3 Popular Types of Ply in Australia: A Comparison

It’s no secret that our plywood panels are available in a wide range of attractive finishes, offering specifiers and architects an almost endless number of design possibilities. While much of the versatility comes from the colours, textures and patterns of the panels, the type of timber also plays a big part in the appeal.

Each species of timber brings its own unique characteristics – so if you think plywood is just plywood no matter what timber it’s made from think again!

In this article, we’re sharing an overview of the different kinds of ply most commonly used in Australia, while also debunking the myths around their style, quality and best use.

Baltic Birch, Betula sp.

Not coming from any one specific species of birch, Baltic Birch is a general term used for birch sourced for plywood from Finland, Russia and other nearby Baltic states. Baltic birch is a premium hardwood ply product, which is known for both its aesthetic appeal and strength and durability. It looks great when finished with a clear hard wax oil and the edges can also be left exposed. The strength comes from the core, which is made of veneers of birch, rather than the softer wood found in some other ply products.

Appearance

With an intricate, clean, fine grain and warm natural colouring, Baltic Birch is highly sought after for its attractive appearance.

Applications

Baltic Birch is highly flexible in its use, being suited to a huge range of architectural and joinery applications. It is widely used for walls, ceilings and joinery, such as cabinets and furniture.

Baltic Birch products available from Maxiply include Maxi Panel, Maxi Perforated Panels, Maxi Print, Maxi Clad and Maxi Film.

Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata

The Monterey Pine (also known as Radiata Pine) is native to the Central Coast of California and Mexico. It is a softwood that is widely available and very versatile in its use. Monterey Pine is grown extensively as a plantation species, due to its fast growth rate and ability to be cut radially for maximum yield. It’s readily available which makes it more affordable than other premium ply products, and with most of the world’s Monterey Pine plantation forests being Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, it can be a sustainable choice too.

Appearance

Monterey Pine has a flowery grain and will generally show a lot of variation across the sheet.

Applications

Although widely available and quite flexible in its use, Monterey Pine plywood panels are best used on walls and ceilings only.

Monterey Pine products available from Maxiply include Maxi Panel, Maxi Edge and Maxi Clad.

Hoop Pine, Araucaria cunninghamii

The Hoop Pine is native to South America and the Pacific region, with five species occurring in Australia. Grown in Queensland, this softwood species can be used in many ways, from interior joinery and furniture to exterior applications such as retaining walls (when treated) – and even non-building purposes like musical instruments!

Appearance

Like Monterey Pine, Hoop Pine tends to have a lot of variation across the sheet, however, the yellow tone makes it easily identifiable as a separate species.

Application

Due to the quality and variations in appearance, Hoop Pine plywood is best used for walls and ceilings.

If you’d like to know more about any of the above timbers or the plywood products they make, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us by phone on 1300 761 741 or enter your details on our contact page and we’ll get back to you soon!