C-type outward face
Sound knots, visible repairs and natural colour movement accepted against the sample.
Application brief
Utility work and covered faces where an even decorative veneer is unnecessary.
Exterior and CDX-type panels
Exterior Plywood from Vietnam: CDX-Type and WBP Panels
In short
Exterior plywood combines a water-resistant glue bond with a panel construction chosen for outdoor use. Minh Thanh Plywood supplies CDX-type panels with utility faces and melamine-fortified or phenolic adhesive, in 3–40 mm thicknesses. Specify face grade, core species and the required bond test together, then protect exposed faces and cut edges in the installed component.
- Faces
- C/D-type utility appearance
- Bond
- Melamine-fortified or phenolic to specification
- Thickness
- 3–40 mm
- Formats
- 1220 × 2440 or 1250 × 2500 mm
- Order
- 1×40HC; 15–45 days after deposit
Our exterior panels use practical C/D faces over plantation-hardwood cores. Choose phenolic WBP for exterior bonding or melamine-fortified glue for humid uses, with thickness and dimensions matched to the order.
Video
Exterior plywood: specify the bond and the job
This overview explains CDX-type faces, WBP adhesive language, moisture protection and the information needed for an export quotation.
Real Panels
See the utility face and the layered panel
Utility plywood puts the purchasing budget into the required construction and bond while accepting visible knots, repairs and colour variation on the face.
The photographs show actual utility faces and panel edges. Face and back are checked against the sample; the ordered adhesive and bond requirement are recorded separately.
Specs
Exterior plywood specification table
Our exterior panels combine C/D utility faces, Styrax or Eucalyptus cores and water-resistant melamine-fortified or phenolic adhesive. The commercial/exterior range has ±0.5 mm thickness tolerance and ±2 mm length/width tolerance.
| Face/back | C/D-type utility faces, selected to the approved appearance sample |
|---|---|
| Core | AB core veneers, laid loose or joined; Styrax or Eucalyptus |
| Bond | Water-resistant melamine-fortified or phenolic adhesive |
| Bond and pressing | Melamine-fortified: 12-hour boiling requirement; phenolic WBP: 130–145 °C hot pressing |
| Thickness range | 3–40 mm |
| Standard formats | 1220 × 2440 mm and 1250 × 2500 mm |
| Custom formats | 1220 × 2500 mm, 1220 × 2280 mm and cut-to-size parts |
| Thickness tolerance | ±0.5 mm for commercial/exterior panels; length and width ±2 mm |
| Moisture at dispatch | 8–12% |
| Core density | Styrax about 500 kg/m³; Eucalyptus 650–750 kg/m³ |
| Surface preparation | Utility surface or sanding specified for the intended finish |
| Emission requirement | E1 available; adhesive and emission class quoted separately |
| Bond selection | Phenolic WBP for exterior; melamine-fortified for humid uses |
| Marking | Thickness, dimensions, face/back specification and bundle count |
| Structural orders | Specify the required rated product and project drawing with the enquiry |
The exterior range uses our commercial-panel construction with utility faces and a water-resistant bond. Thickness tolerance is ±0.5 mm; length and width tolerance is ±2 mm.
Grades
C/D utility faces: spend on the working requirement
C and D describe the appearance of the outer veneers. A C/D-type order accepts utility appearance where a decorative furniture face would add cost without helping the job.
D-type concealed back
Rougher utility appearance, with permissible defects recorded for the back.
Application brief
Hidden reverse sides where the project accepts the appearance.
Prepared outward surface
Face preparation selected for the intended primer or covering.
Application brief
Painted hoarding and practical panels that remain visible.
C/D utility faces accept knots, repairs and colour movement for practical components. We match face and back to the agreed sample, selecting a cleaner outward face where the panel will be painted or remain visible.
Core
Choose the core for the component and handling weight
The core provides most of an exterior panel’s thickness. Name Styrax or Eucalyptus on the order and assess the cut edge alongside the required bond performance.
| Core selection | Styrax | Eucalyptus |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal density | About 500 kg/m³ | 650–750 kg/m³ |
| 18 mm, 1220 × 2440 mm calculated mass | About 26.8 kg | About 34.8–40.2 kg |
| Handling decision | Lighter sheet for carrying and component handling | Heavier sheet; plan handling and payload accordingly |
| Specification to keep | Named species and agreed lay-up | Named species and agreed lay-up |
Styrax core is about 500 kg/m³; Eucalyptus is 650–750 kg/m³. The core species determines much of the sheet mass and the quantity that can be loaded within the booked payload.
Our commercial-panel construction uses AB core veneers, laid loose or joined, with an unsanded or lightly sanded surface. Exterior panels add the selected water-resistant adhesive to that practical construction.
An 18 mm panel commonly has 11–13 plies. Cross-laid veneers form the panel, with the core species and layer construction identified on the order.
Calculated sheet mass = 1.22 × 2.44 × 0.018 × density. Packing is additional.
Glue
WBP plywood bond: pressing temperatures and boiling requirements
Phenolic WBP is the exterior adhesive option, hot-pressed at 130–145 °C. Melamine-fortified adhesive is pressed at 110–120 °C and made for a 12-hour boiling requirement in moisture-exposed uses.
| Production parameter | Melamine-fortified | Phenolic WBP |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Humid and moisture-exposed components | Exterior components |
| Hot-press temperature | 110–120 °C | 130–145 °C |
| Boiling reference | 12-hour requirement in production guidance | 72-hour traditional WBP test reference |
| Emission | Usually E1 for the water-resistant melamine formulation | E0 or E1 emission options |
The boiling check examines bond durability on a sample. The 12-hour melamine requirement is recorded in our production guidance; 72-hour boiling is the traditional WBP test reference. The method, conditioning and sample construction are recorded with the test.
Adhesive and emission are separate specifications. Our UF furniture-panel samples recorded sample averages of 0.014–0.032 ppm in six ASTM D6007 chamber tests (three by Shanghai Hongjun, three by ICTT Vietnam) on 9, 15 and 18 mm panels, from April 2025 to June 2026. The comparison limit is 0.05 ppm. The exterior quotation names its adhesive and emission requirement separately.
EN 314-2 defines plywood bond-quality requirements; EN 636 specifies plywood for dry, humid and exterior uses. We arrange third-party testing through SGS to the buyer’s specified method.
Sizes
Order sheet size and thickness around the cutting plan
Exterior sheets come in 1220 × 2440 and 1250 × 2500 mm formats, with custom sizes and cutting options for repeat component work.
| Standard export sheet | 1220 × 2440 mm |
|---|---|
| Larger standard format | 1250 × 2500 mm |
| Custom formats | 1220 × 2500 mm; 1220 × 2280 mm |
| Thickness | 3–40 mm; ±0.5 mm for the commercial/exterior range |
| Cut-to-size | One panel divided into 4, 6 or 8 pieces, or a component drawing |
| Cutting instructions | Finished or rough size, grain direction, saw allowance and component code |
Standard sheets are 1220 × 2440 or 1250 × 2500 mm. Custom formats include 1220 × 2500 and 1220 × 2280 mm, with cut-to-size supply in separately marked component bundles.
Applications
Exterior plywood uses: match the panel to the detail
Exterior plywood is used for wall sheathing, stair components and temporary enclosures when its construction, bond and protective detail match the project.
01
Protected wall sheathing
Utility C/D faces and water-resistant bonding for wall panels and sheathing ordered to the project specification.
02
Covered stair components
Cut-to-size stair and entrance components with phenolic or melamine-fortified bonding selected for their exposure.
03
Painted hoarding and enclosures
Practical utility-faced sheets for temporary enclosures and painted panels; choose the outward face for the intended finish.
The range covers wall sheathing, stair components and temporary enclosures. Exterior plywood is an additional line alongside our main furniture and commercial production.
Phenolic bonding serves exterior exposure; melamine-fortified glue serves humid components. Faces and cut edges receive the finish required by the completed outdoor component.
Comparison
CDX plywood, exterior, marine and OSB: compare the right fields
CDX describes a familiar utility-face buying category; exterior service, marine construction and structural performance require their own specifications.
| Product description | Construction or appearance | What the buyer must specify |
|---|---|---|
| CDX-type utility plywood | Utility face/back appearance on a cross-laid veneer panel | Actual bond requirement, core, dimensions and required product evidence |
| Exterior plywood | Plywood selected for the stated outdoor service | Bond, veneer construction, finish and exposure detail |
| Marine plywood | Panel made to the named marine product standard | Exact marine standard and matching product evidence |
| OSB | Oriented wood strands bonded into a panel | Declared OSB grade, service condition and design requirement |
| Film-faced formwork plywood | Plywood with a protective surface overlay | Overlay, core bond and formwork specification |
CDX plywood commonly means C-D sheathing with Exposure 1 bonding for construction exposure before covering. Our CDX-type exterior range is quoted with the named water-resistant adhesive and panel construction.
Marine plywood is ordered to its marine product standard, including veneer and core requirements. OSB uses oriented strands; plywood uses cross-laid veneers. Film-faced plywood adds a surface overlay for formwork.
Qc
Inspection should check the order and its bond evidence
We measure the finished panels, inspect the utility faces and cut edges, and record the specified adhesive and bond requirement before packing.
Match the outward and back faces to the accepted utility-grade samples.
Measure thickness, length and width against the order.
Inspect the cut edge for the specified core and layer arrangement.
Review the required bond report by method, sample and result.
Reconcile bundle labels, quantities and component codes with the packing list.
Receive photographs and loading footage before shipment.
Thickness is checked against ±0.5 mm and length/width against ±2 mm for this commercial/exterior range. Inspection photos and loading footage are supplied before the container is closed.
Certificates and documents
Product evidence and order documents
CARB P2 / TSCA Title VI (ICTT mill no. 23024), ISO 9001:2015 and TCVN 11902:2017; see our quality documents, including the EUDR origin dossier.
Packing
Pack and load exterior plywood within the booked payload
Export bundles protect the panel faces and edges during handling. Plan the container by both dimensions and mass, including the pallet and packing materials.
| 18 mm at 1220 × 2440 mm | Sheets per bundle | Example quantity | Calculated panel mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Styrax at 500 kg/m³ | 55 | 18 bundles / 990 sheets | 26,523 kg |
| Eucalyptus at 650 kg/m³ | 53 | 15 bundles / 795 sheets | 27,689 kg |
This table uses our standard plan of up to 28,000 kg of panels per 40HC; packing is added for the payload check against your booking. The booked payload, actual panel mass and packing determine the final loading plan.
Panels are wrapped, strapped and protected in marked bundles. Mixed thicknesses and cut-part sizes stay separate in the packing list.
Panel mass = 1.22 × 2.44 × 0.018 × density, panels only, within the 28,000 kg plan; packing is added when the load is checked against the booked payload.
Terms
Exterior plywood export terms and quotation inputs
The minimum order is 1×40HC, with production in 15–45 days after deposit. Free samples allow the utility face and construction to be agreed before the order is produced.
| MOQ | 1×40HC |
|---|---|
| Production period | 15–45 days after deposit |
| Payment | 30% deposit and 70% against scanned B/L |
| Payment method | T/T or irrevocable L/C at sight |
| Delivery terms | FOB Hai Phong, CFR or CIF |
| Sample supply | Free samples |
| Mixed loads | By agreement, with specifications bundled separately |
| Loading records | Photos and video supplied before shipment |
Production runs 15–45 days after deposit, with ocean transit additional. We quote FOB Hai Phong, CFR or CIF and arrange mixed loads with each specification marked separately.
Order Steps
Order exterior plywood with the exposure written down
Send the intended use and exposure first, followed by the complete panel specification. Approve the sample and document requirements before production starts.
Describe the application, temporary exposure and final service condition.
Name the utility face/back requirement, core species, adhesive and bond test.
Specify thickness, tolerance, sheet dimensions or cutting drawings, and quantity.
Add destination, delivery term and required product documents.
Approve free samples and the written quotation, then confirm the payment arrangement.
Review inspection records, loading media and draft shipping documents before dispatch.
Faq
Exterior plywood and CDX: questions from importers
Answers for buying a utility-faced panel with the correct bond, dimensions and supporting information.
What is exterior plywood?
Exterior plywood is plywood selected for outdoor service with a water-resistant bond and suitable veneer construction. The panel still needs the finish, edge treatment and installation detail required by its exposure. Minh Thanh supplies utility-faced exterior panels with melamine-fortified or phenolic adhesive, specified together with the core and dimensions.
What does CDX plywood mean?
C and D refer to utility face and back grades. In North American trade, CDX commonly means C-D sheathing with Exposure 1 bonding for construction exposure before covering. Our CDX-type export offer pairs utility faces with the named water-resistant adhesive and core.
Is CDX the same as Exterior grade?
CDX commonly refers to Exposure 1 sheathing, used under a protective covering after construction. Exterior is a separate durability designation. We quote the adhesive, core construction and required exposure specification explicitly for the exterior panel order.
Is WBP plywood waterproof?
WBP refers to weather- and boil-resistant bonding between the veneers. Phenolic WBP is our exterior adhesive option. The wood faces and cut edges receive the protective finish required by the completed component.
Which adhesive should I request?
Choose phenolic WBP for exterior exposure and melamine-fortified adhesive for humid uses. Phenolic pressing runs at 130–145 °C; melamine pressing runs at 110–120 °C. Our moisture-resistant melamine specification uses a 12-hour boiling requirement. Emission class is quoted separately.
Does a boiling test prove marine grade?
A boiling test records bond durability on the tested sample. Marine plywood also follows its named product standard for veneer and core construction. Specify the marine standard when that is the product required.
Can exterior plywood be used for wall sheathing?
Yes. We supply utility-faced panels with water-resistant bonding for wall sheathing ordered to the project specification. Phenolic WBP is the exterior option; the quotation records the core, thickness, face pair and bond requirement.
What is the difference between exterior and marine plywood?
Exterior plywood combines the specified water-resistant bond with practical veneer grades. Marine plywood follows a marine product standard with additional requirements for veneer selection and core construction. We supply utility-faced exterior panels for the stated project specification.
Should I choose plywood or OSB outdoors?
Plywood uses cross-laid veneers and OSB uses oriented wood strands. Choose the declared product grade required by the design and exposure. Our exterior plywood offer provides C/D utility faces, Styrax or Eucalyptus core, and a named melamine-fortified or phenolic bond.
Can I paint exterior plywood?
Yes. Utility faces can be prepared for primer and paint, with the outward appearance selected against a sample. Specify sanding and acceptable repairs when the painted face will remain visible.
Does exterior plywood need edge sealing?
Yes. Protect exposed cut edges and drilled openings as part of the outdoor finish. The water-resistant adhesive protects the bond between veneers; the surface finish protects the wood from direct wetting.
What sizes can I order?
Standard formats are 1220 × 2440 and 1250 × 2500 mm, with thicknesses from 3–40 mm. Custom formats include 1220 × 2500 and 1220 × 2280 mm. Cut-to-size supply is available; provide component dimensions, grain direction, quantities and whether the sizes describe rough blanks or finished parts.
How are exterior panels loaded for export?
Panels are protected in marked bundles and loaded within the booked payload. Our 40HC plan carries 990 Styrax-core sheets of 18 mm, 26,523 kg of panels at 500 kg/m³, about 53 m³. If your booking caps cargo lower, we cut the count to fit and confirm it in the loading plan.
What do I send for a quotation?
Send the application and exposure, face/back grade, core species, adhesive, bond test, thickness, tolerance, dimensions, quantity and destination. Add the required project documents or drawing. Orders start at 1×40HC, with production in 15–45 days after deposit. Free samples help agree the specification before production.
Rfq
Request an exterior plywood quotation
Send the application, exposure and required bond with your sheet specification. Lisa replies within hours with an order-specific quotation and sample offer.
Email [email protected] or contact Lisa on WhatsApp +84 988 586 601. Include face/back requirement, core, adhesive, bond test, thickness, dimensions, quantity and destination. Free samples.
[email protected]