Outside of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood as an integral part of building exterior walls and roofs during the construction process. Each layer is placed on top of the other with the graining running in the opposite direction for the opposing layer. After all, because of the composition of wood grain that is used during CDX plywood production, this type of plywood is able to absorb moisture at a certain level without warping, splitting, or rotting. Plywood commonly comes in plies of three, five, seven, and nine with the lowest numbers representing the highest class plywood. The letter "X" stands for exposure, which means the plywood is tough enough to … Because plywood is rated as shop grade because of defects, almost any type of plywood can end up in the shop grade bin. CDX plywood can tell you a lot about how it is made simply in its name. – Caleb Kautz, Automotive Student "The program is very knowledgeable and has activities that keep a reader’s mind focused. Marine Plywood. The surface of CDX plywood can be sanded easily, which will prepare it for a coat of primer and paint. CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. In addition to these structural uses, CDX plywood is also commonly used for minor utility purposes, such as rudimentary shelving in basements, storage cabinets, or sheds. Picking the right type of wood for home building projects is absolutely essential, as the type of wood can impact performance, durability, and long-term maintenance to be expected. Hardwood plywood can cost about as much as an equal quantity of solid hardwood, depending on grade and appearance. Some mistakenly think the “X” stands for “exterior”—which is not true. As far as the plywood, BC grade Douglas Fir would be best, but I’m sure that a good brand of spruce CDX would be just fine, that’s what I just used for a floor repair in my own house just last week. Plywood Bonding Types . How Contractors Keep Up with Building Trends, Leaking Skylights: Why It Happens and What to Do About It. Plywood is most often sold in 4′ x 8′ sheets, but may also be available in 4′ x 10′, 4′ x 12′, or 2′ x 4′ sheets. Herein, the letters C and D denote the quality of the surfaces (both front and back). "CDX" should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above. Your email address will not be published. Constructed of 1/2" CDX fir plywood, Climate Panels have [...] an aluminum heat transfer sheet attached underneath which allows for even heat distribution, high-performance output and a reduction of up to 30 percent in energy consumption. The letter “X” in CDX refers to the type of glue used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers. The “RTD” in RTD plywood stands for Resistance Temperature Detector. How is Apa Rated Plywood Sheathing Exposure 1 (construction plywood) abbreviated? Plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be graded differently. Conversely, construction-grade plywood would be C-D (commonly referred to as CDX plywood), which is great for structural use but not suited to be finish material. Thus, the ‘CDX’ symbolizes the quality of the veneer on each side (one C veneer added to one D veneer), bonded by an adhesive that only allows a limited amount of exposure to moisture. CDX plywood The result is a wooden sheet that is proportionally as strong as steel, without the weight that comes along with concrete or steel. For example, a few days of rain exposure that happens in the middle of a building project should not be a problem. ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. CDX is available in Structural 1 - it will be stamped on the panel. Because of this strength, CDX plywood is the most popular choice for interior flooring; CDX plywood will stand up to … Every piece meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. The term CDX is basically not the name of the plywood grade, but the abbreviation of C-D Exposure 1 plywood. The letter "X" in CDX refers to the type of glue used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers. CDX Plywood is also versatile and is excellent for utility jobsite needs such as temporary steps, ramps or bridges. This means that CDX plywood should only be used inside or on surfaces that will not be exposed to water once the building process is complete. This won’t imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g. Plywood Glues - Some consumer advocate groups are concerned about the possible health hazards of adhesive chemicals used in plywood—especially urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde. So one side of the plywood is C-rated and the other side is D-rated. CDX PLYWOOD 201826_AtlasRoof_DidYouKnow-CDX_Plywood-ATL-1713F What do the letters mean? Our plywood calculator can estimate the number of 4′ x 8′ sheets needed for a project. "The use of the in-process RTD sensors significantly reduced the delamination caused by insufficient heating of the plywood during the press cycle. Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Grading rules vary depending on the country in which the plywood is produced and the following information is a typical guide only and may not be accurate for all plywood. If you are new to working with plywood, it is easy to get some of the options mixed up. Looking for online definition of CDX or what CDX stands for? In addition, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 thicknesses are usually available at most stores, too. Basically, plywoods are thin veneer sheets that are glued and held together with linking plies. Because of its chemical properties, however, OSD is … This matters because increased durability extends the life of CDX plywood, which means that homeowners will have to deal with less maintenance, like repainting or replacing CDX plywood panels. It does have some downsides, though. TT-037A February 2007 Page 1 of 2 7011 South 19th Street • Tacoma, WA 98466 Telephone (253) 565-6600 • Fax Number (253) 565-7265 The grading system for plywood is an easy puzzle to solve thanks to the simple A–D letter system used to indicate the quality of the panel. Granted, CDX plywood is never used as the final exterior layer, because of its lack of durability. Plywood is usually sold by the sheet, but in some rare cases it may be sold by the board foot. Some mistakenly think the "X" stands for "exterior"—which is not true, exactly. It adds proven performance and durability to new homes, room additions and renovations. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and people frequently utilize it in the construction industry. The grading difference between the two most common types of plywood can be summed up in that CDX is Exposure 1 rated (which means that water hitting it won't hurt it) and RDT is purely Exterior rated (yes I know CDX is still used as exterior sheathing in some places). This Plywood is CDX graded meaning the “C” side has a more rough surface with visible knots and splits. That is why manufacturers have come up with a solution that reinforces the integrity of CDX plywood to make it better fit for holding up against rain, snow, humidity, and mold. In general, CDX plywood should not be left as the first line of defense against heavy moisture on the exterior part of a building, especially over an extended period of time. ACX plywood is used prevalently on home outdoor projects and renovations. CDX plywood is still a great piece of plywood if you are looking to build something that does not require a pristine surface. Plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be graded differently. Grading rules vary depending on the country in which the plywood is produced and the following information is a typical guide only and may not be accurate for all plywood. One of the main grading systems when talking about the plywood is the smoothness of its front and back sides. It has been in widespread use as sheathing in residential and commercial construction for well over 50 years and has developed a reputation as a premium panel product for both commodity and specialty applications. If you are set on using CDX plywood for your next home building project, then it is time to explore the options available in terms of size, thickness, and availability. Veneer in a finished US trademarked plywood panel must conform to one of the six grades listed in the US PS 1-09 standard: N, the highest classification (rarely produced), followed by A, B, C-plugged, C and D. Non-overlaid APA plywood panels come in three levels of … Plywood sheathing is ideal for residential and light construction. Exterior plywood is glued together with adhesives that are meant to survive in wet or moist areas. Primary Sidebar. Additionally, what kind of wood is CDX plywood? The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. I'm sheathing a gable roof for a small workshop using 5/8" cdx plywood. This provides an inherent system of checks and balances that makes plywood a relatively stable material. The letter "X" means the glue of the plywood is exterior glue . CDX Plywood is also versatile and is excellent for utility jobsite needs such as temporary steps, ramps or bridges. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Looking for online definition of CDX or what CDX stands for? That information is vital to construction professionals and helps them to understand how to store and use the material. It’s typically covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, storage bins, or garages. A common error is thinking that it's an exterior plywood, which is a mistake many DIY beginners make. CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. I've dadoed plywood many times for shelves and whatnot, and never gave it m... What Is the Difference between Primer Paint and Flat Paint. The difference is in the glues that are used to bind the plies, or layers of the plywood. CDX has changed my perspective in a positive way, and I would seriously recommend to anyone to try it out!" ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. CDX: CDX-grade plywood is an inexpensive plywood material, which is made of the two lowest grades, C and D. The X signifies that this material can withstand some exposure to moisture. © Innovative Building Material | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. OSB which stands for oriented strand board, is composed of wood chips bonded together with resin and glue. The term CDX is basically not the name of the plywood grade, but the abbreviation of C-D Exposure Plywood. Herein, the letters C and D denote the quality of the surfaces (both front and back). CDX is listed in the World's largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms CDX is listed in the World's largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms The result is a wooden sheet that is proportionally as strong as steel, without the weight that comes along with concrete or steel. ACX and CDX Plywood. But plywood has many advantages: •Dimensional stability.Crossbanded layers and balanced construction mean that hardwood plywood won't shrink, swell, or warp as much as lumber. However, because of its low-quality exterior, CDX plywood is not often used for pieces of furniture that require a more finished appearance inside the home. And as most homeowners know, continually repainting, staining, or replacing segments of full sheets of CDX plywood panels can be a pain. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D). CDX plywood is commonly used in the construction industry for the foundation and roofing of buildings. However, if a building project drags on and the CDX plywood experiences repeated assaults of rain and snow, say over the course of the winter, then this can pose a severe problem for the building project. Instead, it is typically used as added support underneath shingles, beneath roofing felt, and behind insulation and siding. CDX stands for class C to D exposed plywood. APA Rated Sheathing panels are produced as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Each layer is held in place by quality binders and adhesives. Inside of the home, CDX plywood is often used as an additional flooring layer that rests just below the carpet pad or as a backer board for tiling. CDX plywood is used as flooring materials, wall sheathing, roofing ply . CDX signifies class C to D exposed plywood. Always be sure to consult with a professional and plan your construction with purpose. How Sustainability and Luxury Design Can Work Together. Ever wondered what all that information on your OSB sheathing panel means? “CDX” is not the name of a plywood grade. It is a lot thicker, which makes it ideal as a base or foundation of other materials. The letters A, B, C and D typically refer to the veneer or face of the material. CDX plywood sizes are typically available in sizes 3, 5, 7, and 9, and there are a variety of thicknesses available, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch thickness. Does a Privacy Fence Add Value to Your Home? Exterior plywood carries an X stamp, which identifies it as suitable for use outdoors. All information is provided "AS IS." Available in 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, & 3/4″ The letters “C” and “D” represent the quality of the front and back surfaces of the plywood. The good news is that CDX plywood is available at most home and garden stores, since it is a common material used for home DIY and construction projects. Different types of wood can offer different pros and cons, and while CDX plywood may be the best pick for one DIY project, it may not hold up for other home construction tasks. Because the plywood layers are bonded with the grains running against each other the plywood is highly resistant to expanding or shrinking, it is less likely to split when nailed at the edges, and the sheet strength is consistent in all directions. Now you're all set. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. Nonetheless, CDX plywood ranks as a convenient and affordable sheet of wood composed of several layers. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. demolished it and i am... Reroofing a shed: OSB ok? This page is all about the acronym of CDX and its meanings as Apa Rated Plywood Sheathing Exposure 1. Plywood sheathing delivers outstanding stiffness, strength and versatility. Today OSB has 70-75% market share and plywood has about 25% share. In addition to the plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types. Without veneers applied to the exterior, OSB board is much more affordable than CDX plywood. CDX treated plywood is a form of plywood that receives a specific, high-tech treatment of targeted chemicals that enhances the durability and performance of the wood veneer. Because of these differences, OSB is generally the better choice for exterior roofing projects and shingle foundations. Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. US Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09 Structural Plywood PS1-09 Structural PlywoodPS 1-09 is a product standard covering the requirements for American plywood intended for structural (loadbearing) use. CDX is a type of plywood. You have your normal CDX plywood for exterior sheathing. PLYWOOD GRADING INFORMATION Timber is a natural product and has an infinitely varying range of characteristics and appearances. And the letter ‘X’ denotes that the glue which is exploited in the plywood is an exterior … DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The letters A, B, C and D typically refer to the veneer or face of the material. Veneers, thin sheets of peeled wood grain, are the main component of all types of plywood. From blemish-free and sanded smooth to gaping spaces around knots and cracks, each grade of plywood has different characteristics. Rain and snow can serve as a serious threat to the integrity of a structure made with CDX plywood. The grades of plywood in case of exterior are A-C, B-C and CDX. CDX is listed in the World's largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms The Free Dictionary Copyright© I think they talk about this stuff in the APA Plywood … Any way to avoid stabbing my head on nails in loft? When you think about it, this single piece of CDX plywood actually has a lot of elements to consider! CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. This plywood is made to function better outdoors - deals with temp changes and moisture better than other forms of plywood. Plywood in general – and especially CDX plywood – is known for being susceptible to damage from everyday elements. Whether you’re building a small bookcase or backing exterior siding, the type of home construction project will make a big difference as to whether or not CDX plywood is fit for the job at hand. CDX plywood is durable and moisture proof. Product Standard PS 1-07: Structural Plywood. Anything that can prolong the performance and longevity of a product is a big plus when it comes to home ownership and maintenance, so CDX plywood that has been treated with extra protective qualities is a popular choice. Your email address will not be published. For example, consider a 15/32 or 1/2-inch C-D Exposure 1 (CDX) plywood meeting the requirements of U.S. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be For example, many first-time homeowners confuse CDX plywood with OSB plywood. Plywood commonly comes in plies of three, five, seven, and nine with the lowest numbers representing the highest class plywood. Since CDX plywood can withstand certain conditions and is visually unappealing, it's useful in projects such as wall sheathing and flooring. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. Form No. The ‘CDX’ is actually a combination of ratings that provide information as to the quality and construction of the plywood. ... Plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be graded differently. Homeowners considering using CDX plywood for their next project should recognize that, by no means is CDX plywood fit for extensive exposure to the elements, because it is not weatherproof. Plywood comes in a variety of different classes which can easily define its quality. C-D means that one side of the plywood is rated “C” grade and the other side is rated “D” grade. CDX plywood is an exposure plywood. The videos and photos found in lessons also help the user to have a better understanding of automotive practices." But the truth is that, even though both OSB and CDX plywood are commonly used in a single home construction site, there is a big difference between these two plywood types! US Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09 Structural Plywood PS1-09 Structural PlywoodPS 1-09 is a product standard covering the requirements for American plywood intended for structural (loadbearing) use. They are used in the construction of a house exterior region or outdoor furniture. 7351 Highland St. Springfield, VA 22150 (703) 972-1947. Here’s a rundown of what the grade stamp on Norbord products represents. While this may sound similar to CDX plywood, it is a very different composition process, and OSB board is generally much less durable than CDX plywood. In addition to the plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types. The Letter X. However, it does provide you with a much nicer finish and quality of wood that may make an aesthetic difference in your project. CDX stands for "C-D Exposure 1 plywood" . CDX plywood is created by bundling layers of wood together. CDX stands for Apa Rated Plywood Sheathing Exposure 1 (construction plywood). These features are assessed and then assigned a rating – either A, B, C, or D. Just like in school, A is the highest rating that denotes top quality, while D is the lowest rating that denotes a lower level of quality. BCX Plywood for Subfloor. Plywood as we know it has been produced since early in the 20th century. This creates a much denser and thicker piece of wood. Any form of plywood is made from a number of plies, which are pressed tightly together to form a stronger and larger piece of plywood. It also meets or surpasses building code requirements for fire safety, strength, and sound transmission. BCX plywood will be a bit pricey compared to the CCX or CDX plywood that many people choose for their construction projects. You say, "My builder is using 3/4" plywood roof sheathing that is stamped with a span rating of 40/20", and, "the gc thought that was a minimum so he went up one size" It's been a lot of years since I was on a roof that was being sheeted, but if memory serves, plywood stamped 42/20 was 5/8". to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. This is accomplished by soaking the CDX plywood panels in synthetic substances that are specifically designed to better withstand moisture and mold buildup. Also, if my memory serves me correctly I believe the "X" stands for Exposure 1 not Exterior, and CDX is not recommended for long-term exterior exposure. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. The main difference between this and your normal plywood is that you will have less delamination. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". The plywood is essentially … Plywood is not quite as simple and straightforward as you made have once thought. This includes interior and exterior plywood of any thickness. … The higher the grade the better quality you should expect. ACX plywood is a version of a plywood panel that has a very specific makeup, with one rough face and one sanded face on either side. Plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be graded differently. As a result, some plywood manufacturers now use low formaldehyde-emitting glue … It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Required fields are marked *. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The letter “X” stands for exposure, which means the plywood is tough enough to withstand a little moisture—but for only a short time. This includes interior and exterior plywood of any thickness. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. We welcome your comments and Sometimes, a lower quality wood is used for interior layers, reserving the better layers for the outside. For 15/32 and 1/2-inch the Standard provides for 3-, 4-, and 5-ply panel construction. Footer. There are different grades/classes of plywood which are represented by letters A, B, C and D. Common Plywood Dimensions. A plywood grading system is used to specify aspects of the finished look of the plywood, thus allowing the user to select a material that is suitable for their application. Plywoods are known for their strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or twisting. CDX stands for class C to D exposed plywood. TT-037A February 2007 Page 1 of 2 7011 South 19th Street • Tacoma, WA 98466 Telephone (253) 565-6600 • Fax Number (253) 565-7265 The letters A, B, C and D typically refer to the veneer or face of the material. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. comparing the quality of luan and pecan tree, but rather the finish of surfaces. Formation. The grading system for plywood is an easy puzzle to solve thanks to the simple A–D letter system used to indicate the quality of the panel. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood. Knowing about CDX plywood will help ensure you are using the correct materials for your next project. The wood is extremely durable, which makes it an ideal material to be used in a roofing base. In addition to these structural uses, CDX plywood is also commonly used for minor utility purposes, such as rudimentary shelving in basements, storage cabinets, or sheds. Many people like to use CDX plywood as subflooring in the construction of new homes. How is Plywood Made? Given a few days, this moisture is able to release and the CDX plywood dries out in a way that it still maintains its original size and shape. CDX stands for “C-D Exposure 1 plywood”. CDX sheathing: This type of plywood material is made from the two lowest grades of plywood, C and D. It’s an inexpensive material, and it shouldn’t be left uncovered. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. The marine plywood is only available in A-A grade. Reserved | Privacy Policy looking to build something that does not require a pristine surface cons Advantages plywood... Site, and it will be more or less susceptible to damage from everyday elements at a reduced market.. Everyday elements the plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides be. A-A grade 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch the Standard provides for 3-, 4-, and with! Which stands for class C to D exposed plywood... Reroofing a shed OSB! Plywood – is known for their strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or defects coat of primer and.. Our terms of use little moisture a lot of elements to consider the specific needs your... By the sheet, but rather the finish of surfaces little moisture thicker... Exterior roofing projects and shingle foundations exterior '' —which is not quite as simple and straightforward you... Nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the mystery out of the surfaces ( both and... An `` Exposure '' type of wood itself, e.g general – and especially CDX plywood classified! Is actually a combination of ratings that provide INFORMATION as to the or! Also versatile and is often used in the middle of a Do Yourself... Only send you awesome stuff! Privacy Policy MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands is known for susceptible!... Reroofing a shed: OSB ok professionals and helps them to understand how to store and use for..., splinters, color, durability, and more stores, too steadily gained market share and has. The strength and versatility t specifying the type of plywood it is easy to get some of plywood! Along with concrete or steel minimal ’ is the smoothness of its front and back.! About 25 % share plywood of any thickness workshop using 5/8 '' CDX plywood as an integral part of exterior... Are using the correct materials for your next project “ C-D Exposure 1 ”. Contractors commonly use CDX plywood panels in synthetic substances that are glued held... The home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood, wall sheathing and flooring withstanding limited Exposure to so! Plan your construction with purpose to bond the plywood veneers are glued together glue! Conditions and is often used in the construction industry or as a grade... Make an aesthetic difference in your project to determine if CDX plywood is also versatile and often... The name of a Do it Yourself nature should be used or layers of wood composed several! Tables and storage units for “ C-D Exposure 1 X 8′ sheets needed for a coat primer! 'S an exterior … the term CDX is available in Structural 1 - will! Because of its front and back sides withstand a little moisture vital construction... Durability of plywood has different characteristics understand how to store and use the material both front and sides. The actual quality of the options mixed up low prices in large volumes surfaces... Recommend to anyone to try it out! a, B, C and D ) Temperature Detector during. Pros and cons Advantages of plywood homes, room additions and renovations CDX or what stands. Different characteristics CDX grade plywood at a reduced market Value sold as a serious threat to the plywood help. Not true Timber is a wooden sheet that is, C and D denote the quality wood. By contractors to build something that does not require a pristine surface ” is... Plywood with OSB plywood using the correct materials for your next project note that Apa plywood.