Plywood Paneling FAQs

Our plywood paneling products are made of genuine high quality, generally clear-face Shorea (aka: Meranti, Seraya, White Lauan) hardwood veneer cores with few to zero knots. It is a medium density Class 2 plywood. Plywood is superior to other paneling types because it is designed to retain its shape and dimensions when exposed to variations in temperature and humidity. Other types of paneling will expand and contract when exposed to these variations causing the paneling to warp.

Our 4x8 paneling product is available in one or more of the following thicknesses and weights.

• 2.7mm (1/8") @ 13 lbs per sheet
• 3.6mm (3/16") @ 15 lbs per sheet
• 5.2mm (1/4") @ 21 lbs per sheet - May be applied directly to studs

Both types of paneling use the same genuine high quality plywood substrate. The differences are described below.

• Laminate panels have a high resolution print of a photographic image attached to the plywood core. This allows us to offer the look of real wood veneer paneling at a much lower price. In addition, laminate paneling allows us to offer unique outdoor, floral, and decorative designer patterns not possible with real wood. The image is laminated to the plywood core using pressure, heat, and adhesives in a tightly controlled manufacturing process in our Mississippi factory. Laminate panels are best used indoors and should not be stained or finished.
• Veneer panels have a genuine hardwood veneer attached to the plywood. Available unfinished, they can then be stained or painted to your liking. These panels are often used in custom home, club, and office renovations and are a favorite of construction companies. If you want the ability to truly customize the look of your paneling, then going with an unfinished veneer is a must. We have birch and red oak veneers available in both grooved and flat panel styles. In addition, we also offer a selection of fine wood veneers available in Ash, Cyprus, White Maple, Walnut, Rosewood, Teak, and Zebrawood. Veneer paneling is great for indoor use and can be used outside under the right conditions.

Flat panels have no grooves and offer a smooth edge-to-edge surface. Grooved panels come in either a beadboard or random plank pattern. Beadboard paneling features double beaded grooves with each set of double grooves spaced either 2 or 4 inches apart (measured from the center of the double groove). Random Plank paneling uses a single groove spaced at 8 set intervals (4" - 8" - 4" - 7" - 9" - 6" - 4" - 6") to give the appearance of random spacing. The edges of the panel are beveled with a half groove so that when connected the panels form a new "9th" groove. This is why this type of paneling is also referred to as 9-groove paneling.

All of our products carry a Class C Fire Rating of 200 or less. More information can be found on the product label.

Our 4x8 paneling orders are packaged to ensure edge and corner protection and then banded securely to a pallet/skid. The panels are too large to be shipped via UPS or FedEx so an LTL or "Less than Truckload" Common Carrier is used (i.e. 18-wheeler). For residential deliveries, the shipping carrier will phone you to setup a curbside delivery appointment. In other words, the shipping carrier will deliver and unload the package by the street. Once unloaded, you will then need to inspect the package for damage and move it from the curb to your house. As the packages are usually large, it is recommended you have someone available to help you move the package.

Most of our orders for wainscoting height panels are cartoned and shipped via UPS or FedEx. Larger volume orders will ship the same as the 4x8 foot paneling and require a curbside delivery appointment for residential orders.

Please view our wood paneling installation guide.

Yes, while every installation is unique, paneling can usually be installed in most indoor spaces. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via phone or email.

It depends on the type of paneling. With laminated paneling, we do not recommend an outside installation. As for our veneer paneling, it can be used outdoors if properly painted/sealed and installed in a location that is protected from direct contact with the elements (e.g. a porch ceiling).

We offer Seam Tape for most of our Designer Series Flat Paneling and for our Mossy Oak Paneling. Most of our wood grain paneling products have a 'half-groove' along each side edge so that adjacent panels have a nearly undetectable full paneling groove.

Please view our MSDS