DesignEdge®: North America’s Homegrown Solution to Exposed Edge Hardwood Plywood
- May 27, 2025
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- by Columbia Forest Products
When it comes to modern design, Baltic Birch was once the go-to choice. But the raw beauty of exposed edge plywood has now taken center stage, especially in cabinetry, furniture and architectural details.
Enter, DesignEdge®, a premium, domestically produced hardwood plywood designed specifically for exposed edge applications.
Manufactured by Columbia Forest Products, DesignEdge delivers all the strength and style that designers demand — without the limitations and uncertainties that come with imported alternatives.
The Baltic Birch Standard—And Its Shortcomings
Baltic birch plywood has earned a reputation for its consistent plies, clean edges and stylish aesthetic. However, sourcing it has become increasingly difficult in recent years. International sanctions, concerns with inadvertent sourcing of conflict timber, logistics and trade policy have all contributed to restricted availability, lengthy lead times and increased prices.
Even when available, Baltic birch panels do not carry a “formaldehyde-free” label, and for many environmentally conscious designers and specifiers, that’s a dealbreaker. These drawbacks left a gap in the market — a gap that DesignEdge, with its no-added formaldehyde construction, was engineered to fill.
A Domestic Solution, Done Right
DesignEdge isn’t just a substitute—it’s a competitive, North American-made solution. Produced by Columbia Forest Products with North American maple, DesignEdge represents a major advancement in hardwood plywood innovation. With a focus on reliability, availability and responsible manufacturing, it gives designers and fabricators a homegrown product they can count on.
Because DesignEdge is manufactured domestically, buyers can expect shorter lead times, lower inventory capital investment, faster turns and consistent quality control (including LEED and ingredient transparency support). Plus, the incredible service and support our customers have come to expect.
The result? A local panel solution that performs at a high level with an equivalent reduction in supply chain cost and uncertainty.
From top to bottom: 5-ply DesignEdge Maple (7/16” blank), 7-ply DesignEdge Maple (9/16” blank) and 11-ply DesignEdge Maple with Sap Maple faces (3/4″).
Available as blanks or with a variety of decorative hardwood faces.
Substantially Void-Free Maple Core Construction
DesignEdge® panels are manufactured with ANSI HP-1 K grade crossbands, with North American Maple as the core. This substantially void-free core provides strength and screw holding power, alongside an attractive, layered aesthetic that designers seek in exposed edge projects.
With eye-catching edges that you won’t be able to resist showing off in your projects, DesignEdge® simply surpasses the competition. Whether you’re CNC routing, drilling or finishing, the solid build ensures clean lines and lasting performance.
Free from Added Formaldehyde and VOCs
Healthier indoor air quality is no longer a bonus — it’s a baseline. DesignEdge is made with Columbia Forest Products’ proprietary PureBond® technology, meaning it contains no added formaldehyde (NAF).
Additionally, the exposed edge allows fabricators to avoid the application of an edgeband, which is typically accomplished using hot melt adhesive technologies. These contain added formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen that many firms are seeking to avoid.
These features qualify DesignEdge® as an ideal solution for LEED® projects, attaining Red List declarations in applications where indoor air quality matters. It’s a product that aligns with both human health and sustainability goals, backed by Columbia’s decades-long commitment to responsible manufacturing.
Anticipated by the Market—And in High Demand
Since its launch, DesignEdge has generated significant buzz among cabinetmakers, designers and architects seeking a domestic alternative to Baltic Birch. But due to strong demand and limited early production runs, supply is currently tight. Columbia Forest Products recommends that customers contact their distributors early to place orders and reserve material.
DesignEdge® is more than just a plywood panel — it’s a competitive edge. A statement about quality, sustainability and sourcing smarter. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of imported options, DesignEdge represents the future of exposed-edge hardwood plywood.