When I first started woodworking, plywood was just the budget-friendly go-to for garage shelves or workshop benches. But as I began taking on more serious furniture projects, I kept hearing about something called ApplePly. At first, I thought it was just another plywood brand – maybe made from applewood?
Turns out, that’s not the case. And once I actually tried it, I realized why experienced woodworkers swear by it. If you want to know how ApplePly stacks up, when to use it, and why it’s different from the plywood you find at the big box store, you’re in the right place.
🧵 What Is ApplePly?
ApplePly is a premium hardwood plywood with a strong birch veneer core. It’s made in the USA by States Industries, based in Oregon. And no—despite the name, there’s no applewood in it. The name is more about branding than content, playing off the region’s reputation for apples and the product’s clean, layered appearance.
Each sheet is built from multiple thin birch plies—far more than standard plywood—which gives ApplePly its signature strength, stability, and edge detail. You can leave the edges exposed, and they look great with just a bit of sanding and finish.
🧠ApplePly vs. Regular Plywood
After using ApplePly and comparing it side-by-side with cheaper plywood from my local store, the differences are pretty obvious.
âś… What Makes ApplePly Special:
13 to 15 plys in 3/4″ sheets (vs. 5-7 in standard ply)
Virtually no voids inside the core
Exposed edge grain is decorative
Stronger screw-holding power
More dimensionally stable
No urea-formaldehyde glue (less off-gassing)
It feels like the American answer to Baltic birch—same strength and clean finish, but made domestically.
🎒 Best Uses for ApplePly
This stuff is built for projects where appearance and structure matter. I’ve used it on:
Floating shelves – Exposed edges, no need for banding
Modern desks – Clean lines and flat panels
Custom drawer boxes – Great for soft-close slides
Workshop cabinetry – Flat, tough, and looks good
Kids’ furniture – No formaldehyde, strong and safe
Many pros also use ApplePly for retail fixtures, architectural paneling, and stair treads. It’s especially good for modern or industrial-style builds.
ApplePly vs. Baltic Birch: Real Differences You’ll Notice
If you’re comparing ApplePly to Baltic Birch, you’re in good company. I’ve used both, and here’s what I’ve noticed firsthand:
Feature
ApplePly
Baltic Birch
Core Material
All-hardwood (birch)
All-hardwood (birch)
Veneer Thickness
1/16 inch
Slightly thicker (1.5mm)
Edge Appearance
Super clean, great for exposed
Functional but not fancy
Made In
USA (Oregon)
Eastern Europe/Russia
Common Sheet Size
4×8 feet
5×5 feet
Cost
Slightly higher
Slightly lower
ApplePly costs a bit more, but if you’re building something where the edges show—like modern bookcases or open kitchen shelving—it’s worth every penny.
Why I Keep Choosing ApplePly
1. Clean, Modern Edges You don’t need edge banding. Just sand, seal, and go. That layered birch look is part of the appeal—and it always gets compliments.
2. Durable as Hell I’ve stood on ApplePly cabinets during installs. It holds up like a champ, even with heavy hardware and solid countertops. One cabinet even survived two apartment moves without a scratch.
3. CNC & Router Friendly No tear-out, no fuzzing. I’ve run it through both my router table and a low-end CNC machine—it cuts crisp every time.
4. Made Here, Made Right Made in Oregon with low-VOC glue and sustainably sourced birch—stuff you can actually feel good about using.
5. Finish Variety You can get it faced with maple, walnut, cherry, teak—you name it. It’s awesome if you want a specific grain but still want that edge to shine.
Projects I’ve Used ApplePly For
Mid-century-style nightstands with exposed edges
CNC-cut custom drawer boxes
Open kitchen shelving
Slat walls for a retail display
Workshop cabinets (because why not make your shop look sharp?)
⚖️ Pros and Cons
âś… Pros
⚠️ Cons
Ultra-flat & stable
Pricier than standard ply
No voids or patches
Not sold at big box stores
Great edge appearance
Heavier compared to softwood ply
Formaldehyde-free glue
Shipping can be expensive
đź“„ Available Thicknesses
ApplePly comes in:
1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″
Up to 1-1/2″ for specialty uses
You can also get it faced with different hardwood veneers like:
Shipping large sheets can get expensive, so it’s worth calling around locally.
đźš« Common Myths About ApplePly
Myth: It’s made from apple trees. — Nope. 100% birch core.
Myth: It’s just a rebranded Baltic Birch. — Not quite. They’re similar, but ApplePly is made in the U.S., with stricter environmental and quality controls.
Myth: It’s only for commercial builders. — It’s actually perfect for DIYers who want clean finishes without a lot of extra work.
Real Tips for Better Results
Use a high-quality saw blade to avoid chipping on cross-cuts.
Lightly round over exposed edges with a trim router for a clean, finished look.
If you’re painting it (though why would you?), seal the edges first.
Don’t overdrive screws near the edge—it’s strong but treat it like solid hardwood.
🛠️ Pro Tip: You could probably drop a bowling ball on it—though I haven’t tried.
If you care about strength, consistency, and clean design, ApplePly is one of the best plywood options available. Sure, it costs more than standard panels, but for projects that matter—like furniture, built-ins, or visible cabinetry—it’s worth the upgrade.
I started using ApplePly for its aesthetics, but I keep coming back for the quality. It machines well, finishes beautifully, and the exposed edges are a bonus, not a drawback.
