etc. |
| C-C (Plugged) | C (Plugged) | C | C | Excellent base for tile and linoleum, backing for wall coverings |
| C-C | C | C | C | Unsanded, for backing and rough construction exposed to weather |
| B-B Concrete Forms | B | B | C | Concrete forms. Reuse until wood literally wears out |
| MDO | B | B or C | C or C-Plugged | Medium density overlay. Ideal base for paint; for siding, built-ins, signs, displays |
| HDO | A or B | A or B | C-Plugged | High density overlay. Hard surface; no paint needed. For concrete forms, cabinets, counter tops, tanks |
SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD GRADES FOR INTERIOR USES
| Grade (Interior) | Face | Back | Inner Plies | Uses |
| A-A | A | A | D | Cabinet doors, built-ins, furniture where both sides will show |
| A-B | A | B | D | Alternate of A-A. Face is finish grade, back is solid and smooth |
| A-D | A | D | D | Finish grade face for paneling, built-ins, backing |
| B-D | B | D | D | Utility grade. One paintable side. For backing, cabinet sides, etc |
| Standard | C | D | D | Sheathing and structural uses such as temporary enclosures, subfloor. Unsanded |