Everything You Need to Know About Plywood in BC: A Guide from Kerrisdale Lumber

If you’re a builder, contractor, designer or DIY enthusiast looking for high-quality plywood in Vancouver, you’ve probably realized there’s more to choosing the right plywood than just picking the cheapest board. At Kerrisdale Lumber, we carry a wide variety of plywood products suited for different applications across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Let’s walk through what you need to know so your next build is strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

What Is Plywood & Why Does it Matter

We stock a wide selection of plywood products designed for structural, decorative, and concrete forming applications. Our plywood comes from trusted Canadian suppliers like Westlam Industries, Sevona, and Richply, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance with Canadian building codes.

Here’s a closer look at the main types of plywood:

• Structural Sheathing Plywood

Ideal for roofing, flooring and wall construction. These CDX-rated panels are moisture-resistant and built for Vancouver’s climate, making them a reliable choice for framing and exterior sheathing.

• Interior Finishing Plywood

Perfect for cabinetmakers, millworkers, and designers. We stock smooth-finish panels such as Arauco Radiata Pine, prized for its clean appearance and consistency. Use it for cabinetry, furniture, or decorative wall paneling.

• Form Plywood (MDO & HDO)

Available in multiple grades, our Medium Density Overlay (MDO) and High Density Overlay (HDO) panels are engineered for concrete forming. They deliver smooth finishes, durability, and multiple reuses. Our inventory includes trusted formwork panels from Westlam (including Crown 43, a high-performance, high-reuse forming panel), Sevona (dependable panels in both standard and premium finishes), and Swanson (versatile panels for general formwork and engineered applications in HDO, MDO, and reuse-rated options).

• Specialty & Architectural Plywood

For custom builds and design-focused projects, we carry architectural-grade plywood for smooth overlays and precision construction. These panels are ideal for exposed plywood applications in both residential and commercial spaces.

What to Look for When Buying Plywood in Vancouver

When sourcing plywood locally, here are key specs and attributes to pay attention to:

• Grade & Rating

Ensure panels are rated (ex. CDX for structural). For visible surfaces or finish work, higher grades matter for appearance.

• Moisture Resistance

Vancouver’s damp climate means plywood needs to resist warping and decay. Look for moisture-resistant treatments or overlays (MDO, HDO) especially for outdoor or semi-exposed uses.

• Supplier Reputation & Sourcing

Canadian-sourced plywood tends to meet local codes and standard climate conditions. Kerrisdale Lumber works with trusted names in the industry (Westlam, Sevona, Richply), assuring quality and compliance.

• Thickness & Structural Requirements

Depending on span, load, or usage (ex. floor vs wall sheathing vs formwork), thickness and stiffness matter. Heavier loads or greater spans demand thicker, stiffer panels.

• Finish & Appearance

For cabinetry or visible architectural panels, the smoothness of the overlay, the type of face veneer (ex. Radiata pine), and consistency matter.

• Delivery & Local Logistics

Having a lumber yard in Vancouver with reliable delivery can save time and reduce costs. Look for suppliers that offer job-site delivery, crane truck access, and flexible logistics.

Plywood may seem like a commodity, but choosing the right type makes a big difference in performance, durability, and appearance, especially in Vancouver’s climate. Whether you need structural sheathing, concrete formwork, interior finishing, or architectural panels, Kerrisdale Lumber offers a broad selection, expert advice, and local delivery to make sure your build is successful.

If you’re planning a project and need help picking the right plywood, quantities, grades, or delivery, contact Kerrisdale Lumber - we’re here to support builds across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland every step of the way.