Birch vs MDF

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

Would this be an acceptable alternative to using MDF?
3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. C-3 Whole Piece Birch Domestic Plywood - 165921 at The Home Depot

i think thats the same stuff i bought

 

[Ronny 10+ year member]

5 ply? :-/ On many of them you'll find layers made of some softwood.

I use the 13 ply Baltic. Far from cheap, but a pleasure to work with.

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

Once again...The Home Depot "birch" is a Veneer! That means a layer of birch on 1 side, a few layers of a softer wood, and a back panel of hardwood. In this case Poplar...."Secondary Specific Wood Species : Poplar (Populus)" is the layers inside.

People who don't know anything about Baltic Birch should not be posting in this thread. A few people have pointed out the merits of 11+ ply true Baltic birch. All of this Home Depot crap is fine for building test boxes or lightweight boxes. NOT great for audiophile, home theater or SPL/SQ use.

 

[MONSONwarrior Premium Member]

I've got two sheet of 11 ply "Traditional Birch" sitting in my girlfriend's garage and it was only around 30 bucks a sheet at menards. Is this the veneer stuff?

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

Yes, veneer. Baltic Birch comes from Russia. Baltic birch information - what is baltic birch?

This is about the cheapest you are going to find 11 ply 5/8" http://store.capitolcitylumber.com/58-BALTIC-BIRCH-PLYWOOD-20-x/M/B003VVDOAS.htm ($15)

keep in mind that's 20 x 30" and doesn't include shipping.

 

[r1banshee 10+ year member]

3/4'' Baltic Birch Plywood Pack: 12 pieces 20'' x 30'' Shipped to You! Lowest Price, Highest Quality for your wood working needs from Woodworkers Source

Is this ok?? I pick it for $70-80 a sheet 48x96 before they cut it up.

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

It doesn't say exactly what you are getting. It says "Grade B/BB" but under their Hardwood Grading section, they don't list a grade B. If its industry standard Grade B Baltic Birch, then Yes, it would be OK. The $70-80 price tag sounds right, if its true 3/4" BB, should be 13 plies.