Why the Best Finishes for Plywood Depend on the Project

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When choosing the best finishes of plywood for your needs, it is important to consider the scope of your project. Many factors contribute to your decision, including: 

  • The elements that will interact with your material
  • Whether it is an interior or exterior project
  • Whether you are planning to paint or stain the finished project
  • The type of application
  • Its intended aesthetic
  • And your budget

No matter what project you are working on, you want an excellent finished product when everything is said and done. The plywood finish that you use can make all the difference! RoyOMartin carries a vast array of finished plywood products for your project needs. How do you know which product is right for you?

If you are searching for the best finishes of plywood for your next product, let the experts at RoyOMartin explain the best uses for each of our plywood products.

We Offer the Best Finishes of Plywood for Each Project

Using the best finishes of plywood can help to improve the overall appearance and aesthetic of the finished product. High-quality finishes can make the plywood look more attractive and help protect the plywood from moisture, insects, and other types of damage. This can prolong the lifespan of the project and help it to withstand the test of time. At RoyOMartin, all of our products are made with southern yellow pine for strength and stiffness to withstand the elements. We offer eight high-quality plywood finishes to add strength, durability, and integrity to your construction projects.

1. SmartCore® Industrial Grade (SCIG) Plywood

SmartCore® Industrial Grade (SCIG) Plywood is your choice material for furniture and industry applications. With exceptional performance and durability, this plywood finish is excellent for furniture framing and is graded for flatness. 

2. SmartCore® Pine Siding

SmartCore® Pine Siding is a top choice for exterior applications in residential and nonresidential construction, new construction, remodeling, and industrial projects. The plywood finish is available in several finishes, including rough-sawn, scratch-sanded, grooved, no groove, square edges, or ship-lap edges. This pine siding can endure the elements, making it durable for long-term exposure to the elements. While this pre-finished plywood product is among our more expensive options, it is manufactured to deliver the aesthetic finish that you are looking for and last for years to come. 

3. SmartCore® Beaded Plywood

SmartCore® Beaded Plywood comes in convenient ship-lap panels. Use this product for wainscoting, ceilings, and other decorative applications. As one of our best finishes of plywood, this material is pre-sanded and ready to coat. This product provides old-world richness at an affordable cost.

4. SmartCore® AC Plywood

Consider SmartCore® AC Plywood for a variety of applications including:

  • Interior and exterior construction
  • Residential and commercial construction
  • New construction and remodeling
  • Industrial applications including furniture stock
  • Lamination substrates
  • And transportation  

This plywood finish is beneficial in other projects such as cabinets, shelving, and soffits. Its exceptional face grading provides a clean, clear, and smooth surface that is ready for paint or stain. While it is a more expensive option than our BC Plywood, it delivers a flawless and smooth finished product for an aesthetically pleasing finish.

5. SmartCore® BC Plywood

SmartCore® BC Plywood, like our AC Plywood, can be utilized for:

  • Interior and exterior construction
  • Residential and commercial construction
  • New construction and remodeling
  • Industrial applications including furniture stock
  • Lamination substrates
  • And transportation  

It is an excellent choice for cabinets, shelving, and soffits, and it also meets underlayment requirements. The BC Plywood finish meets standards for durability and appearance. This high-quality panel is ready for many general-use applications and can be purchased at a lower cost than AC Plywood. 

6. SmartCore® Sturd-I-Floor (SIF) Plywood

SmartCore® SIF Plywood is a great choice for underlayment for residential and light commercial construction. This plywood finish features easy tongue-and-groove installation and is graded for consistent thickness to ensure a proper fit. Not only is this a cost-effective product but the tongue-and-groove also makes it easy to install. 

7. SmartCore® Rated Sheathing

Use SmartCore® Rated Sheathing for sheathing on walls, roofs, and subfloors. We manufactured this finished plywood to the highest quality, making it ideal for a variety of applications. It is one of the best finishes of plywood for cost-effectiveness. If you are going to cover this material, it might be what you need to keep your project under budget. 

8. GreenCore Plyform™

GreenCore Plyform™ offers a special plywood finish for uniform concrete forming on all wall, deck, and pillar surfaces. This material comes pre-oiled with a premium reactive release agent and has excellent face quality for multiple re-uses. While it is one of our best and most expensive finishes for plywood, it is still a cost-effective product due to its ability to be used multiple times.

Our Mission of Sustainable Forestry

RoyOMartin is dedicated to upholding the practices and beliefs of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). Each of our wood products is available FSC® certified, meaning that they have been sustainably and responsibly harvested. We source our timber from sufficient geographical resources, or we replace materials that fall outside the realm of responsible sourcing. 

We follow standards set in place by the FSC®:

  • Zero deforestation 
  • Safeguarding ancient and endangered forests 
  • Fair wage and work environment 
  • Biodiversity preservation 
  • And community rights, including those of Indigenous Peoples 

Learn more about our wood products and our alignment with the FSC® here

Let Us Help You Start Your Project

Are you searching for the best finishes of plywood for your construction project? The experts at RoyOMartin would be happy to help you find the perfect material for your needs. For questions about our products or to learn more about our mission of sustainability, give us a call at 1-800-299-5174. Or, send us a message online and one of our helpful representatives will get in touch as soon as possible. If you are ready to build better, get in touch with RoyOMartin today.