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How to Identify Different Types of Plywood for Crafts and Gifts

2025-09-08

🔎 What is Plywood?

Plywood is an engineered wood made by gluing thin layers of veneer together, with each layer placed at right angles to the next. This cross-grain structure gives it strength, stability, and resistance to warping. That’s why plywood is widely used in furniture, decoration, and craft products.


📌 Common Types of Plywood

Plywood is often identified by the outer veneer — whatever veneer is on the surface usually defines the type:

  • Birch Plywood – Smooth surface, strong, fine texture. Premium quality, ideal for crafts and fine woodworking.

  • Basswood Plywood – Lightweight, pale and clean surface. Excellent for laser cutting, engraving, and delicate projects.

  • Poplar Plywood – Affordable, but rougher surface and pale color. Less suitable for high-end crafts.

  • Paulownia Plywood – Very light and cheap, but coarse and less durable.


💰 Price vs. Quality

  • Birch & Basswood → Higher price, better density and finish, perfect for crafts.

  • Poplar & Paulownia → Cheaper, but rougher appearance, not ideal for souvenirs or decorative gifts.


🏭 Our Material Standards

At Ocean Souvenir Gift, we only use birch and basswood plywood.
✔️ Stable and smooth
✔️ Perfect for laser cutting & engraving
✔️ Best choice for quality souvenirs and gifts

We avoid cheaper options like poplar or paulownia — because fine gifts deserve fine materials.


❓ FAQ: Choosing the Right Plywood for Crafts

Q1: Which plywood is best for laser cutting?
👉 Birch and basswood. Smooth, stable, precise engraving.

Q2: Why not poplar or paulownia?
👉 Rougher, paler, less durable — not ideal for quality crafts.

Q3: Does the veneer define the plywood type?
👉 Yes, the top veneer usually defines the name: birch veneer = birch plywood.

Q4: What plywood do we use?
👉 Only birch or basswood — the premium options for souvenirs & gifts.