MDF

• MDF stands for Medium Density Fiber and is a popular type of hardwood plywood. It is constructed by using a fine birch wood dust mixed with a binding agent and thermally pressed into large panels. This stable wood is either used in that form or with a layer of wood like oak or maple placed at the top and bottom. This plywood has become highly used by home improvement contractors because of its beauty and ease of use.
  
  

High Density Overlay

• High density overlay, similar to MDF, is made using a wood dust core, but this one is made from fir wood dust. This core is then sandwiched between two thin layers of MDF material. This makes the product look and perform similarly to MDF but with significantly less weight involved.
  
  

Veneer Core Hardwood

• Veneer core hardwood is created using layers of plain fir-based plywood, alternating the direction of the layers to add strength. A veneer of finished wood grain material like oak or maple is added to make it more attractive. Due to the manner of its creation, this plywood is sometimes difficult to cut without some difficulty. The veneers are prone to chipping if sawed too quickly. This is also lightweight plywood.
  
  

Melamine

• Melamine is common fir plywood with a heat-fused, resin-coated paper finish. It is resistant to stains and other forms of light damage. Melamine is widely used in the cabinet-making industry for cabinet frames due to its lightweight nature and durability. It is made to have either coarse or smooth surfaces but is susceptible to chipping if cut too quickly.
  
  

Lumber Core

• Lumber core is different from the other plywood types in that it is made from strips of lumber, not pressed wood dust. Most commonly made of basswood, this plywood is often used for projects requiring routing or when it will have visible edges that would show in more common plywood layering. This is expensive plywood and is becoming less commonly used in favor of products like MDF.