Introduction
When it comes to decorative panels, there are numerous options available in the market. One of the most popular choices of species is oak. But do they make oak plywood? And if so, is oak plywood good for your construction or furniture needs? In this blog post, we will delve into the world of oak veneered plywood and oak faced plywood, answering these questions and more.

Do They Make Oak Plywood?
Yes (and no). Oak veneered plywood is manufactured in the UK and is usually made to order, due to the range of thickness, panel sizes, veneer slicing options and face grades. We offer this with a birch plywood core, poplar plywood core or pine plywood core. We also offer MDF or chipboard cores. 

Solid Oak plywood (or Oak throughout plywood) is not commercially manufactured. The cost of the material would be prohibitive and the availability of logs is not sufficient to sustain making oak plywood on a commercially viable scale.

What is Oak Plywood?

When we discuss oak plywood, we really mean oak veneered or oak faced plywood. Lengths of thinly cut oak timber are edge bonded to create "layons" which are sheets of veneer strips usually slightly larger than the intended core panel. These layons are glue and pressed onto the core material on both sides. The resulting panel has both sides faced with oak. The plywood edges can be colour stained to more closely match the faces. Birch or poplar will be slightly lighter in colour than oak and will accept a stain well. Alternatively the edges can be lipped or edged with strips of real timber to hide the core and will result in a solid looking panel.

The outermost faces are usually made from high-quality oak wood, giving the panel a distinctive and attractive appearance. Should only one side be visible, then a lower quality veneer will be used on the reverse. This is known as a "balancer" as it equalises the physical tension in the panel.

Oak veneered plywood and oak faced plywood are essentially the same thing and it makes an ideal choice for projects where aesthetics matter, such as furniture making or interior design.

What are the different types of Oak plywood?

There are multiple variations on offer. Usually we start with the different slicing techniques such as crown cut or quarter cut. The different cuts will each produce different grain patterns and characteristics. Crown cut will show peaks of grain known as "cathedrals" whilst quarter cut produces straighter and more uniform grain patterns. Next would be the origin of the timber such as European Oak or American Oak (which is sub divided into American White or American Red.) Rustic oak /  character oak / knotty oak / pippy oak / cracked oak / oak cluster / mismatched oak can be specified when a more natural look is required. The dark knots inherent in the timber are intentionally selected for these veneers. Oak veneer can also be smoked ("fumed") to create a darker colour, or dyed to create grey or black shades. Other variations include rough cut, rough sawn, rift cut and burrs

How Thick is Oak Veneer?

For our standard production, we offer veneer at 0.5mm thick. Other thickness are available: 0.8mm / 1mm / 1.2mm / 1.5mm / 2.5mm.

Is Oak Plywood Good?

It's highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for commercial applications, wall lining or cabinetry work.

Oak faced plywood is particularly popular due to its beautiful grain patterns and warm colour tones that range from light tan to deep brown. Commercially manufactured plywood does not always have an attractive face appearance and is limited in range of species. By bonding oak veneer to the surface of plywood a range of decorative panels can be offered.

Oak veneered plywood offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for many projects:
 
1. Aesthetic Appeal: The rich grain patterns and warm hues of oak faced ply can add a touch of elegance to any space. Whether you're building a piece of furniture or installing new cabinets, oak ply can enhance the overall look of your project.

2. Durability: Oak is known for its strength and durability. When a thicker veneer is used, it provides a robust and long-lasting material that can withstand heavy use.

3. Versatility: Oak plywood is versatile and easy to work with. It can be cut, drilled, sanded, and finished just like solid wood.

4. Cost-Effective: While solid oak can be quite expensive, oak veneered plywood offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on appearance or quality.

5. Sustainability: Plywood from plantation forests such as European birch is a more sustainable choice compared to solid oak timber as it makes better use of timber resources.

Conclusion
So, is oak plywood available? Absolutely! Not only is it available, but it's also a popular choice due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Oak faced plywood could be the perfect material for your next project.

Remember that while oak veneered plywood has many advantages, it's essential to choose high-quality panels to ensure you're getting the best product for your needs. Always check the grade, species and source of the plywood core (which indicates its quality) before making a purchase.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an attractive and durable material for your construction or furniture projects, consider using oak plywood. Its availability and numerous benefits make it an excellent choice for various applications.

We would be happy to quote any requirement you have.

Contact us on 01992 410333   email us at panels@spp.co.uk  or complete our veneer quote form HERE