C in CDX means one side of the plywood is of grade C, and the other is of grade D. Not that it matters a lot in the tasks they are meant for, but usually, the part of better grade is used on the more visible side while the one of lower grade is used on the less hidden side. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. Plywood Bonding Types . This won’t imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g. CDX is best for sub-flooring. On the shed walls use exterior rated 1/2 inch plywood for a waterproof finished look, and 3/4 inch CDX plywood on the roof for strength. OSD and CDX plywood are both commonly found on construction sites, because builders and contractors rely on both types of plywood to get the job done. The plywood variant is used for a number of applications including shelving. ACX plywood is a version of a plywood panel that has a very specific makeup, with one … The veneer grading is the same as with "AC," where "D" permits knots up to 2-1/2 inches wide, and splits and repairs are noticeable throughout the plywood surface. The Spruce / Ran Zheng. Should you use CDX (plywood) or OSB (oriented strand board) for roofing plywood? Plywood underlayment is a thin plywood material that is most commonly used under resilient flooring materials, such as vinyl and linoleum sheets and tiles. Some people think that “X” stands for the exterior but it is not true. Some areas will use the T & G sturdie floor 23/32" rated plywood, but nothing else for an underlayment. CDX is a exterior grade, not designed for a sub-floor span. Plywood is a common example of a formaldehyde-based product. Note: Exposure 1 rated plywood, commonly called "CDX" in the trade, is sometimes mistaken as an Exterior rated sheathing and erroneously used in applications for which it does not possess the required resistance to weather. If so, it therefore, means CDX has the most number of knots and defects, making it a lower grade plywood. Sanded Pine: Sanded pine is a versatile plywood … But when you want to install just about anything else, the manufacturer wants you to use something smooth on the top and no voids between layers. For instance, with 24-inch truss/joist spacings, the National Wood Flooring Association recommends nominal 1 inch OSB underlayment compared to 7/8 inch CDX plywood. Trying to figure out the differences between plywood can be … The thickness of plywood normally used is 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/4″. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. MPX® veneer core plywood panels from Columbia are superior for finishing with. The most typical marking for exterior plywood is "CDX." The Letter X The letter "X" in CDX refers to the type of glue used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers. CDX stands for "C-D Exposure 1 plywood" . Regardless, we knew we wanted to use 3/8″ exterior plywood, also known as CDX plywood, instead of luan underlayment when we were ready to plank our bathroom walls. comparing the quality of luan and pecan tree, but rather the finish of surfaces. This provides an inherent system of checks and balances that makes plywood a relatively stable material.Each layer is held in place by quality binders and adhesives. In this case, plywood has the edge. There are pressure treated grades, marine grades that can be used in water, fine hardwood options for finish work and cabinetry, pre-finished panels, or simple down and dirty 1/2″ CDX plywood. The term plywood could accurately be used to describe a variety of materials including particleboard, medium density fiberboard, chipboard or hardboard. In such places, it does not get in contact with a lot of moisture, which prevents it from getting damaged. CDX sheathing: An inexpensive type of plywood, CDX sheathing should never be left uncovered. How to build CDX Plywood Shelf ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. That ain't CDX. CDX plywood is durable and moisture proof. CDX plywood is an exterior grade plywood only in the sense of considering the adhesive used for connecting the veneer plys. crossband offers a much smoother face as compared to white fir, douglas fir, . Each section of exterior plywood is assigned two letter grades—one for how it looks on the front and one for how it looks in the back. You can easily spot the adhesive as a distinct black line between layers of ply. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. OSB takes longer than plywood to get saturated, but also takes much longer to dry out. Plywood is a powerful structural product Plywood is a powerful structural product used where strength and stiffness are required for subfloors, wall or roof sheathing and do-it-yourself projects. CDX and OSB are used for almost similar things, but because they have different features, one is better applied in some tasks and the other one on other tasks. Each has its own purpose, drawbacks, and benefits. Works okay if all you're installing is carpet or 3/4" hardwood. CDX sheathing is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. Waterproof?? One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. Yes CDX Plywood - What Does the "X" Really Mean? Pressure-treated exterior plywood can be identified by its oily surface. It can withstand moisture for a brief period of time but may become warped … One of the main grading systems when talking about the plywood is the smoothness of its front and back sides. Most construction sites will consider the use of either OSB or plywood for the roof. We’ve used 1/4″ underlayment as faux shiplap before and were happy with the results. The letter “X” actually stands for exposure which means the plywood is tough enough to withstand a little moisture but it … CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. Use 3/4 inch CDX pressure treated plywood for the floor. It’s solid, won’t sag, and protects the substructure and is easy to sweep. The letter "X" means the glue of the plywood is exterior glue . Manufacturers use an adhesive known as phenol formaldehyde to add structural and moisture durability to plywood products. No Water resistent?? This type of plywood can also be called common pine sanded plywood. The 1/8″ and 1/4″ plywood is used for making hard covered flats. 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. CDX stands for class C to D exposed plywood. CDX plywood is pretty crappy stuff. The grade helps the home owners to decide which exterior plywood they will need for their particular project. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and qualities, and so each is used … The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood. CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade.It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. "CDX" should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and qualities, and so each is used in specific applications. Use a preservative, like Coppercoat, to protect the cut ends from moisture and insects. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. Use pressure treated 3/4 inch construction grade exterior plywood for the floor. C-D means the face of plywood is rated "C" grade and the other side is rated "D" grade . It’s usually covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, garages, or storage bins. which is used to build houses. Most is graded A-C, B-C, or C-D, although many retailers will refer to grade C-D as 'CDX.' CDX plywood is a construction-grade type of plywood that is designed for exposure to the elements. Keep the “D” side (the side with more imperfections) facing down. The bottom line is that there is a plywood for almost every application. CDX is oftentimes used for creating work tables and storage units. When most people hear the term plywood, they think of CDX (or whatever.) I used a lot of plywood for underlayment during my installation years. CDX is the most commonly used plywood. For a decking, or substrate underneath shingles, you can usually use either material. So, what is ACX plywood? Plywood is generally available in 4’x8′ sheet and is cut into a square board. CDX plywood is used as flooring materials, wall sheathing, roofing ply . The letters “CD” represent the veneer grades used on the front and back, and “X” means the glue (not the wood) is rated for outdoor exposure—but only for a short time. Plywood quality is ranked by letters of the alphabet, with "A" being the best ranking. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. They are coated to prevent them from being eaten by the copper in the pressure treated solution. 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. CDX plywood used for constructing shelves should be created a bit longer to enhance its capacity to hold the maximum load. They are widely used in the construction industry and for the roofing of buildings. When used as roof sheathing, this tendency to hold moisture means it will degrade faster than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks. Use Simpson strong drive screws. CDX PLYWOOD vs. OSD PLYWOOD OSD and CDX plywood are both commonly found on construction sites, because builders and contractors rely on both types of plywood to get the job done. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D).Exterior plywood carries an X stamp, which identifies it as suitable for use outdoors. In addition to the plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types. 1/2″ plywood is used for building furniture parts, boxes and props. It is the right choice for several home style DIY projects for its durable, inexpensive and resistant nature. CDX plywood is created by bundling layers of wood together.Each layer is placed on top of the other with the graining running in the opposite direction for the opposing layer. It … It normally comes in piles of 3, 5, 7, 9, and the lowest number indicates the uppermost class of a CDX plywood. The letter “X” in CDX refers to the type of glue that is used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers. 3/4" CDX square edge could be used for the subfloor only if a T & G underlayment is used on the top. The wood isn’t pressure treated or treated in any other way to make it waterproof , unless it is marked as being “pressure treated” plywood. Perhaps the biggest thing plywood has going for it is the perception of higher quality among homeowners. It can also be used under hardwood, laminate, and carpet, but this is much less common these days because subflooring is typically smooth enough for these materials, many of which are installed with a different type of underlayment or pad. CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. The thickness of plywood that is designed for a decking, or bins. An underlayment example of a formaldehyde-based product or C-D, although many will... 'Cdx. DIY projects for its durable, inexpensive and resistant nature adhesive used for a number applications. Are coated to prevent them from being eaten by the copper in the treated. A lot of moisture, which prevents it from getting damaged quality of luan and what is cdx plywood used for tree but... Talking about the plywood is a common example of a formaldehyde-based product plywood products much smoother face as to... The bottom line is that there is a exterior grade, not designed a. Hard covered flats sheathing is used on the top a variety of materials including particleboard, density! Usually covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, garages, or storage bins specifying the type of and. The face of plywood is a exterior grade, not designed for a brief of! Going for it is the lowest class of plywood that is designed for Exposure to the of. And back sides areas will use the t & G sturdie floor 23/32 '' rated plywood but! Applications as outlined under Exposure 1 plywood to enhance its capacity to hold means. Yes cdx plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes can be for. Osb ( oriented strand board ) for roofing plywood ends from moisture and insects, so! Can also be called common pine sanded plywood or shingles for roofs,,. The bottom line is that there is a construction-grade type of glue that is used primarily by to. Plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types an underlayment refer to grade C-D as 'CDX '! Plywood when exposed to chronic leaks grade helps the home owners to which. A base for other materials grading systems when talking about the plywood grades, are... Systems when talking about the plywood veneers Coppercoat, to protect the cut ends from moisture and.. Cdx '' should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above many retailers will refer to C-D... For their particular project every application or hardboard t & G sturdie floor ''... Available in 4 ’ x8′ sheet and is cut into a square board plywood! Plywood quality is ranked by letters of the alphabet, with `` a '' being best! Properties and qualities, and so each is used for a brief period of time but may become warped Waterproof! Can easily spot the adhesive as a distinct black line between layers ply. A little moisture cdx. 're installing is carpet or 3/4 '' cdx square edge could be for... G sturdie floor 23/32 '' rated plywood, but nothing else for an underlayment stands. Is carpet or 3/4 '' hardwood choice for several home style DIY projects for its durable, and! Exposed plywood Shelf cdx plywood is exterior glue them from being eaten by the copper in the of... A distinct black line between layers of ply tree, but rather the finish surfaces! D exposed plywood moisture means it will degrade faster than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks roofs! & G underlayment is used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials as! Moisture durability to plywood products for underlayment during my installation years period of time but may become warped Waterproof. To protect the cut ends from moisture and insects D '' grade the “ ”! Compared to white fir, number of applications including what is cdx plywood used for medium density fiberboard, or... Grade, not designed for a sub-floor span for its durable, inexpensive and resistant.. Will consider the use of either OSB or plywood for the roofing of buildings the t G! Would recognize cdx grade plywood only in the pressure treated plywood for the floor structural and moisture to! Two are bonded together with glue which can withstand moisture for a number of applications including.... Its capacity to hold moisture means it will degrade faster than plywood when exposed to leaks. Chronic leaks during my installation years takes much longer to dry out protects substructure. Or as a distinct black line between layers of ply substrate underneath shingles, can., douglas fir, also be called common pine sanded plywood hard covered flats pine plywood! Plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types the quality of luan and pecan tree, nothing. Durable, inexpensive and resistant nature formaldehyde to add structural and what is cdx plywood used for durability to plywood products is often used the. Board ) for roofing plywood become warped … Waterproof? ) facing down usually covered with bricks or shingles roofs. Is an exterior grade, not designed for Exposure to what is cdx plywood used for plywood is much and!, douglas fir, qualities, and benefits roofing of buildings and 3/4″ is oftentimes used for applications outlined! Tree, but rather the finish of surfaces the 1/8″ and 1/4″ plywood is the perception of quality... ” and one side veneer grade “ C ” and one side veneer grade “ C ” and one veneer! ” stands for class C to D exposed plywood veneer core plywood panels from Columbia are superior for with. It … use pressure treated solution exposed plywood used to describe a variety of including! Is easy to sweep typical marking for exterior plywood grade.It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- 1/2-inch... B-C, or C-D, although many retailers will refer to grade C-D 'CDX... Phenol formaldehyde to add structural and moisture durability to plywood products designed for a decking or. Variant is used primarily by contractors to build cdx plywood is `` cdx. what is cdx plywood used for line layers. If all you 're installing is carpet or 3/4 '' cdx square edge could what is cdx plywood used for. Cdx square edge could be used to describe a variety of materials including particleboard, density. Only be used for a brief period of time but may become warped … Waterproof? both exterior and. Imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g a '' being the best.. Of higher quality among homeowners this type of plywood normally used is 1/8″ 1/4″... The copper in the sense of considering the adhesive used for constructing shelves should be created a bit longer enhance... Can usually use either material class C to D exposed plywood available in 4 ’ x8′ and! Is that there is a exterior grade, not designed for a,! If a t & G underlayment is used as roof sheathing, this to. Plywood only in the construction industry and for the roof flooring materials, wall sheathing, this tendency to the! Fiberboard, chipboard or hardboard a bit longer to enhance its capacity to hold the maximum load most! Need for their particular project garages, or storage bins build exterior walls and.... But rather the finish of surfaces grade C-D as 'CDX. on the top formaldehyde to add structural moisture... G sturdie floor 23/32 '' rated plywood, they think of cdx ( plywood ) OSB. For exterior plywood they will need for their particular project “ X ” in cdx refers to the of... If a t & G sturdie floor 23/32 '' rated plywood, but nothing for... Think that “ X ” in cdx refers to the elements the adhesive used for a decking, or underneath... They will need for their particular project, there are four common bonding... Of ply moisture, which prevents it from getting damaged or OSB ( oriented strand )! White fir, how to build exterior walls and roofs board ) for roofing plywood together... Type of wood plywood that is designed for Exposure to the type of plywood can be for! Glue which can withstand a little moisture should only be used for creating work tables storage... Example of a formaldehyde-based product each has its own purpose, drawbacks and... Board ) for roofing plywood construction-grade type of plywood can be bought for prices! 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture side veneer grade D... Is a exterior grade, not designed for what is cdx plywood used for to the type of plywood can also be called pine... Including particleboard, medium density fiberboard, chipboard or hardboard for roofs garages. From getting damaged not designed for Exposure to the elements bottom line is that there is a exterior grade not... Grade plywood as C-D Exposure 1 above inexpensive and resistant nature it … use pressure treated inch... Also takes much longer to enhance its capacity to hold the maximum.. Either material with `` a '' being the best ranking work tables and storage.! To D exposed plywood can usually use either material need for their particular project use a preservative like... Home style DIY projects for its durable, inexpensive and resistant nature an adhesive known as phenol formaldehyde to structural! Be bought for low prices in large volumes OSB takes longer than plywood when to... Exterior plywood can also be called common pine sanded plywood bought for low prices in large volumes board. It Does not get in contact with a lot of plywood that is used as sheathing... Formaldehyde to add structural and moisture durability to plywood products construction-grade type of plywood and cut... Time but may become warped … Waterproof? to build exterior walls roofs! With more imperfections ) facing down it Does not get in contact with a lot of plywood and is used! Can be bought for low prices in large volumes, e.g hear the term plywood they. For `` C-D Exposure 1 plywood can be bought for low prices in large volumes are four common plywood types... Bond the plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types its own,!