While it may seem straightforward, there’s much more to selecting the most suitable material for your project than meets the eye. In your search for a better plywood, you have likely come across two of the best plywoods, Appleply and Baltic Birch. You may have wondered which of the two you should go with.
These two classes of plywood are known for their superior quality, beauty, and strength, but each offers unique characteristics and uses. Therefore, we have made it our duty to decipher their slight difference by equipping you with comprehensive knowledge about the two, enabling you to make an informed decision that best suits your woodworking needs.
What is ApplePly?
ApplePly is a premium-quality hardwood plywood known for its strength and smoothness. It is made using alder, a hardwood species known for its exceptional smoothness. ApplePly is a favorite choice among woodworking enthusiasts.
The panel thicknesses of ApplePly range from 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches; dimensions vary between 24′′ and 96′′ in length and between 12′′ to 48′′ in width.
The manufacturing process of ApplePly involves multiple layers of alder veneer being glued together under high pressure, with the grain direction alternating between each layer. This results in a superior strength-to-weight ratio and gives ApplePly its characteristic smooth, near-seamless appearance, which minimizes the visibility of the individual ply layers.
What is Baltic Birch Plywood?
Originating from the Northern regions of Europe, particularly Russia and the surrounding Baltic countries, Baltic Birch Plywood is a high-quality, multi-ply product well-known and widely used in woodworking crafts due to its incredible strength, stability, and attractive appearance.
Its creation process is remarkable. Each layer, or ply, of Baltic Birch Plywood consists of a single piece of birch veneer, typically between 1.4 to 2.0 mm thick. What is the result of this? A near-void-free core that offers you noteworthy strength and rigidity.
Moreover, Baltic Birch comes with a consistent thickness across its sheets, which makes for better dimensional stability—an attractive trait, especially for beginners like yourself venturing into woodworking.
The Common thickness usually ranges from 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches, while the most common panel size is 4×8 ft. However, It’s not unusual to see 5×5 ft if the product is imported from Europe.
Comparison: Appleply vs. baltic birch
To understand their inherent differences, let’s dive deeper into comparing these two plywoods.
Appearance and Grain
At first glance, ApplePly and Baltic Birch look similar, exuding a warm, natural aesthetic. However, observe closely, and you’ll notice distinct differences.
ApplePly is virtually void-free and is defined by its clean, tight grain. The clear layers at the edge are evenly laid, giving it a unique striped appearance when viewed from the side, making it perfect for projects where the edge will be visible.
On the other hand, Baltic Birch Plywood has more character with its visible patches and minor knots. The layers are closer together, yielding a more solid, uniform look at the edges. However, some may find its slightly rougher texture less appealing for specific projects.
Strength and Durability
You’ll want your pieces to last, and therein lies the importance of strength and durability.
ApplePly is known for its superior strength. Manufactured mainly from Alder and Birch woods, ApplePly offers a robust platform compared to standard plywood, making it resistant to warping and sagging under weight.
While Baltic Birch also boasts impressive strength, it provides a superior ability to resist damage resulting from screws and nails, thanks to its multiple layers of birch veneer. These layers likewise contribute to its sturdy structure and resistance to warping.
Cost Comparison
The prices of both types of plywood can vary greatly depending on the supplier, thickness, and dimensions of the chosen panels.
ApplePly tends to be slightly more expensive due to its high-quality materials and aesthetics. Baltic Birch, while also a well-crafted product, is generally more budget-friendly.
Each type of plywood brings a unique touch to woodworking projects. Assess their respective properties and consider how these align with your project needs. Weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks before making a decision.
Uses and Applications
ApplePly’s aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice for fine furniture and cabinetmaking. Many artisans use it for decorative features and highlights, such as exposed edges. It’s an excellent fit for laser cutting and engraving. It comes in larger sizes and is a go-to for wall paneling projects. You’ll also find it used for store fixtures, where its handsome face graces high-end spaces.
On the other hand, the strength and durability of Baltic Birch Plywood put it on top for applications demanding exceptional structural prowess. From construction to industrial manufacturing, it’s a trusty companion. Its uniform thickness makes it highly prized by woodworkers, both professionals and hobbyists. It is widely used for making drawer boxes, jigs, scroll saw art, and skateboards. Plus, it’s robust enough for musical instruments and speaker boxes, which require excellent stability.
Considering their high quality, these two types of plywood are only sometimes used as simple utility materials. Their unique properties give them value beyond raw strength, creating a pleasant look and feel that is highly appreciated in the woodworking community.
Sustainability
ApplePly has a strong claim to sustainability. This plywood is made with an adhesive free of urea-formaldehyde, a compound notorious for its harmful emissions. The manufacturing process is highly efficient, minimizing waste and ensuring that almost all log parts are used. Furthermore, ApplePly comes from managed forests, and strict guidelines are followed to ensure that the harvesting rate is not faster than the new growth rate.
On the other hand, Baltic Birch Plywood is also a remarkably sustainable choice. This plywood comes from the Baltic Sea region, mainly Russia, with abundant birch trees. The forestry regulations in these regions are stringent, promoting forest sustainability by promoting replanting exercises and prohibiting clear-cutting. Its production involves minimal use of unnecessary chemicals, resulting in a more natural, less toxic product and emitting lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In conclusion, ApplePly and Baltic Birch Plywood are excellent choices for environmentally conscious woodworkers. They both come from sustainable sources and are made using processes that reduce waste and minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment. Whether you choose ApplePly or Baltic Birch Plywood, you’re making a choice that’s good for your project and better for the planet.
Availability and Sourcing
Regarding the availability and sourcing of your desired plywood, it’s essential to consider some significant aspects. Both plywood types are readily available on the market, but your geographical location plays a considerable role in accessing them.
ApplePly is predominantly produced in North America, specifically the United States. Standard and custom sizes are available, with thickness varying from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″. Thanks to its homegrown status, you can find it quite readily within the US. However, for international buyers, accessibility can depend on the region. The network of distributors abroad isn’t as broad just yet, so sourcing ApplePly might be more challenging outside of US borders.
Shifting focus to Baltic Birch Plywood, as the name suggests, this wood is sourced primarily from the Baltic region, encompassing countries like Finland, Russia, and Estonia. Standard sheet sizes are 60″ x 60″, with thicknesses ranging from 1/8″ to 3/4″. Given its widespread use and international demand, this plywood type is typically readily available in various woodworking shops and home improvement centers, both in-store and online, irrespective of your location.
In conclusion, whether you lean towards ApplePly or Baltic Birch Plywood, sourcing them should be fine, given their availability. However, regional factors may impose some limitations. Always consider the proximity of the supplier and the logistics involved in transportation. The best plywood for you can meet your quality, cost, and access expectations.
Pros of ApplePly
- High-Quality Appearance: ApplePly boasts a clean, smooth surface with minimal voids, making it exceptionally aesthetically pleasing. This makes it an ideal choice for projects with visible natural wood grain.
- Superior Strength: ApplePly is renowned for its superior strength. Its design, which includes multiple layers of hardwood, makes it robust and capable of withstanding significant weights.
- Easy to Work With Despite its strength, ApplePly plywood is relatively easy to work with. It cuts cleanly with minimal splintering, making it a favorite among woodworkers.
- Versatility: ApplePly’s pleasing appearance and high strength make it flexible for various applications. It is often used in furniture, cabinetry, shelving, and even in constructing architectural models.
Cons of ApplePly
- Cost: One of the frequently mentioned shortcomings of ApplePly is its cost. Its premium quality and superior features come with a relatively high price tag, potentially rendering it less suitable for those on a tighter budget.
- Availability: ApplePly may not be as readily available as other types of plywood, especially in certain regions. This can result in longer lead times for starting your project.
- Weight: Although its weight contributes to its sturdiness and durability, ApplePly can be heavy. This may pose challenges for handling and transportation.
Pros of Baltic Birch Plywood
- Durability: The high number of plies (typically 13 or more) in Baltic Birch provides excellent strength and rigidity. This type of plywood is less likely to warp or twist than others.
- Uniformity: Baltic birch has a smooth and uniform surface, making it easy to paint or varnish. Its fine grain also allows for precise detailing in woodworking projects.
- Versatility: Baltic birch is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, including cabinets, furniture, and flooring.
- Moisture Resistance: The structure of Baltic birch plywood provides good resistance against moisture, reducing the risk of rot and decay.
Cons of Baltic Birch Plywood
- Price: High-quality Baltic birch plywood comes with a higher price tag when compared to other types of plywood due to the high density of layers and the quality of the wood.
- Availability: Baltic birch may not be as widely available as different types of plywood, which can also impact the price.
- Weight: Its great strength comes with a greater weight, making it not the best choice for projects where weight is a major consideration.
How to Choose the Right Plywood for Your Project
A few tips to ponder when deciding between ApplePly and Baltic Birch Plywood
Consider the Nature of Your Project
The type of project is a significant factor when deciding the type of plywood to use. If you plan on crafting high-end furniture or precision-focused woodworking projects, go for ApplePly due to its impressive aesthetics and stellar finishing qualities. Conversely, suppose strength and durability dominate your project, such as in heavy-duty shelving or sturdy furniture. In that case, you might opt for the robustness of Baltic Birch Plywood.
Your Budget
Baltic Birch Plywood is known to be more economical than ApplePly, so if you’re on a tight budget or your project doesn’t require premium aesthetics, it could be the better choice. However, if cost isn’t an issue, or the beauty of the end product is a primary concern, then certainly consider investing in ApplePly.
Think about Sustainability
Wood products’ sustainability should always play a role in your decision to be an eco-responsible woodworker. ApplePly and Baltic Birch come from managed forests, with ApplePly bearing certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Be sure to check out the sustainability credentials of your selected plywood.
Analyze Availability
Consider the ease of sourcing your chosen plywood. While Baltic Birch Plywood is widely available and easy to find, ApplePly may be a bit more challenging to source, especially in certain regions. Ensure your choice is readily available or shipped to your area at a reasonable cost.
Ultimately, the right choice refers to your specific project needs, budgetary constraints, and personal preferences. Remember, ApplePly and Baltic Birch Plywood are great options, each with unique strengths and potential limitations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ApplePly and Baltic Birch Plywood have strengths and weaknesses. They cater to different woodworking needs and preferences. ApplePly is an excellent choice for visually stunning projects due to its high aesthetic value and seamless edge. At the same time, Baltic Birch Plywood shines in strength and affordability, making it suitable for heavy-duty woodworking.
Remember, your decision should hinge on the nature of your project, your budget, your availability, and sustainability.