Plywood.

Start with where the board will live. Interior work can take any grade. Anything exposed to weather or damp needs an exterior bond (EN 636-3), and boat work or constant wetting needs BS 1088 marine.

Birch throughout is dense, stable and finishes well, so it is the joiner’s choice for furniture, shopfitting and anything with a visible edge. Poplar core with a eucalyptus face is lighter and cheaper, and handles most general work. Phenolic film faced birch shrugs off abrasion and wet concrete, which is why it lines vans and forms shuttering.

Grades describe the two faces. B is near clear with small sound knots, BB has neat oval patches, and C allows more defects. The first letter is the better face.

Not sure which board fits the job? Call 020 4610 0729 or email info@e2-wholesale.co.uk and we will point you at the right sheet.