Checking the appearance of birch plywood is an important step to ensure its quality. Here are some specific inspection points:
1.Surface flatness:
*High quality plywood should have a smooth and flat surface without bulges, dents or obvious scratches.
*Check whether the veneer (such as birch veneer) is uniform, the wood grain is clear and natural, and there are no splicing marks or color differences.
2.Color and texture:
*Observe whether the color of the board is uniform. For birch, it is usually light to medium tones.
*The texture should be clear and natural. Avoid products with blurred texture or artificial decoration.
3.Cracks and cracks:
*Carefully check the board for any cracks or cracks. Even tiny cracks may expand during use and affect the stability of the structure.
4.Edge treatment:
*The edges should be neat and burr-free, without debonding or cracking.
*In case of plywood, the bonding between the layers at the edges should be tight, there should be no delamination.
5.Perfection of joints:
*For larger boards, there may be multiple veneers joined together. Check if there are no gaps at the joints and if the transition is natural.
6.Surface smoothness:
*Touch the surface with your hands to feel how smooth it is. High-quality plywood should be very smooth and not prickly.
7.Number of layers and uniformity
*Birch plywood is usually an odd number of layers, the higher the number of layers, the stronger the strength.
*Observe the cut edge: the veneers should be of uniform thickness, without overlap, gaps or voids.
8.Warping and deformation:
*Place the board on a flat surface and observe whether it fits the tabletop completely or if there is any warping.
It is best to conduct these checks in sufficient light and from multiple angles to detect any possible quality issues. If possible, obtaining samples for the above checks is the most direct and effective method. In addition, it is also very important to understand the quality assurance and related test reports provided by the supplier.
Check the material and craftsmanship
1.Glue quality
*Simple test: Put your nose close to the edge of the board. If the pungent smell is obvious, the formaldehyde may exceed the standard (beware of false propaganda of “formaldehyde-free glue”).
*Recommendation: Give priority to products marked with E0 grade (formaldehyde ≤ 0.5mg/L) or Japanese F4 star (≤ 0.3mg/L).
2.Core material quality
*Identification skills: Tap the center of the board. If the sound is dull, it may be filled with wood chips. If it is crisp and uniform, it is a whole wood veneer.
*Warning: Boards with more than 3 scars in the core are prone to breakage, especially for load-bearing purposes.
3.Density and weight
Reference value: 18mm thick standard size (1220×2440mm) birch plywood weighs about 35-45kg. If it is too light, it may be mixed with cheap wood such as poplar.
Environmental protection and certification
1.Comparison of formaldehyde emission standard
| Standard type | Formaldehyde limit（mg/L） | Applicable scenarios |
| E0 | ≤0.5 | Daily use at home |
| ENF | ≤0.025 | Places with high environmental protection requirements |
| CARB | ≤0.05 | Export to European and American markets |
2.Certification verification
Sellers are required to provide FSC certificate numbers and verify authenticity through the official website (https://info.fsc.org).
Avoid common defects
1.Debonding: If you knock on the board the sound is dull or there are holes, there may be debonding.
2.Cracking: Check the surface and edges for fine cracks.
3.Warping: Lay the board flat and observe whether it is flat. Low quality products are easily deformed by moisture.
There are several key aspects to maintaining birch plywood to ensure it stays in good condition and looks good in the long term:
1.Avoid moisture: Birch plywood exposed to high humidity for a long time may cause expansion or deformation. Store it in a dry place and avoid direct contact with water.
2.Surface Protection: To prevent scratches and stains, it is advisable to apply a layer of protective paint or varnish to the surface of birch plywood prior to use. This enhances the aesthetic appearance while providing an additional protective barrier.
3.Regular Maintenance: Gently remove surface dust using a clean, soft cloth. For persistent stains, apply a slightly moistened (non-dripping) cloth to carefully wipe the area, followed immediately by drying with a dry cloth to prevent moisture residue which could potentially damage the surface.
4.Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to discoloration or cracking of birch plywood. It is advisable to position the board in an area that minimizes direct sunlight, or implement measures such as utilizing curtains or blinds to reduce light intensity.
5.Treat and Reinforce Edges: The edges of plywood are susceptible to damage from impacts and collisions. To enhance durability, it is recommended to reinforce the edges using edge banding or other appropriate methods.
6.Proper storage: If birch plywood needs to be stored, it should be placed flat on a flat, dry surface, and pads should be placed between the boards to prevent deformation. At the same time, avoid placing heavy objects directly on it.
