What is CDX Plywood?
What does CDX mean on plywood? CDX plywood has a higher number of knots and defects, placing it in the lower grades. The “C” in CDX indicates that one side of the plywood is of grade C, while the “D” signifies the other side is of grade D. Typically, the better grade side is used on the more visible surfaces, and the lower grade side on less visible ones. The “X” stands for exposure, referring to the type of glue used to bond the plywood.
It’s important to note that the grading pertains to the appearance rather than the quality of the plywood. Despite its lower aesthetic grade, CDX plywood is strong and resistant to damage, making it suitable for applications where durability is more important than appearance.
What is CDX plywood used for?
Although CXD is not a sustainable option, it is still an ideal choice for construction projects. CDX plywood is used for interior and exterior.
Exterior uses
Outside the home, contractors often use CDX plywood to construct exterior walls and roofs during construction. This is a required part as it is used as additional support under the shingles, under the roofing felt, behind the insulation and siding.
Roof sheathing
CDX is most commonly used to make roof panels. It is known that the quality of CDX plywood is extremely durable, so it is ideal as a construction material for the roof base. In this case, plywood CDX has the durability and water resistance to make it suitable for exterior applications. Additionally, because it is waterproof, CDX will dry very quickly and lose water over time, which helps it return to its original size.
Construction of crates and boxes
CDX is also one of the rare plywood products chosen to make crates and boxes. Dimensional stability and resistance to water damage are also a plus and their solid nature is also an advantage for this.
Interior uses
Inside the home, CDX plywood is used as an additional floor covering just below the carpet pad or as a backing for tiling. In addition, it is also used to serve small utility purposes such as shelves, cabinets or warehouses. While it is not popular for producing beautiful furniture due to its unattractive appearance, it is highly durable and therefore often used to make shelves in garages and factories.
Garage shelves
Although CDX plywood is not the best choice for making shelves because of its unsightly appearance. But it possesses high durability, so plywood CDX is used a lot to make shelves in garages and factories.
Sub-flooring
To reduce curvature and bending, the incredible strength of CDX comes in handy. Plywood is mainly used as a subfloor for ceramic floor finishes such as in kitchens and bathrooms.
How long can CDX Plywood be exposed?
Homeowners considering CDX plywood for their next project should understand that it is not suitable for extensive exposure to the elements, as it is not weatherproof. Rain and snow can significantly compromise the integrity of structures made with CDX plywood. However, CDX plywood can endure limited exposure to moisture, including rain and snow.
It is crucial to highlight that the term “limited” is key here. For instance, a few days of rain during a building project should not pose a problem. This is because the wood grain used in CDX plywood production allows it to absorb a certain amount of moisture without warping, splitting, or rotting. Within a few days, this moisture can evaporate, allowing the plywood CDX to dry out and retain its original size and shape.
What Is CDX treated with plywood?
CDX-treated plywood undergoes a sophisticated treatment with targeted chemicals that significantly improve the wood veneer’s durability and performance. This is achieved by soaking the plywood CDX panels in synthetic substances specifically designed to resist moisture and mold buildup.
CDX Plywood Sizes, Thickness, & Availability
CDX plywood is widely available at most home improvement and garden stores, as it is a popular choice for DIY and construction projects. Typically, CDX plywood comes in sizes of 3, 5, 7, and 9. The plywood sizes options range from 1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inches, with common thicknesses including 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch, readily available in most stores. It’s important to note that the listed thicknesses are nominal, and you should account for a reduction of approximately 1/32 inch after sanding, which is necessary for most projects.
Which is better CDX or OSB?
Is CDX better than OSB? OSB and Plywood have some differences. CDX plywood generally performs better in moisture resistance due to its moisture-resistant glues, making it more suitable for areas with moderate humidity. Additionally, CDX often has a smoother surface, which is ideal for finishing and painting. OSB (Oriented Strand Board), on the other hand, is more affordable but less moisture-resistant, with a rougher surface that may not be as suitable for visible applications. Depending on the project, CDX is preferred for durability and finishing, while OSB is a budget-friendly option for structural use.
> Read more: plywood sizes, 3/4 plywood, 4×8 plywood, 1/2 plywood, 5/8 plywood, 1/4 plywood
OSB vs CDX: Which One Should You Choose?
Can CDX plywood get wet?
Yes, CDX plywood can get wet, but only for a limited time. The "X" in CDX stands for "exposure," meaning it can handle brief exposure to moisture. However, prolonged exposure to water will eventually lead to damage, such as swelling, warping, or delamination. An exception is pressure-treated CDX plywood, which is specially treated to resist water damage and can withstand extended periods of moisture without degrading. For outdoor or highly humid environments, pressure-treated CDX is the better choice.
What is the difference between CDX and RTD plywood?
The main differences between RTD and CDX plywood are in their finish and purpose:
- RTD Plywood: Known for its smoother, pre-sanded surface, RTD plywood is used for projects where appearance matters, such as furniture or visible interior finishes. RTD stands for "Resistance Temperature Detector," referring to the precision used in manufacturing to maintain consistent quality.
- CDX Plywood: CDX is a construction-grade plywood with one rough side (the "C" side) and one smoother side (the "D" side). It's typically used for structural purposes, where appearance is less important, such as in subflooring or roof sheathing.
In short, RTD is preferred for aesthetic projects, while CDX is ideal for construction where strength and durability are the focus.
Thus, the above article has answered the question: what is cdx plywood? In addition, VINAWOOD has also provided information to help you choose OSB or CDX plywood. Hopefully this article will help you in the process of choosing the right plywood for your project. If you would like more information about types of plywood, check out our website.
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