An Exceptional Performer
Russian Birch plywood is desired for its multiple plies of birch veneer that provide
superior stability and strength. Russian Birch plywood is typically produced with
all birch veneers. It is also possible to get product utilizing Pine or Aspen veneer
blended into the panel.
Cut-To-Size Russian Birch is also available. Depending on the volume required and
the product specifications, buying cut-to-size panels or circles may offer the freight
and manufacturing savings that make this an attractive way to purchase Russian Birch.
This is a special order product and is not stocked in our domestic locations. Lead
times range from 6 to 10 weeks.
Product Properties
Russian Birch plywood is produced in a wide variety of thicknesses and sizes. Panel
thickness is available in the following variations (mm): 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, and 30mm. Depending on the requirements on thickness
and tolerance, plywood can have decimal thickness, e.g., 11.2mm.
Below are the sizes that are typical for current Russian manufacturing. Please note
that Russian manufacturers and distributors handle markings as Length x Width (Length
is along the long grain side of the panel).
Sizes Available
Length and width in millimeters (approximate inches)
- 1,525mm x 1,525mm (60" x 60")
- 1,220mm x 1,525mm (48" x 60")
- 1,829mm x 1,525mm (72" x 60")
- 1,829mm x 1,220mm (72" x 48")
- 2,440mm x 1,220mm (96" x 48")
- 3,050mm x 1,525mm (120" x 60")
Due to the nature of plywood manufacturing, mills allow for a certain percentage
of "falling sizes," which is a byproduct of a full format panel such as 1,525mm
x 1,525mm. A falling size panel can have one or more sides shorter than a full-length
or a full-width panel.
For example, a 1,525 x 1,475 (60" x 58") panel is a falling size panel compared
to the full size 1,525 x 1,525 (60" x 60") panel. The mills cut off the defects,
making it an on-grade, smaller panel. When such defects are not eliminated, the
panel is graded Shop Grade, in which case the length and the width remain full.
Grading Standards
Plywood panels can have faces and backs of different grades. In other words, the
grade of panel with a BB face and a CP back would be BB/CP. Below is a generally
description of the Russian Birch 10.55-71 grade specifications.
- B : Select one-piece face has a uniform
appearance and is free from defect. This face grade is uniformly sanded.
- BB : One-piece face generally light and
uniform in color. Pin knots and small sound tight knots are allowed. Occasional
"football" patches are color matched to the veneer. Sanding is smooth.
- CP : One-piece face similar to grade BB
in quality. Sound knots and patches may be more common than BB grade. Small open
splits, knot holes and double patches are allowed. May have some streaks and discoloration.
Sanding is smooth.
- C : Open defects, all sound defects, streaks
and discoloration allowed. Does not have to be sanded.
For a complete grade specification for European products, please contact us.
CFP Stock Inventory Grades
3mm - 18mm: BBB, BBBB, BBCP and C grades.
Glue Types
Phenolic and Melamine Interior glues are available and can be specified by the customer.
CFP Stocking Locations
CFP stocks Russian Birch plywood in many US ports and at three of our domestic
mill locations. Stocking ports include Camden, NJ; Baltimore, MD; Houston TX; and
Los Angeles, CA. CFP mills that stock Russian products are Old Fort, NC; Trumann,
AR and Klamath Falls, OR.