Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives
Substitutes for Russian Plywood in the UK
since the plywood sanctions and import ban
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, birch plywood production has been severely disrupted.
Russia was the largest manufacturer of birch plywood and also the largest source
of birch round-logs for plywood production elsewhere in the world.
Currently it is illegal to import Russian plywood and timber into the EU and UK.
This includes plywood produced in other countries using Russian logs.
More information regarding sanctions and enforcements can be found on our blog HERE
What are Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives?
Alternative Harvest Location
We have long-standing relationships with European plywood mills and are still importing birch plywood
European Birch Plywood / Baltic Birch Plywood
Birch plywood produced in European countries: Latvia, Finland, Poland, Estonia.
Volumes being imported cannot meet historical demand, so we are offering alternatives.....
Species Substitution
European Pine Plywood
We first stocked this panel in 2015 and consider it a very good birch alternative
- Made in Europe with European logs
- EUTR / UKTR compliant
- FSC environmentally rated
- Wall lining, furniture, shop fitting
Comparing Pine to Birch
- Pine is slightly denser / heavier
- Pine is more durable
- Birch is stronger
- Same number of plugs/patches
- Same number of plies per thickness
- Same light colour
- Birch is plain grain / Pine has a figured grain
Glue line
- Pine: exterior class 3 glue that is colourless
- Birch: exterior class 3 glue that is dark brown
- Birch: interior class 1 or 2 glue that is colourless
Pine
Birch
Comparing Pine to Birch
- Pine is slightly denser / heavier
- Pine is more durable
- Birch is stronger
- Same number of plugs/patches
- Same number of plies per thickness
- Same light colour
- Birch is plain grain / Pine has a figured grain
Glue line
- Pine: exterior class 3 glue that is colourless
- Birch: exterior class 3 glue that is dark brown
- Birch: interior class 1 or 2 glue that is colourless
Beech Face Plywood / Eucalyptus Core
Conceived directly in response to the Russian invasion and subsequent export ban. The specification was carefully considered and written to achieve a high quality product and to provide a versatile and dependable plywood panel.
- Commercially viable timbers
- Non Russian species ensure legally sourced logs
- Reliable production
- Carefully constructed core
- Approx. 1mm thick face veneers (like birch plywood)
- Same number of plies as birch and decorative pine
- Clean face can be used decoratively
- Beech timber is generally clean with few visual defects
Glue line
- Bonding Class 2: clear glue (12mm/15mm/18mm only)
- Bonding Class 3: dark brown glue
Poplar Plywood Throughout
Manufactured using the denser "Robusta Poplar" species
- Commercially viable timbers
- Non Russian species ensure legally sourced logs
- Reliable production
- Carefully constructed core
- Approx. 1mm thick face veneers (like birch plywood)
- Same number of plies as birch and decorative pine
- Clean face can be used decoratively
- Poplar timber is very clean with minimal visual defects
Glue line
- Bonding Class 2: clear glue (12mm/15mm/18mm only)
- Bonding Class 3: dark brown glue
Veneered Panels
Birch faced / birch veneered panels are available and represent a good alternative to B grade birch (which not available from Europe)
BB birch can be veneered with A grade birch, or an alternative light coloured veneer like Ash, Maple or Sycamore.
Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives
Substitutes for Russian Plywood in the UK
since the plywood sanctions and import ban
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, birch plywood production has been severely disrupted. Russia was the largest manufacturer of birch plywood and also the largest source of birch round-logs for plywood production elsewhere in the world.
Currently it is illegal to import Russian plywood and timber into the EU and UK.
This includes plywood produced in other countries using Russian logs.
More information regarding sanctions and enforcements can be found on our blog HERE
What are Russian Birch Plywood Alternatives?
Alternative Harvest Location
European Birch Plywood / Baltic Birch Plywood
Birch plywood produced in European countries: Latvia, Finland, Poland, Estonia.
We have long-standing relationships with plywood mills and are still importing birch plywood.
Contact us with your enquiry.
Volumes being imported cannot meet historical demand, so we have sourced alternatives. See details below:
Species Substitution
European Pine Plywood
We first stocked this panel in 2015 and consider it a very good birch alternative
- Made in Europe with European logs
- EUTR / UKTR compliant
- FSC environmentally rated
- Wall lining, furniture, shop fitting
Comparing Pine to Birch
- Pine is slightly denser / heavier
- Pine is more durable
- Birch is stronger
- Same number of plugs/patches
- Same number of plies per thickness
- Same light colour
- Birch is plain grain / Pine has a figured grain
Glue line
- Pine: exterior class 3 glue that is colourless
- Birch: exterior class 3 glue that is dark brown
- Birch: interior class 1 or 2 glue that is colourless
Beech Face Plywood
with Eucalyptus Core
Conceived directly in response to the Russian invasion and subsequent export ban. The specification was carefully considered and written to achieve a high quality product and to provide a versatile and dependable plywood panel.
- Commercially viable timbers
- Non Russian species ensure legally sourced logs
- Reliable production
- Carefully constructed core
- Approx. 1mm thick face veneers (like birch plywood)
- Same number of plies as birch and decorative pine
- Clean face can be used decoratively
- Beech timber is generally clean with few visual defects
Glue line
- Bonding Class 2: clear glue (12mm/15mm/18mm only)
- Bonding Class 3: dark brown glue
Poplar Plywood Throughout
Manufactured using the denser "Robusta Poplar" species
- Commercially viable timbers
- Non Russian species ensure legally sourced logs
- Reliable production
- Carefully constructed core
- Approx. 1mm thick face veneers (like birch plywood)
- Same number of plies as birch and decorative pine
- Clean face can be used decoratively
- Poplar timber is very clean with minimal visual defects
Glue line
- Bonding Class 2: clear glue (12mm/15mm/18mm only)
- Bonding Class 3: dark brown glue