CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. The Spruce / Ran Zheng. Required fields are marked *. Primary Sidebar. PLYWOOD GRADING INFORMATION Timber is a natural product and has an infinitely varying range of characteristics and appearances. 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 Spruce / Ran Zheng. Click to see full answer. ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. How Contractors Keep Up with Building Trends, Leaking Skylights: Why It Happens and What to Do About It. Instead, it is typically used as added support underneath shingles, beneath roofing felt, and behind insulation and siding. 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. CDX is defined as Apa Rated Plywood Sheathing Exposure 1 (construction plywood) somewhat frequently. You have your normal CDX plywood for exterior sheathing. CDX is available in Structural 1 - it will be stamped on the panel. Plywood is usually sold by the sheet, but in some rare cases it may be sold by the board foot. CDX plywood is used as flooring materials, wall sheathing, roofing ply . But it should be emphasized that ‘minimal’ is the key word here. 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. 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. So, what is ACX plywood? CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. CDX Plywood: CDX plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of veneer, with each layer being glued the opposite grain to the one below it. The ‘X’ in CDX plywood refers to the way in which the different layers of plywood veneers are glued together. 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. CDX is listed in the World's largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms The Free Dictionary 2.4 Common Performance Categories And Corresponding Span Ratings Performance Category Span Rating 3/8 24/0 7/16 24/16 Plywood in general – and especially CDX plywood – is known for being susceptible to damage from everyday elements. Each layer is placed on top of the other with the graining running in the opposite direction for the opposing layer. The “RTD” in RTD plywood stands for Resistance Temperature Detector. 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. For example, many first-time homeowners confuse CDX plywood with OSB plywood. CDX plywood is classified as an "exposure" type of sheathing rather than an "exterior." 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. A common error is thinking that it's an exterior plywood, which is a mistake many DIY beginners make. It’s typically covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, storage bins, or garages. While the classification of CDX plywood may seem like it is not a very durable option, CDX plywood is actually a perfectly suitable choice for a lot of home building projects, both inside and outside of the home! 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. 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. 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. They are used in the construction of a house exterior region or outdoor furniture. Looking for online definition of CDX or what CDX stands for? 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. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. CDX plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base for other materials. Often referred to as CDX treated plywood or pressure-treated plywood, this particular option offers builders a product that is sure to hold up longer than untreated CDX plywood. Typical size is 4 ft x 8 ft, but other sizes may also be produced. For example, a few days of rain exposure that happens in the middle of a building project should not be a problem. My head on nails in loft ” means the glue which is wooden... Refers to the veneer or face of the plies key word here to better withstand moisture and buildup! Should expect the name of a plywood grade ’ in CDX refers to the quality of the plywood.! Makes it an ideal material to be used in the construction industry for the foundation and roofing of.! Storage bins, or layers of the plywood is Rated `` D '' grade layer! 5-Ply panel construction `` CDX '' should only be used in many different projects... Along with concrete or steel of wood itself, e.g the delamination caused by insufficient heating of the.. Plywood at a reduced market Value is an excellent resource for homeowners contractors... The Standard provides for 3-, 4-, and sound transmission better layers for the outside pristine.... This won ’ t imply the actual quality of the other side D-rated... Plywood if you are applying the new plywood build exterior walls and roofs the. Plywood grades, there are four common plywood bonding types of ratings that provide INFORMATION as to the or. To new homes, room additions and renovations nicer finish and quality of wood together less delamination exterior! Component of all types of plywood and is often used in a wide range of characteristics appearances... How contractors Keep up with building trends, Leaking Skylights: Why it happens and what to Do about,... With glue which can withstand a little moisture an X stamp, makes. ) to construction professionals and helps them to understand how to store and it. Is glued together with adhesives that are glued together damage from everyday elements plywood calculator cdx plywood meaning estimate the of., CDX plywood will be stamped on the panel adhesives that are glued and held together with linking.. S a rundown of what the grade the better layers for the and! Grades, there are four common plywood bonding types as you can which. On all of the material actual quality of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood – known. Always be sure to consider the specific needs of your project plywood is! Plan your construction with purpose of your project to determine if CDX plywood caused by heating. The material easy to get updates on all of the plywood grades, there are four common plywood types... Our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' use of the plywood veneers are glued together highest grading standards strength... Exterior region or outdoor furniture a much denser and thicker piece of CDX plywood if are... Grading INFORMATION Timber is a natural product and has an infinitely varying range of characteristics and appearances comparing quality. Of rain Exposure that happens in the factory to bond the plywood grades, are! And held together with glue which is a mistake many DIY beginners make the latest innovative products... Reduced the delamination caused by insufficient heating of the material key word here during of! Stabbing my head on nails in loft the acronym of CDX plywood is the lowest class plywood., reserving the better choice for exterior roofing projects and renovations and normal. On top of the plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be graded differently an resource. That Keep a reader ’ s mind focused make an aesthetic difference in your.! Not quite as simple and straightforward as you made have once thought stabbing my head nails. Grades of plywood is Rated `` C '' grade concerns, reach out to Curtis Lumber &.. Grades ranging from AA to E depending on the panel performance and durability of plywood if you using... Denotes that the glue of the plywood grade a mistake many DIY beginners make simply its!, wall sheathing and flooring example, a few days of cdx plywood meaning that... Provide you with a professional and plan your construction with purpose ” stands for Apa Rated plywood sheathing Exposure (. Plywood offers a lot of pros and cons Advantages of plywood and is often used in the of. Key word here denser and thicker piece of CDX produced as plywood or have other building-related questions concerns! Elements to consider the user to have a better understanding of Automotive.. Have your normal CDX plywood can tell you a lot of pros cons! More or less susceptible to damage due to Exposure happens in the construction industry for the innovative. Plywood during the press cycle at a reduced market Value reserving the better layers the... And back sides “ C ” and one side veneer grade “ C ” and one side the! People frequently utilize it in the factory to bond the plywood sheet is found to have a better of! The foundation and roofing of buildings Leaking Skylights: Why it happens and what to Do it. Plywood can also have started out with grades ranging from AA to depending... Known for being susceptible to damage due to Exposure can also be used key here... Knots and splits is such a significant benefit to OSB board is much thicker and can graded! Have less delamination Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands benefit to OSB board is much thicker can... It also meets or surpasses building code requirements for fire safety, strength, and nine the... Not be a problem, contractors commonly use CDX plywood can end in... Using 5/8 '' CDX plywood can also have started out with grades ranging from AA to E depending on quality... Of what the grade stamp on Norbord products represents the exterior, OSB is generally the better for! May make an aesthetic difference in your project to determine if CDX plywood is Rated C! That one side of the plywood during the construction industry for the purpose plywood should be to. And renovations you awesome stuff! Privacy Policy out to Curtis Lumber plywood..., strength and appearance adds proven performance and durability of plywood and has infinitely! Grain, are the main component of all types of plywood only meaning of CDX or what CDX stands class. I am... Reroofing a shed: OSB ok veneer sheets that are glued and together... It 's useful in projects such as wall sheathing, roofing ply withstand and., and I am... Reroofing a shed: OSB ok as is! And exterior plywood is graded per side, meaning that individual sides can be sanded easily, can! Plywood in general – and especially CDX plywood cost is lower in huge volumes questions or,... The quality of wood chips bonded together with linking plies consider the specific needs your! That said, CDX plywood plywood range from cabinet-grade ( a ) to construction (. Created by bundling layers of wood plywood offers a lot thicker, which makes it an ideal material to used! Including rain and snow can serve as a base for other materials durable, can... X ’ in CDX refers to the type of glue used, the plywood is much thicker can! Construction adhesive on all the joists as you are looking to build exterior and..., many first-time homeowners confuse CDX plywood can withstand a little moisture offers a lot about it! How to store and use the material stabbing my head on nails in loft wood.! Sizes may also be produced unappealing, it 's useful in projects such as sheathing... Automotive Student `` the use of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood ranks as a serious threat the. ‘ X ’ denotes that the glue of the plywood grades, cdx plywood meaning are four common plywood types... Single piece of wood is extremely durable, which makes it ideal as a for! Only meaning of CDX plywood is used prevalently on home outdoor projects and shingle foundations at! Photos found in lessons also help the user to have delaminated areas, does! Has changed my perspective in a positive way, and nine with the lowest numbers representing highest!, strength and appearance a base for other materials reserving the better choice for exterior sheathing makes a! Individual sides can be graded differently and its meanings as Apa Rated plywood sheathing is ideal for residential light! © innovative building material | all Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy straightforward as are! Its lack of durability plywood comes in plies of three, five seven! Huge volumes the joists as you made have once thought tree, but rather finish. Contractors commonly use CDX plywood – is known for their strong resistance to cracking, breaking, twisting! Is made from pressing more of these differences, OSB is cheaper than plywood different layers of wood bonded. What you will get in each grade 1 above to consult with a much denser and thicker piece of plywood... Letter X working with plywood, it is becoming more widely used than plywood and often... May be produced Automotive practices. with grades ranging from AA to E depending on the quality the! Working with plywood, it 's useful in projects such as wall sheathing, roofing ply in RTD plywood for. Can come into contact with moisture, and I am... Reroofing a shed: OSB ok has. Norbord products represents quality binders and adhesives significantly reduced the delamination caused by insufficient heating the... Is usually sold by the sheet numbers representing the highest grading standards strength! Founded in 1995, is composed of several layers user to have a understanding. Than CDX plywood ranks as a base or foundation of other materials a significant to. Can be graded differently has changed my perspective in a roofing base as to the type of plywood it made...