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Birch Ply Alternatives [member edit]



I used a couple of boards on the recent workshop drawer cabinet that have been widely touted as Birch Ply alternatives, and in this video I’m going into the details of how the Birch-faced Poplar plywood, and Maple-faced reinforced Globulus plywood, worked out. Enjoy!


Full list of individual products used in my Amazon store at 10MinuteAmazon.com


I used the Keith Brown Original Oil Wax finish - also available in clear and food safe versions here - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1314398822/kb-oil-wax-wood-finish-triple-pack


I also used the Hand-i-Craft Carnauba wax, pick some up at Leo’s new store here - https://www.hand-i-craft.com/store-1-2



15 Comments


Derek Caldwell
Derek Caldwell
May 06, 2023

Great video as always Really hoped for better from these alternatives I’m in desperate need for a 12mm birch ply replacement I’m told multi ply is closest I will get for my needs but it looks like cheap eastern ply 😩 I have lined my full workshop with 9mm osb it is what it is but you can’t let water get near it for any period of time I can still get 6,9 and 18 birch but no 12 here in scotland

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petermillard
petermillard
May 07, 2023
Replying to

Interesting Derek; it’s 18mm that ‘s in short supply here, though I’ll admit I haven’t enquired very recently. I’m still looking for a decently priced alternative. 🤷‍♂️👍

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Gaz  Coulson
Gaz Coulson
May 06, 2023

A really impressive deep dive Peter as usual 👌🏼 …. Thank you - we’ll keep searching for something closer - surely Finsa could have a go 🤗

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petermillard
petermillard
May 06, 2023
Replying to

Finsa do a very nice birch-faced MDF, but as always, the face veneers are paper-thin. 🤷‍♂️

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Sour Brambles
May 06, 2023

I'd be happy paying the birch ply premium, can't get it anywhere as a diyer/ hobbyist north of the border. Almost every interesting material is impossible to get where I am. At least the price of OSB is now almost the same as England 😂 MDF also slowly coming down.


Not sure how the US functions when the UK is only 600 miles long and most companies won't humour me for delivery. Saturday moan completed

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petermillard
petermillard
May 06, 2023
Replying to

Availability is the big issue; can’t get 18mm Birch here whatever the price. 🤷‍♂️

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David Sneddon
David Sneddon
May 06, 2023

Not really a solution at all, Peter. When the world rights itself again maybe we’ll get back some cost effective sensibility 👍

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petermillard
petermillard
May 06, 2023
Replying to

Thanks David! I’ll keep on looking… 👍

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Hugh Tattersall
May 05, 2023

Any thoughts on OSB Peter? It would be interesting to see your finishing expertise applied to it.

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Peter K
Peter K
May 05, 2023
Replying to

I got a batch of OSB3 for flooring and found myself using the leftovers for all manner of stuff in the workshop; much more versatile and better to work with than I had expected. I couldn't help but notice that AJ Ferguson's have the interior lined with it and painted. Looked good for what it is!

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