AC plywood is a type of plywood panel that features a high-grade front face (Grade A) and a utility-grade back (Grade C). It’s a popular choice in construction and woodworking when one side of the panel needs to be visually appealing while the opposite side can be more forgiving in appearance. AC plywood offers a practical balance between cost, durability, and appearance, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use.
What is AC Plywood?
- A-grade face: Smooth, sanded, and nearly flawless. It’s ideal for visible applications that require a clean finish, such as cabinet doors, architectural panels, or custom shelving. This surface accepts paint, stain, or veneer exceptionally well.
- C-grade back: Allows visible imperfections like knots (up to 1.5 inches), discolorations, mineral streaks, or repairs. This side is intended for areas that are hidden or less critical visually, such as the interior of cabinets or the underside of furniture.
While grading primarily addresses appearance, it can also indicate potential voids or inconsistencies in the plywood’s core. That’s why AC plywood is widely chosen for projects that need one high-quality surface but don't require premium finish on both sides—offering a smart balance between performance and cost.
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What are the common uses of AC plywood?
When you are constructing any kind of building or project, take a look at Vinawood’s great selection of AC plywood, which is perfect for any kind of construction including:
- Base coatings
- Fences
- Roofs
- Ceilings
- Furniture construction
- Siding
- Flooring
Cabinet Doors, Jambs, Shelving & Architectural Millwork
AC plywood is a top choice for interior applications where one side of the panel is exposed. The A-grade face offers a smooth, blemish-free surface that is perfect for:
- Cabinet doors and frames: Delivers a clean, uniform appearance ideal for kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.
- Shelving units: Strong enough to hold weight, while visually appealing for open or built-in shelves.
- Architectural millwork: Used in trim, panels, and decorative features where consistency in color and grain is important.
Because only one side needs to look flawless, AC plywood offers a cost-efficient solution without compromising on aesthetics.
Subflooring, Soffits & Roof Sheathing
Though AC plywood is often selected for its appearance, its core strength and moisture resistance make it practical for hidden or semi-exposed structural applications:
- Subfloors: Provides a sturdy, dimensionally stable base layer that resists warping and supports heavy loads.
- Soffits and attic applications: Lightweight yet strong, it’s easy to install overhead while maintaining shape over time.
- Roof sheathing: Especially in ACX variants (with exterior glue), it withstands changing humidity levels before the final roofing material is installed.
The C-grade back is not visible in these applications, making AC plywood both functional and economical in structural settings.
Exterior Siding & Small Outdoor Structures
While not as moisture-resistant as marine-grade plywood, AC plywood can be used in outdoor projects when finished properly:
- Patio walls or exterior eaves: When sealed with paint or exterior-grade coatings, the A-face holds up well under sun and moderate moisture exposure.
- Garden sheds or storage units: Offers a smooth surface for finishing, while the structural integrity ensures longevity.
- Utility buildings or temporary outdoor structures: Balances durability with a clean look on one side, making it ideal for semi-permanent installations.
To extend its outdoor lifespan, AC plywood should be primed, painted, or sealed appropriately to protect against weathering.
What are the advantages of using AC plywood?
AC plywood is made from thin sheets of wood pressed tightly together to create a durable and strong piece of plywood. One side of it is sanded and finished which makes it graded “A”. The other side of the board is not sanded or finished, so it is graded “C”. This makes it a terrific solution to construction projects where one side of the board will be seen and one side will not. One of the benefits of AC plywood is that it can be exposed to water without warping or other damage.
Is AC plywood better than BC plywood?
AC and BC plywood are sanded plywood with premium faces that are specially designed for cabinetry, furniture, paneling, shelving, and other applications where a knot free product is required.
In summary, both BC plywood and AC plywood are strong and durable materials suitable for various woodworking projects. The choice between the two will depend on factors such as the specific requirements of your project, budget considerations, and desired appearance. If you prioritize strength, stability, and a clean appearance, Baltic birch plywood may be the better choice, while AC plywood may be more suitable for cost-effective structural applications.
Does AC plywood have voids?
Yes, AC plywood can have voids, but they are typically minimized compared to lower-grade plywood. AC plywood is a type of plywood that has one side graded “A,” which means it is smooth and free of defects, and the other side graded “C,” which can have some defects like knots and voids. The “A” side is generally intended for visible surfaces, while the “C” side is for the underside or areas not typically seen. Although AC plywood is of good quality, voids can still be present, especially on the “C” side. Higher-grade plywood, like AA or AB, will have fewer voids compared to AC plywood.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Plywood
Is AC plywood suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, but only ACX plywood (where “X” denotes exterior-grade adhesive) should be used outdoors. Standard AC plywood is moisture-resistant to some extent but needs to be properly sealed or painted to withstand long-term exposure. For projects in high-humidity or rain-prone areas, marine plywood is a better choice.
Can you paint both sides of AC plywood?
Technically, yes. However, the A-grade side is optimized for painting or staining due to its smooth surface, while the C-grade side may absorb finish unevenly due to knots and grain irregularities. If aesthetics matter on both sides, consider AB or AA plywood.
What’s the difference between AC and CDX plywood?
- AC plywood has a smooth front (Grade A) and is often used in visible interior applications like cabinetry or shelving.
- CDX plywood is a more rugged panel with both sides showing imperfections, primarily used for construction purposes such as roof or wall sheathing. The “X” also denotes exterior glue in both types.
Is AC plywood strong enough for furniture?
Yes. AC plywood is commonly used in furniture frames, bookshelves, and table bases due to its strong core and clean surface. It provides a good balance of strength, appearance, and cost for medium- to high-end furniture.
What thicknesses does AC plywood come in?
AC plywood is available in common thicknesses like 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, and 18mm (or 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" in imperial sizes). The thickness you choose depends on your project’s load-bearing and finishing requirements.
Vinawood has a wide variety of AC plywood made from different species of wood. We can help you decide the right kind of wood for your construction or project. We have a great selection of all kinds of lumber including cedar and pine lumber.
Vinawood has been specializing in providing quality lumber throughout the Midwest for over 100 years. We are passionate about making sure that you have the right kind of wood to complete your project. Our experts have worked with many different contractors and DIYers. If you are starting on a large construction project, our experts are happy to help you. We can tell you the best kind of plywood that you need for any type of project that you’re working on. Visit our website for more.
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