Specifying Hardwood Plywood

Hardwood plywood is an appearance-based product manufactured from a natural resource with unending variation. Therefore, every panel will be different (although it is this natural variation that provides each panel with its unique beauty!). That variation, however, can make it difficult for a specifier to get the panels they want. Is there a way for the specifier to communicate clearly to the manufacturer what it is that they want? Yes, there is. The answer is to use a published standard which defines the type and quantity of natural and other characteristics allowed in each grade.  The Voluntary Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood, maintained by HPVA, describes the appearance and performance characteristics of hardwood plywood.  The use of the Voluntary Standard, recognized by manufacturers, distributors, and end users, improves the communications process when placing orders.

The Standard outlines the nationally recognized specs for hardwood plywood and is an important tool to help both buyer and seller. Although the Standard is often thought of as only an appearance standard, it is actually much broader in scope.  In addition to the species grade tables that describe the allowable appearance characteristics in each grade, the Standard also governs the construction, core and back grades, glue bond performance, formaldehyde emissions, moisture content, dimensions, and finish of the panel.  A panel manufactured to the HP–1 Standard must meet or exceed the requirements for all of those critical performance indicators.  Therefore, specifying an HP–1 panel is the best way to ensure you get a quality panel.

The Voluntary Standard is the common denominator of understanding among manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and end users. You, as the customer, may specify on your purchase documents that the products ordered must meet specifications described in the published Voluntary Standard. Manufacturers, if they want your business, must then uphold your wishes. Copies of the Standard may be purchased through our secure publications store.

However, it pays to spend a little time thinking about what you want before you place an order. As the pressures on our hardwood resource continue to grow, it becomes increasingly important that we use that valuable resource as efficiently as possible.  By their very nature, veneered hardwood plywood panels make exceptional use of this resource, but it is still important to consider what kinds of panels we use.  The typical rotary hardwood log produces a large amount of B and C grade material but only a small percentage of AA grade material.  Customers that automatically request an A or AA panel (without consideration of other grades) simply because they perceive it to be “the best” may in fact be doing themselves a disservice.  When selecting panels for a job, take the time to determine whether or not a B or C grade panel might work for you.  By considering a lower grade panel, you may be getting a significant value on a panel that will work just as well, while at the same time helping to maintain and preserve our treasured hardwood resource.