Birch Parquet

Birch Parquet plywood is specially engineered for producing high-quality hardwood and parquet flooring. Manufactured with strict thickness tolerances (+/- 2 mm) and optimal moisture content (<9%), it ensures superior dimensional stability—crucial for flawless, long-lasting floor installations.

Constructed from 100% birch veneers, this plywood features enhanced water resistance thanks to phenol-formaldehyde (WBP) resin adhesive. Its high load-bearing capacity combined with a lightweight core makes it a dependable and safe underlayment for any flooring project. For enhanced strength properties, solid veneer can be employed in the inner layers.

The product complies with rigorous formaldehyde emission standards, meeting E0.5, CARB, and ULEF requirements, ensuring both performance and environmental safety. Additionally, we offer cut-to-size panels to provide parquet manufacturers with greater flexibility in application.

Properties

Key Benefits

Grading

Specifications


Thickness	1/4″ (6 mm), 3/8″ (9 mm), 1/2″ (12 mm), 5/8″ (15 mm), 3/4″ (18 mm), 7/8″ (21 mm)
Panel Size Available	5′ x 5′ (1525 mm x 1525 mm) 8′ x 4′ (2440 mm x 1220 mm) 10′ x 5′ (3050 mm x 1525 mm)
Glue	Exterior – Phenol formaldehyde adhesive (WBP)
Formaldehyde Emissions	E0.5, CARB ULEF
Grades	1/2 (B/BB), 2/2 (BB/BB), 2/3 (BB/CP), 2/4 (BB/C), 3/3 (CP/CP), 3/4 (CP/C)
Surface Type	Outer layers sanded (S2S); Not sanded (NS)
Moisture Content	5-9%
Water Resistance	Very High

Strength Indicators

Parameter	Thickness, mm	Value, MPa
Static bending strength, min
Along the grain of the face veneers	9–21	60
Across the grain of the face veneers	9–21	30
Modulus of elasticity in static bending, min
Along the grain	9–21	6000
Across the grain	9–21	3000
Out-of-plane tensile strength
Along the grain	9–21	1.75

Key Benefits

Grading

To ensure consistency and quality, it’s classified into four distinct grades—B/BB, BB/BB, BB/CP, and CP/C—each reflecting the appearance and allowable defects on the face and back veneers. Understanding these grades helps buyers match the right panel to their project’s aesthetic and structural demands.

Grade B

Highest grade of Baltic Birch Plywood, permitting minimal splits and ruling out any need for repairs. B represents face and BB back veneer. The face veneers are characterized by clarity and a defect-free, light, uniform color. On the back side, allowance is made for 3-6 color-matched patches. The inner cores, comprising solid birch single-piece veneers, reinforce its structural integrity. Surface is sanded intended for natural finish. This grade is often used in applications where the plywood will be visible, and a cleaner and more refined appearance is desired.

Allowable Defects

Non-Allowable Defects

Pin knot

Light knot

Loose knot

Pinhole

Burl

Light inbark

Dark inbark

Sound discoloration (congested streaks)

Swirly grain

Streak traces

Water stains

Close shakes

Knots with bark inclusions, knot holes

MR (interior glue) plywood over sanding

WBP (exterior glue) plywood oversanding

Delamination

Overlap

Patch

Waviness (sanded plywood), rough saw cut, ripple

Posted veneer chips

Metal inclusions

Bark patch

Coarse peeling

Shears (defects caused by cutting)

Grade BB

Second highest quality in Baltic Birch grade system. Both face and back sides allow color-matched patches, while knots and open defects are repaired with veneer inserts. The inner cores, comprising solid birch single-piece veneers, reinforce its structural integrity. Surface is sanded.

Allowable Defects

Non-Allowable Defects

Pin knot

Swirly grain

Pinhole

Dark knot

Close shakes

Streak traces

Sander skips (uneven sanding)

Overlap ridges (telegraphing overlaps)

Patch

Double patch

Pockets (without bark inclusions)

Sound discoloration (false heartwood)

Hollow

Gum hollow

Knots with bark inclusions, knot holes

MR (interior glue) plywood oversanding

WBP (exterior glue) plywood oversanding

Posted veneer chips

Waviness (sanded plywood), rough saw cut, ripple

Metal inclusions

Delamination

Bark patch

Blister

Discoloration with partial wood damage

Grade C

Patches, open knots, and minor veneer splits are acceptable. Veneer lap and small core voids are allowed. This panel is intentionally unsanded, but with guaranteed strong gluing properties, this grade is ideal for various structural applications.

Allowable Defects

Non-Allowable Defects

Dark inbark

Shake filling and sealing with inserts and putty

Shears (defects caused by cutting)

Dark knot with a shake

Gum hollow

MR (interior glue) plywood oversanding

WBP (exterior glue)

Overlap

Patch without color matching

Saw cut

Black knot

Dark intergrown knot

Bark patch

Blister

Delamination

Discoloration with partial wood damage

Grade CP

CP grade is excluded from BB classification due to minor defects and increased streaking. Permissible occasional hairline splits of less than 0.5mm. Oval or round patches may or may not match the color of the base face veneer. Typically, there will be more patches per face compared to the BB grade. Surface is sanded. Grade CP/CP is designed and ideal for laminating applications.