Phenolic Baltic Birch Plywood (Black) - 12mm - 18mm

Durable, waterproof phenolic Baltic Birch plywood for cabinets, jigs, sleds, marine and boat applications, and heavy-duty builds – perfect for makers, DIYers, and businesses.

Also known as film-faced plywood or HDO plywood (high-density overlay), our high-quality phenolic plywood features a Baltic Birch core made from multiple layers of hardwood birch veneers, offering a mostly void-free, stable, and durable structure. Both sides are coated with a smooth, glossy phenolic resin film (120 g/m²), providing a wear-resistant, waterproof, and scratch-resistant surface. The plywood’s distinctive edges showcase attractive, uniform stripes of alternating light and dark hardwood veneer, making it ideal for exposed-edge designs.

Prized by woodworkers for its uniformity, workability, thick face veneers, and excellent screw-holding ability, this plywood is perfect for laser cutting, CNC machining, furniture, marine applications, and construction. Its exterior-grade glue ensures suitability for outdoor and high-moisture environments, such as boat decking (often covered with marine carpet) or concrete formwork. 

Available in 1/2" (12mm) and 3/4" (18mm) thicknesses in stock sizes up to 24” x 48”, or order custom-cut panels online here or via support@makerstock.com. With $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box, it’s the cost-effective choice for makers, schools, businesses, and DIYers.

Why Buy from MakerStock?

• Superior Quality: Baltic Birch core with a near void-free structure for stability, paired with a 120 g/m² black phenolic film for waterproof, scratch-resistant surfaces.

• Custom Processing: Order cut-to-size panels online through our custom listings or email support@makerstock.com (Typical 1-3 business day lead time).

• Affordable and Fast Shipping: $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box across the continental US from our two warehouses in PA and UT.

• Knowledgable and Reliable Customer Support: Email support@makerstock.com, call, or LiveChat for assistance with material selection or questions.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Whether you need one item or a hundred, for yourself, a business, or a school, we're your one-stop shop.

Perfect For:

• CNC Machining: Fabricate furniture and machine components, concrete formwork molds, or structural supports with precision.

• Marine Applications: Build boat decking (under marine carpet), bulkheads, or yacht interiors with waterproof, exterior-grade glue.

• Construction Formwork: Create reusable concrete forms, scaffolding, or building support systems for high-strength, heavy-load projects.

• Trailer & Van Conversions: Construct trailer walls, camper floors, or van interiors with moisture-resistant, durable surfaces.

• Workshop Upgrades: Design table saw extensions, router tables, or tool sleds for enhanced shop functionality.

• Cabinets & Countertops: Build kitchen cabinets, countertops, or furniture with a stable, abrasion-resistant surface.

• Laser Cutting & Engraving: Craft durable workshop jigs, custom signage, or decorative panels with CO2 or diode lasers for a high-contrast finish.

Project Inspiration:

• Makers: Laser-engrave custom workshop signage with safety instructions or branding for a durable, professional shop aesthetic.

• Builders: CNC-mill modular concrete form panels for reusable, precision-cast architectural elements like garden walls or countertops.

• Boaters: Create laser-cut marine dashboard panels with engraved controls or build custom cabinetry for your vessel, leveraging phenolic’s water resistance.

• DIYers: Build sturdy workbenches and platforms for gym and recreational equipment.

• Businesses: Fabricate engraved outdoor menu boards for restaurants or cafes, sealed for weatherproof, long-lasting use.

Explore Related Products:

• Melamine Faced Baltic Birch Plywood: Choose our White Melamine Baltic Birch Plywood for those indoor projects where you need sharp looking, durable and water resistant material.

• MakerPly: Explore Makerply for Eucalyptus core plywood with the same moisture resistant quaility.

Specifications:

• Material: Baltic Birch Plywood core with hardwood birch veneers, coated with black phenolic melamine film (120 g/m²) on both sides.  Please note, the edge of a full 4'x8' sheet of material is painted. Resulting cuts to your stock size may result in some edges showing natural grain color and/or black overlay color. 

• Thickness Options:

• 1/2" (12mm, ±0.5mm)

• 3/4" (18mm, ±0.5mm)

• Density: 610–700 kg/m³ (0.022–0.025 lb/in³).

• Finish: Smooth, glossy, moisture- and scratch-resistant black phenolic film; edges may show natural birch grain or black overlay

• Tolerances: Cut tolerance of +/-0.188" for all panel dimensions (in inches).

• Glue Type: Exterior-grade, waterproof.

• Workability: High-density (610–700 kg/m³ or 0.022–0.025 lb/in³), moisture-resistant, and excellent for screws and fasteners without splitting.

Pro Tip:

To ensure longevity, seal all exposed edges after cutting or building to protect against moisture. Use a carbide-tip blade with a high tooth count or apply masking tape and score the phenolic surface before cutting to avoid chip-out. For drilling, use carbide bits and place sacrificial material beneath to prevent blowout; taping also helps. Touch up chips or blemishes with acrylic paint pens. Clean with a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging the glossy surface.

FAQs:

• Is phenolic Baltic Birch plywood good for laser cutting? Yes, it engraves cleanly with CO2 lasers for durable jigs or signage.

• Can I use phenolic plywood outdoors? Yes, its exterior-grade waterproof glue and phenolic coating make it ideal for marine decking, outdoor furniture, or construction, but seal edges for maximum weather resistance.

• What thickness is best for furniture or construction? Use 1/2" (12mm) for lightweight jigs or marine panels; 3/4" (18mm) for sturdy cabinets, concrete forms, or trailer walls.

• What kind of fasteners should you use with phenolic? When used in exterior applications, stainless steel or corrosion resistant fasteners work best.

• What’s the difference between phenolic plywood and regular Baltic Birch plywood? Phenolic plywood has a waterproof phenolic film coating for moisture and scratch resistance, ideal for marine or outdoor use, while regular Baltic Birch lacks this coating, offering a natural wood finish better suited for indoor, exposed-edge designs.

• What does the 120 g/m² phenolic film density mean, and how does it compare to 220 g/m²? The 120 g/m² film weighs 120 grams per square meter, providing a thin, waterproof, and scratch-resistant coating ideal for marine decking, cabinets, and workshop jigs. A 220 g/m² film is thicker and more durable, suited for heavy-duty concrete forms or industrial flooring, but it’s heavier and costlier. The 120 g/m² film balances affordability and durability for most maker projects.

• Can I buy a full sheet of material? We do have 4’x8’ sheets of Phenolic available for purchase. Please reach out to us at support@makerstock.com for a quote.