CE · FSC · CARB P2 · ISO 9001:2015 · Factory Direct Since 2008

Exterior Plywood —
WBP Bonded, Export-Grade,
Factory Direct

Built around one failure mode: delamination after ocean transit and on-site weather exposure. WBP phenolic glue line, 8–12% moisture-controlled veneers, and edge sealing as standard — so your panels arrive flat and stay bonded through the job.

CE FSC CARB P2 ISO 9001:2015 Xuzhou, China
Exterior plywood panels with WBP phenolic glue line, stacked at QDPlywood factory in Xuzhou, China
Product Differentiation

What Separates Exterior Plywood from the Rest of the Commercial Range

Exterior plywood is defined by its glue line, not its face veneer. The critical specification is WBP — Weather and Boil Proof — phenolic resin bonding that holds under sustained moisture exposure, temperature cycling, and the mechanical stress of outdoor installation.

Interior Grade (UF Adhesive)

Urea-formaldehyde adhesive softens and fails when it gets wet. Not suitable for outdoor exposure, ocean transit, or weather cycling.

Exterior Grade (PF Resin)

Phenolic resin cures to a thermoset bond that doesn't reverse under heat or moisture. That distinction is the entire reason exterior plywood exists as a separate product category.

We produce exterior plywood with full WBP phenolic glue lines throughout — face-to-core and core-to-core bonds all use the same PF resin system. Some factories use phenolic only on the outer bond lines and UF on interior core bonds to cut resin cost. We don't do that, because the failure mode it creates — internal delamination that doesn't show on the surface until the panel is already installed — is exactly the kind of problem that generates warranty claims and damages your relationship with the contractor or distributor you sold to.

The Hidden Delamination Risk

Internal delamination from mixed glue systems doesn't show on the surface until the panel is already installed. The glue cost difference per panel is small; the downstream cost of a delamination claim is not.

The face veneer grade on exterior plywood is typically C/C or C/D for construction applications, and B/BB for applications where surface appearance matters alongside weather resistance. We can supply both configurations — the right choice depends on whether your buyer is covering the panel or leaving it exposed.

C/C or C/D Grade

Construction applications where the panel is covered — sheathing, hoarding, concrete formwork backup.

B/BB Grade

Appearance-grade exterior applications where the panel is left exposed — signage substrate, site hoardings, cladding backing.

Cross-section of exterior plywood showing full WBP phenolic glue line through all bond layers

Full Bond Line — No Shortcuts

  • Face-to-core bonds: WBP phenolic resin (PF)
  • Core-to-core bonds: Same PF resin system — not UF on interior layers
  • Thermoset cure: Bond does not reverse under heat or moisture
  • Edge sealing: Standard on export grade to prevent moisture ingress at cut edges
Product Data

Technical Specifications

Standard production values for our export-grade exterior plywood. Contact us for exact data sheets on specific thickness and grade combinations, or to confirm specifications for your project requirements.

Standard Production Specifications

Parameter Specification
Glue system WBP phenolic resin (PF) — full bond line, all layers
Standard face grade C/C C/D (construction) B/BB (appearance-grade exterior)
Standard thickness 9mm 12mm 15mm 18mm other thicknesses available on order
Thickness range 6mm – 25mm
Standard panel size 1220 × 2440mm (4' × 8')
Custom sizes Available on confirmed orders — no tooling surcharge
Veneer species Hardwood face (eucalyptus, poplar, or mixed hardwood); poplar or combi core
Core construction Odd-number ply, cross-grain layup
Moisture content 8–12% (export-controlled, pre-press verified)
Thickness tolerance ±0.2mm (calibrated sanding)
Formaldehyde emission E1 E0 available on request
Surface finish Sanded both sides (S2S); unsanded available on request
Edge treatment Sealed edges standard on export grade; square-cut available
Certification CARB P2 FSC® CE Marking on confirmed orders
MOQ 1 × 20ft container (mixed grades and thicknesses accepted)

Why Tolerance Matters

For buyers specifying to fabricators

A ±0.2mm thickness tolerance means your fabricator can set machinery once and run the full order without re-calibrating between sheets. Loose-tolerance panels (±0.5mm or worse) cause edge-banding gaps, CNC depth errors, and rework costs that erode your margin.

Moisture Content at Export

8–12% pre-press verified

Panels pressed at the correct moisture content bond more consistently and arrive dimensionally stable. High-moisture panels can warp in container transit — a common complaint with lower-cost supply chains that skip pre-press MC checks.

Custom Sizes — No Surcharge

On confirmed container orders

Non-standard panel dimensions (e.g. 1250 × 2500mm, 915 × 1830mm) are available on confirmed orders without a tooling surcharge. Useful for buyers supplying markets with non-imperial sheet standards or for reducing cut waste on specific applications.

Where It's Used

Applications

Exterior plywood's WBP bond and weather resistance make it the default choice across a wide range of construction, infrastructure, and industrial applications. Below are the most common end-uses our buyers specify it for.

Exterior plywood used as site hoarding panels on a construction project

Site Hoarding & Enclosures

Temporary perimeter barriers and site enclosures exposed to weather for months at a time. WBP bond prevents delamination; B/BB face grade suits printed or painted hoarding panels.

B/BB or C/C 12–18mm
Exterior plywood roof sheathing installed on timber frame structure

Roof Sheathing

Structural deck layer beneath roofing membranes or tiles. Exterior-grade bond is required because sheathing is exposed during construction and may experience condensation cycling in service.

C/D or C/C 12–18mm
Exterior plywood wall sheathing on timber frame building under construction

Wall Sheathing & Bracing

Structural bracing panel in timber-frame and light-gauge steel construction. Provides racking resistance and a substrate for cladding systems. Covered in service but exposed during build.

C/C or C/D 9–15mm
Exterior plywood panels used as concrete formwork on a construction site

Concrete Formwork Backup

Backing panel behind film-faced formwork, or direct-use formwork for lower-specification pours. WBP bond withstands repeated wet/dry cycles and concrete pressure without delaminating.

C/C 15–18mm
Exterior plywood used as outdoor signage substrate with printed graphics

Outdoor Signage Substrate

Rigid backing for printed or painted outdoor signs. B/BB face grade provides a smooth, consistent surface for direct printing or vinyl application without telegraphing core defects.

B/BB 9–12mm
Exterior plywood used for heavy-duty export crating and industrial packaging

Export Crating & Industrial Packaging

Heavy-duty crates and packaging for machinery, equipment, and goods shipped by sea. WBP bond handles port humidity and container condensation without structural failure.

C/C or C/D 9–18mm

Not sure which grade fits your application? The short answer: if the panel is covered in service, C/C or C/D is the cost-efficient choice. If it's exposed or painted, specify B/BB. For structural applications, confirm the required panel thickness with your engineer — we can supply data sheets to support specification.

Talk to our team about your application
Supply Chain

Sourcing & Quality Control

The difference between exterior plywood that performs and exterior plywood that fails in the field usually comes down to what happens before the panel ships — not the grade stamp on the face.

1

Veneer Moisture Verification

Each veneer batch is moisture-tested before pressing. Veneers outside the 8–12% target range are held back — not pressed and corrected after the fact. This is the single most important step for bond integrity and dimensional stability in transit.

2

Glue Line Inspection

Panels are cross-cut and inspected for glue line continuity and void presence. Any batch showing incomplete bond coverage or core voids beyond grade tolerance is rejected before packing.

3

Calibrated Thickness Sanding

Panels are sanded to a calibrated thickness tolerance of ±0.2mm. Thickness is verified with digital gauges at multiple points across the panel — not just at the centre.

4

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Third-party pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is available on request. We work with SGS, Bureau Veritas, and equivalent inspection bodies. PSI reports cover grade conformance, moisture content, dimensions, and packing condition.

5

Export Packing & Container Loading

Panels are packed in moisture-resistant kraft paper wrapping with timber dunnage to prevent movement in container. Desiccant bags are included as standard on ocean freight shipments to manage container humidity during transit.

What to Ask Any Exterior Plywood Supplier

These questions separate suppliers who understand exterior plywood from those who are simply reselling commodity panels with a WBP label.

  • Is the WBP bond applied to all layers, or only face-to-core? Some manufacturers use UF resin on interior core bonds and only apply PF resin at the face layers.
  • What is the pre-press moisture content target? If they can't answer this, the MC is not being controlled.
  • What is the thickness tolerance? ±0.2mm is achievable with calibrated sanding. ±0.5mm or "approximately" is a red flag.
  • Can you provide a mill test report or third-party inspection report? Legitimate manufacturers can supply these on request.
  • How are panels packed for ocean freight? Kraft wrap, dunnage, and desiccant are standard practice — not optional extras.

Request a Mill Test Report

We provide mill test reports and third-party inspection documentation on confirmed orders. If you're evaluating us against another supplier, we're happy to provide sample documentation so you can compare what's actually being tested and reported.

Request documentation
Procurement

Buying Guide

A practical reference for importers, distributors, and procurement teams buying exterior plywood at container volume. Covers the decisions that affect landed cost, quality consistency, and downstream performance.

Grade Selection

Match the grade to the exposure and finish requirement — not the lowest available price point. Over-specifying costs money; under-specifying costs more when panels fail in service.

  • B/BB: exposed faces, painted or clear-coated, architectural and marine applications
  • C/C: structural and industrial use where appearance is not a factor
  • C/D: concealed applications — sheathing, crating, packaging

Thickness & Construction

Specify the number of plies alongside thickness. Two panels can share the same nominal thickness but differ significantly in stiffness and load capacity depending on ply count and core species.

  • 9mm / 5-ply: light cladding, packaging, general utility
  • 12mm / 7-ply: structural sheathing, formwork, flooring substrate
  • 18mm / 9-ply: heavy-duty flooring, crating, load-bearing panels

Volume & Lead Time

Container-load orders (typically 20–22 CBM per 20ft container) offer the best landed cost per panel. Split-grade containers are possible but add complexity to packing and documentation.

  • Standard production lead time: 15–25 days from order confirmation
  • Ocean transit to major ports: 18–35 days depending on destination
  • PSI and documentation add 3–5 days — plan accordingly

Order Specification Checklist

Include these details in every RFQ to avoid back-and-forth and ensure the quote reflects exactly what you need.

Face and back grade (e.g. B/BB, C/C)
Nominal thickness and ply count
Panel dimensions (standard 1220×2440mm or custom)
Face veneer species
Glue type confirmation (WBP / phenolic)
Required certifications (FSC, CARB, CE)
Destination port and Incoterms
PSI requirement (yes / no)
Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

Certification requirements vary by destination market and end use. Here's what's relevant for exterior plywood and what each certification actually means in practice.

FSC Certified

Forest Stewardship Council certification confirms the timber supply chain meets responsible forestry standards. Required by many European and North American buyers, and increasingly specified in public procurement.

Available on request — confirm at order stage

CARB P2 Compliant

California Air Resources Board Phase 2 sets formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products sold into the US market. Mandatory for panels entering California; widely adopted as a baseline across the US.

Standard on US-destined orders

CE Marking / EN 636

EN 636-3 is the European standard for plywood for use in exterior conditions. CE marking under this standard is required for structural applications in EU construction projects and confirms the panel meets defined mechanical and bond performance criteria.

Available for EU structural supply

E1 / E0 Emission Class

European formaldehyde emission classes. E1 (≤0.1 ppm) is the standard threshold for interior-safe panels; E0 (≤0.05 ppm) is the stricter class increasingly required in residential and healthcare applications.

E1 standard; E0 available on request

ISPM 15 Packing

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 governs wood packaging material used in international trade. All timber dunnage and packing used in our shipments is ISPM 15 compliant — heat-treated and marked accordingly.

Standard on all export shipments

Need a Specific Certificate?

If your market or project requires documentation not listed here — phytosanitary certificates, fumigation records, country-of-origin declarations, or custom test reports — contact us before placing your order so we can confirm availability.

Discuss your requirements
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from importers, distributors, and project buyers evaluating exterior plywood.

What is the difference between WBP and MR glue in plywood?
WBP (Weather and Boil Proof) adhesive — typically phenol-formaldehyde resin — maintains its bond when subjected to prolonged moisture exposure and boiling water tests. MR (Moisture Resistant) adhesive — typically urea-formaldehyde — resists brief moisture exposure but will delaminate under sustained wet conditions. Exterior plywood must use WBP adhesive throughout all bond lines, not just at the face layers.
Can exterior plywood be left permanently exposed without any surface treatment?
The bond will survive, but the face veneer will not. Without a surface coating — paint, oil, or UV-stable sealant — the face veneer will grey, check, and eventually erode from UV exposure and wet-dry cycling. WBP bond protects the structural integrity of the panel; surface treatment protects the face veneer. Both are needed for long-term exterior performance.
What species is typically used for exterior plywood face veneers?
Okoume, Bintangor, and Eucalyptus are the most common face veneer species in commercial exterior plywood. Okoume offers a clean, paintable surface with consistent grain. Bintangor is denser and more durable, suited to applications where the face will be exposed to abrasion. Eucalyptus is used in structural grades where face appearance is secondary to strength. The core species is typically poplar or hardwood depending on the required panel weight and stiffness.
Is exterior plywood the same as marine plywood?
No. Both use WBP adhesive, but marine plywood is manufactured to a stricter standard — BS 1088 or equivalent — that prohibits core voids, requires specific face veneer species, and mandates tighter thickness tolerances. Marine plywood is designed for continuous immersion and structural use in boat building. Exterior plywood is designed for weather exposure in construction and industrial applications. Marine grade costs significantly more and is not necessary for most exterior construction uses.
What is the minimum order quantity for exterior plywood?
Our standard minimum is one full container load (FCL), which typically holds 600–750 sheets of 18mm panels or 900–1,100 sheets of 12mm panels depending on dimensions. For buyers consolidating multiple SKUs, we can arrange LCL (less than container load) shipments, though the per-panel landed cost will be higher. Contact us to discuss your volume and we'll advise on the most cost-effective shipping arrangement.
How do I verify that a supplier's WBP claim is genuine?
Request a mill test report showing the adhesive type used across all bond lines — not just the face-to-core bond. Ask for the boil test results (EN 314-2 Class 3 or equivalent). If the supplier cannot provide test documentation, the WBP claim is unverified. A third-party pre-shipment inspection that includes glue line testing is the most reliable way to confirm bond quality before the container ships.
Get a Quote

Ready to Source Exterior Plywood?

Tell us your specification — thickness, grade, dimensions, and destination port — and we'll come back with pricing, lead times, and available certifications within one business day.

Process Control

How We Control the Variables That Cause Exterior Plywood to Fail in the Field

The two most common failure modes in exterior plywood — delamination and warping — both trace back to the same root cause: moisture content that's wrong at the time of pressing. Hitting the target window consistently requires a controlled drying process, not just a moisture meter at the end.

01

Veneer Drying & Pre-Press Moisture Verification

Incoming veneers are sorted by species and initial moisture content, then dried to target range in our roller dryer system. Before veneers go to the glue spreader, moisture content is spot-checked across the batch.

Target: 6–10% veneer MC Final panel: 8–12% MC
02

Hot Press Parameters for Phenolic Resin Cure

PF resin requires more heat to fully cross-link than UF-bonded panels. Our multi-daylight hydraulic presses run at higher temperature with press times calibrated to panel thickness. Press parameters are logged per batch — if a bonding question comes up downstream, we can pull the production record and confirm the cure conditions.

130–145°C press temperature Per-batch press logs
03

Post-Press Delamination Check

Every panel goes through a delamination check before it reaches the sanding line. We tap-test panels and check for blistering — any panel that shows a hollow sound or surface irregularity is pulled and inspected.

Reject rate: ~1–2% of production. A factory with zero rejects at this stage is either not checking or not being honest about it.

04

Edge Sealing on All Export-Grade Panels

Panel edges are the most vulnerable point for moisture ingress during ocean transit — the cross-grain veneer ends are exposed, and without sealing, they'll absorb moisture from container humidity and start to swell. We apply a water-based edge sealant on all four edges as standard for export orders.

All 4 edges sealed Standard on export orders
Veneer drying and moisture verification process at QDPlywood factory

Why the Moisture Window Is Narrow

Too wet at pressing

Steam generated during pressing creates internal pressure that weakens the bond line — leading to delamination.

Too dry at pressing

Resin doesn't flow and wet-out properly across the veneer surface, leaving dry spots that become delamination initiation points.

Our target: 6–10% veneer MC

Accounts for moisture uptake from the glue spread and delivers the 8–12% final panel moisture needed for export stability.

Field Lesson: Middle East Surface Checking

We tightened this process after seeing a batch of panels develop surface checking on arrival in the Middle East. The veneers had been dried correctly, but the glue spread added more moisture than we'd accounted for in the drying target. We adjusted the drying target to compensate — the problem went away.

Market Segments

Construction and Building Markets: Where Exterior Plywood Moves Volume

Exterior plywood serves distinct buyer segments across construction, prefab, and specialty manufacturing — each with different spec requirements, order patterns, and margin profiles. Understanding which segment you're supplying into determines how you position the product.

Exterior plywood structural sheathing on commercial construction site
Highest Volume Anchor Product

Structural Sheathing & Hoarding Supply

Construction contractors buy sheathing in large quantities per project — a mid-size commercial building project might consume 2,000–5,000 sheets of 12mm or 15mm exterior plywood for wall sheathing, roof decking, and site hoarding.

Order pattern: Project-driven repeat orders. Lower margin per sheet than specialty products, but high turnover and predictable reorder cycles.

Exterior plywood used as concrete formwork backup panels
WBP Bond Critical Premium Tolerance

Concrete Formwork Backup & Site Hoarding

Formwork backup panels take repeated concrete pours and need to hold their dimensions under wet conditions. Buyers in this segment are often willing to pay a small premium for confirmed phenolic bonding over generic "exterior grade" claims.

Site hoarding note: Typically C/D grade, single-use or low-reuse, price-sensitive — landed cost efficiency matters most here.

Prefabricated wall panel components using exterior plywood
Growing Segment Tight Tolerances

Prefabricated Building Components

Wall panels, floor cassettes, and roof panels. Prefab manufacturers typically buy in consistent large volumes (500–2,000 sheets per production run) with tight dimensional tolerances — their cutting and assembly equipment is calibrated to specific panel dimensions.

Tolerance note: Thickness variation above ±0.5mm causes feed errors on automated panel saws. Our calibrated sanding holds ±0.2mm.

Exterior plywood substrate for outdoor furniture and landscape structures
FSC Required Higher Margin

Outdoor Furniture & Landscape Structures

Used as substrate for painted or coated outdoor furniture, pergola components, and garden structures. Typically wants B/BB face grade for a cleaner surface under paint, and often specifies FSC certification for sustainability-conscious retail channels.

Order volumes: 200–500 sheets per run. Smaller than construction sheathing, but higher margin per sheet. FSC requirement filters out lower-quality suppliers.

Exterior plywood as substrate for outdoor signage and display
Niche / Consistent B/BB Face Grade

Signage & Display Substrate

Exterior-grade plywood used as the substrate for painted and printed outdoor signage, where the panel needs to hold its flatness and surface integrity through weather exposure. Buyers want consistent face veneer quality and confirmed WBP bonding.

Fit for distributors: Modest order volumes but clear specification requirements — a good fit for serving multiple market segments from a single SKU.

Segment Quick Reference

Structural sheathing 2,000–5,000 sheets/project
Prefab components 500–2,000 sheets/run
Outdoor furniture 200–500 sheets/run
Signage substrate Modest, consistent

Prefab segment has grown significantly in Australian and European markets. Worth building relationships with prefab component manufacturers if you're in those markets.

Exterior Plywood as a Distribution Anchor

If you're supplying into the construction distribution channel, exterior plywood is a volume anchor product — lower margin per sheet than specialty products, but high turnover and predictable reorder cycles. Contractors who find a reliable supplier at the right price point tend to stay with them across multiple projects.

The repeat order pattern is project-driven. The key to holding that relationship is consistent panel quality and reliable delivery — not just the lowest landed cost on the first order.

Construction Channel

High volume, lower margin per sheet. Anchor product for distributor portfolios.

Specialty Channels

FSC, B/BB face grade, and WBP confirmation filter out lower-quality competition and support higher margin per sheet.

Quality Verification

Glue Line Verification: What "WBP" Actually Means on Our Production Floor

The WBP claim is only as good as the test behind it. Here's exactly how we verify bond integrity — and how buyers can independently confirm it.

The Boil Test: Industry Standard for WBP Verification

The standard test for WBP bonding is the boil test — panels are submerged in boiling water for a defined period (typically 4 hours for the full WBP test, or a shorter cycle for the V313 wet test used in European standards), then inspected for delamination. A panel that passes this test has a bond line that will hold under the sustained moisture exposure of outdoor use.

We run boil tests on samples from every production batch of exterior plywood. The test is done in-house as part of our outgoing QC process, and we retain test records by batch number.

Boil Test Parameters

Full WBP Test: 4-hour submersion in boiling water, inspected for delamination
V313 Wet Test (EN standard): Shorter cycle used for European standard compliance verification
Batch Records: Test records retained by batch number, available on request

Third-Party Inspection

For buyers who require third-party verification, we work with SGS and Bureau Veritas. Pre-shipment inspection can be arranged through your preferred agency — we coordinate access to the production facility and test samples.

WBP boil test process for exterior plywood glue line verification

Certification Coverage by Market

Our exterior plywood certification stack is structured to cover the major import markets. Each certification addresses a specific compliance requirement your buyers will ask about.

CE Marking — EN 636-3 Europe

Covers European construction market requirements. EN 636-3 is the classification your European construction buyers need to specify the product in building projects subject to CE marking requirements.

FSC Chain-of-Custody Global

Covers buyers with sustainability sourcing policies or who are supplying into markets where FSC-certified materials are specified.

CARB P2 USA

Covers formaldehyde emission requirements for the US market, including California compliance requirements for retailers and distributors.

Custom Orders

Customization: What We Can Adjust and What Affects Your MOQ

Standard exterior plywood runs in 1220×2440mm panels at the thicknesses listed in the spec table above. Here's what we can adjust on confirmed orders — and where MOQ thresholds apply.

Thickness

Any thickness from 6mm to 25mm in 1mm increments. Non-standard thicknesses (e.g., 17mm, 19mm) require a minimum order of 1 × 20GP container to justify production scheduling.

Standard thicknesses 9, 12, 15, 18mm
Non-standard thicknesses Min. 1 × 20GP
Range 6mm – 25mm

Panel Dimensions

Custom sizes are available — we cut to size on precision saws, so custom dimensions are a scheduling question, not a tooling question. Minimum order for custom dimensions is typically 1 container.

1220×2135mm — 7-foot panel markets
1250×2500mm — European metric sizing
915×1830mm — 3'×6' for specific applications

Face Veneer Species

Standard production uses eucalyptus or poplar face veneers. Hardwood face veneers are available for appearance-grade exterior applications — these carry a price premium and require advance material sourcing.

Standard Eucalyptus / Poplar
Hardwood options Okoume / Bintangor / Meranti
Confirm species availability when inquiring — longer lead time applies

Formaldehyde Specification

Standard production is E1. CARB P2 is available as a specified option — it requires the CARB P2 resin system and adds to the unit cost, but opens the US market.

Standard E1
US market option CARB P2
Specify CARB P2 at the inquiry stage — resin system change affects unit cost

OEM Marking & Packaging

Custom bundle marking, private label stamps, and specific packaging configurations are available. Most buyers in the distribution channel want their own brand or product code on the bundle.

Custom bundle marking
Private label stamps
Specific packaging configurations — handled as standard for confirmed accounts

Ready to Specify?

Send us your thickness, dimensions, face veneer species, formaldehyde spec, and any OEM marking requirements. We'll return a detailed quote with lead time and container loading figures.

Send Specification Requirements

MOQ Summary: Standard vs. Custom

Parameter Standard Option Custom Option MOQ Impact
Thickness 9, 12, 15, 18mm Any 6–25mm in 1mm steps Min. 1 × 20GP for non-standard
Panel Dimensions 1220×2440mm Custom cut sizes Typically 1 container
Face Veneer Eucalyptus / Poplar Okoume, Bintangor, Meranti Price premium + longer lead time
Formaldehyde E1 CARB P2 Unit cost increase
OEM Marking Standard bundle marking Private label / custom code Standard for confirmed accounts
Export Logistics

Container Loading and Export Logistics

Standard 1220×2440mm exterior plywood loads as follows. Loading quantities vary with panel dimensions and stacking configuration — we provide a loading plan with each shipment.

Container Thickness Approx. Sheet Count Approx. Volume
20GP 12mm 800–900 sheets ~14–16 m³
40HQ 12mm 1,800–2,000 sheets ~30–34 m³
20GP 18mm 550–620 sheets ~14–16 m³
40HQ 18mm 1,200–1,400 sheets ~30–34 m³

Packing Standards

Panels are bundled in packs of 50–100 sheets depending on thickness, strapped with steel banding, corner-protected, and wrapped in moisture-resistant film.

  • Each bundle marked with species, grade, thickness, panel size, batch number, and destination port
  • Steel banding with corner protection on every bundle
  • Moisture-resistant film wrap as standard
  • Edge-sealed panels packed with sealed edges protected from abrasion during loading

Export Documentation

Prepared to market standard. We've been through enough customs cycles in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia to know what documentation gaps cause delays — the paperwork is prepared to avoid them, not to satisfy a checklist.

  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Bill of lading and certificate of origin
  • Phytosanitary certificate where required by destination country
  • CE declaration, FSC certificate, CARB documentation as applicable to your market
  • US-bound shipments: CARB documentation package prepared as standard

Port Connections & Transit Times

Xuzhou connects to Qingdao, Shanghai, and Lianyungang ports

18–22
days
US West Coast
28–35
days
US East Coast
25–30
days
Rotterdam
18–22
days
Dubai
20–25
days
Sydney
Grade Selection Guide

Exterior vs. Marine vs. Moisture-Resistant: Choosing the Right Grade

These three product types are frequently confused, and the confusion costs buyers money — either by over-specifying (paying for marine grade when exterior grade is sufficient) or under-specifying (using moisture-resistant interior grade in an application that needs full WBP bonding).

Exterior Plywood

CE EN 636-3 Classification

WBP phenolic glue line, designed for sustained outdoor exposure and weather cycling. The right choice for construction sheathing, site hoarding, outdoor furniture substrate, and any application where the panel will be exposed to rain, humidity, or temperature cycling.

Full WBP phenolic bonding
Sustained outdoor exposure
Rain, humidity, temperature cycling
Construction sheathing, site hoarding, outdoor furniture substrate
Price Position Mid-range

Marine Plywood

Stricter Veneer Requirements

Also WBP bonded, but with stricter veneer quality requirements — no core gaps, no knots, face grade B/BB or better throughout. Specified where the panel needs to hold its integrity under prolonged immersion or in structural marine applications.

WBP bonded — same glue chemistry as exterior
No core gaps, no knots throughout
Face grade B/BB or better
Boat hulls, dock structures, prolonged immersion
Price Position Premium
View Marine Plywood

Moisture-Resistant Plywood

MR (UF) Adhesive

Uses MR (moisture-resistant) UF adhesive rather than full WBP phenolic. Suitable for humid interior environments — kitchens, bathrooms, covered outdoor areas with limited direct weather exposure. Not suitable for sustained outdoor exposure or direct rain contact.

MR UF adhesive — not full WBP
Humid interior environments: kitchens, bathrooms
Covered outdoor areas with limited direct weather exposure
Not for sustained outdoor exposure or direct rain contact
Price Position Economy
View Moisture-Resistant Plywood

Building a Multi-Segment Product Line?

If you're building a product line that covers multiple market segments, stocking both exterior and moisture-resistant grades gives you coverage from construction sheathing down to interior humid-area applications without paying for marine grade across the board.

Marine grade costs more than exterior grade because the veneer selection is tighter. If your buyer is building boat hulls or dock structures, marine grade is the right spec. If they're building site hoarding or roof sheathing, exterior grade is sufficient and more cost-effective.

Construction & Site Work
Exterior grade — sufficient and cost-effective for sheathing, hoarding, and weather-exposed substrates
Marine & Dock Structures
Marine grade — tighter veneer spec required for prolonged immersion and structural marine applications
Interior Humid Areas
Moisture-resistant grade — lower price point for kitchens, bathrooms, and covered areas without direct rain exposure
Side-by-side comparison of exterior, marine, and moisture-resistant plywood panels showing veneer quality and glue line differences
Procurement FAQ

Common Questions from Buyers

Answers to the questions importers and distributors ask most often before placing a first container order.

Standard MOQ is 1 × 20GP container for standard thickness and size combinations. For non-standard dimensions or thicknesses, MOQ is also 1 × 20GP. Sample orders (5–10 sheets) are available for new buyers who need to test the product with their customers before committing to a container order — contact us to arrange.

Our exterior plywood uses WBP phenolic resin (PF) throughout all bond lines, meeting the boil test requirements of EN 314-2 Class 3 (the European WBP standard) and equivalent standards. We run boil tests on production samples from each batch and retain records by batch number. Third-party pre-shipment inspection through SGS or Bureau Veritas can be arranged on request — we coordinate access and provide test samples to the inspector.

C/C

Both faces are C grade — knots, patches, and minor surface defects are permitted but the panel is structurally sound. Suitable for applications where both faces may be visible or where a consistent appearance matters.

C/D

One face is C grade, the back face is D grade — more defects permitted on the D face. Fine for applications where the back face is concealed (sheathing, hoarding, substrate). C/D is the more common and cost-effective choice for construction applications.

If your buyer needs a cleaner surface for painting or coating, specify B/BB.

Yes. Our CE-marked exterior plywood is classified EN 636-3, which is the classification for plywood intended for use in exterior conditions under the European Construction Products Regulation. The CE declaration of conformity is included with EU-bound shipments. If your buyer's project specification requires EN 636-3 documentation, we can provide the declaration and test reports.

Yes. We hold FSC chain-of-custody certification, so we can supply FSC-certified exterior plywood with the FSC certificate and chain-of-custody documentation. FSC-certified orders require advance notice so we can confirm FSC-certified material availability — specify this requirement at the inquiry stage. There is typically a small price premium for FSC-certified material.

Production
15–20 working days
from order confirmation + deposit
Ocean Transit
18–35 days
depending on destination port

Non-standard dimensions, thicknesses, or face veneer species may require additional lead time for material sourcing — confirm at the inquiry stage.

Get a Quote

Get a Quote for Exterior Plywood

Send us your thickness, grade, panel size, volume, destination market, and any certification requirements (CE, FSC, CARB P2). We'll come back with a detailed FOB quote, the relevant certification documentation for your import requirements, and a loading plan showing container utilization for your order volume.

Most new buyers in this category start with a sample order to test the product with their own customers before committing to a container. We can ship samples — contact us to arrange.

Include in your inquiry
  • Thickness and panel size required
  • Face grade (C/C, C/D, B/BB, or other)
  • Order volume (CBM or sheet count)
  • Destination port and country
  • Certification requirements: CE, FSC, CARB P2
Exterior plywood stacked in factory ready for export — QDPlywood.com
Xuzhou QD Wood Industry Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer since 2008 · CE · FSC · CARB P2