What Is CDX Plywood? Uses Of CDX Plywood?
What Is CDX Plywood?
CDX plywood is a type of plywood made up of thin veneer sheets that are glued and held together with linking plies.
It is known for its strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or warping. The “C” and “D” in CDX refer to the grade of the plywood on each side, with C being the better grade.
CDX plywood is often used in exterior applications such as roof sheathing and sub-floors due to its strength and water-resistance.
It is also an economical choice for these applications. The “X” in CDX refers to the type of glue used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers, not for “exterior”.
CDX plywood is not treated and therefore not fire-rated, but treated wood is more fire-resistant than untreated wood.
It should not be confused with ACX plywood, which has one side sanded smooth and one side with a rough texture.
What Are The Uses Of CDX Plywood?
CDX plywood is a type of plywood made up of thin veneer sheets that are glued and held together with linking plies. It is known for its strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or warping.
The letter “X” in CDX refers to the type of glue used in the factory to bond the plywood veneers.
CDX plywood is often used under shingles and roofing felt, on walls (just behind the siding and insulation), and as a sub floor just under the carpet pad or a tiled floor’s durock.
It is also commonly used as an additional flooring layer that rests just below the carpet pad or as a backer board for tiling inside of homes.
Outside of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood as an integral part of building exterior walls and roofs during the construction process.
CDX plywood should not be left as the first line of defense against heavy moisture on the exterior part of a building, especially over an extended period of time.
However, when used on interior projects such as flooring layers or backer boards, it can be a suitable choice for many home building projects.
What Does CDX Plywood Stand For?
CDX plywood stands for “C” grade veneer on one side and “D” grade veneer on the other side, with the “X” referring to the type of glue used to bond the two veneers together.
CDX plywood is often used in exterior applications such as roof sheathing and sub-flooring due to its strength and resistance to moisture.
It is also commonly used in walls, under shingles and roofing felt, and as a sub floor just under carpet pad or tiled floors.
The cost of CDX plywood varies depending on size, thickness, and quality. CDX plywood is not treated but it is fire-rated.
The difference between CDX and ACX plywood is that ACX has an additional layer of adhesive applied over the top of the core veneers for added strength.
Is CDX Plywood Waterproof?
CDX plywood is water resistant, not waterproof, and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture. It is often used for roof sheathing and sub-flooring due to its water resistance.
CDX plywood is not as waterproof as Marine plywood, which is completely waterproof.
CDX plywood should not be used in places where it will be exposed to a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
It is also important to note that CDX plywood is different from OSB (oriented strand board) plywood, which has a higher resistance to water but is not as strong or durable as CDX plywood.
Is CDX Plywood Strong?
CDX plywood is a type of veneer plywood made by gluing and pressing together sheets of wood. It is known for its strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or warping.
CDX plywood is often used in exterior applications due to its strength and water-resistance. It is also used as a sub-floor for ceramic floor finishings such as kitchens and bathrooms.
CDX plywood is not waterproof but it can absorb water without harming the wood and will dry out quickly.
It should always have a moisture barrier in place and be covered with some type of protective coating.
CDX plywood is considered the best for many applications, but there isn’t one overall best plywood; there is simply the best plywood for each job.
CDX plywood is more fire-resistant than untreated wood when treated properly. The difference between CDX and ACX plywood is that ACX has one side sanded smooth while CDX does not.
