What is Baltic Birch Plywood?

Baltic Birch Plywood - An Economical Choice.

Baltic Birch plywood or ‘Russian Birch’ as it is sometimes known is a low cost plywood sheet best known for its strong multi-ply construction and light colour.

It is normally manufactured in in 5’x5’ sheets but 8' x 4' sheets are also available. Thicknesses are available from 3mm to 18mm in increments of 3mm. Thickness varies slightly and does not equate directly to inches.

Each sheet is manufactured using multiple layers of ply veneer, the thicker the sheet the more layers are present unlike standard domestic plywood. For example, a 3mm ply consists of three layers of veneer plies whereas a 9mm ply sheet will contain 7 layers.

In general, it is mainly used for interior work (Type II Glue) but can be used outside when Type I glue is used. But layers will begin to separate over time and it is no substitute for Marine or Water Boil Proof ply. The furniture industry make good use of this product and examples of baltic birch plywood can be found in the manufacture of drawer sides and bottoms, bookcases, picture frames, chairs and settees.