Birch vs. Oak Plywood for Staining

Product Description

• Plywood is made from thin layers -- flitches or veneers -- that are glued together with the grain running in opposite directions. The layered and glued properties of plywood create a much stronger product than you could get from a single piece of solid wood. Finished plywood has an extremely thin top veneer -- about 1/100-inch -- saving greatly on expensive wood species.

Porosity

• The circular process of slicing the wood creates veneers that are porous in some areas and closed in others. The inconsistent porosity of the top veneer means that stain penetrates the fibers unevenly, creating an uneven, splotchy finish.

Birch vs. Oak

• Oak naturally has alternating layers of open and closed grain, creating the distinctive flame pattern for which oak is appreciated. Birch, on the other hand, has consistently tighter fibers and stains more evenly than oak. If you like the pattern of oak, then it's a natural choice. If you prefer something more subtle that will take stain more evenly, birch is the way to go.

Preparation

• Whether you choose oak or birch plywood, use a sanding sealer prior to staining. These products fill open fibers in wood and even out porosity, resulting in a cleaner, more consistent stain job. Alternatively, dilute shellac with denatured alcohol (see References) for the same effect. Follow drying recommendations on product labels and then gently sand smooth with 320-grit sandpaper before staining.