The Global Help Desk is a free global service run from the APA headquarters in Tacoma, USA, for anyone who needs technical advice on the specification and application of US engineered wood products and systems. You can email help@apawood.org, check our details here or call us on +1 253 620 7400.
As we’re based in the Pacific North-West that’s about eight or nine hours difference in time depending on where in Western Europe you are calling from. We’re available from Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, PST.
Here are a few resources you may like to try first. If you want to specify US wood-based plywood panels for use in UK or EU structural applications, our unique Specification Tool will help identify the right grade. Specification tools for other engineered wood products are in the pipeline. And you can identify the relevant standards by category or run the interactive Find Your Standard tool for plywood, OSB and LVL.
You have free access to our global library to download technical publications and guidelines. These explain best practice for using trademarked products in both structural and non-structural applications.
APPLICATIONS | General Description | Plywood Grade Rated (with span rating) | Non-Rated Plywood Grade | Bond Classification/Glue Line | Exterior veneer grades | Exposure 1 veneer grades | Span rating/support spacing and designated loading | ||
NON-STRUCTURAL | Where appearance of both sides is important for interior applications, with smooth surfaces suitable for painting | A-A (NON-RATED) | US panels are available in two classifications: Exterior - equivalent to (BS) EN 314 Bond Class 3 or Exposure 1 (always includes D veneer) - Bond Class 2 | Face A; Inner C; Back A | Face A;Inner D; Back A | Span rating not applicable |