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Plywood & OSB
Plywood and OSB
Northland Wood Products in Fairbanks, Alaska stocks a wide range of construction materials including both plywood and OSB sheathing for use in framing, roofing, and other building projects. Their plywood is layered wood panels and OSB is made from compressed wood strands, giving builders options for strength, cost, and project needs straight from their lumber yard. High-end marine-grade plywood is also available at Northland Wood in both Fairbanks and Anchorage locations.
Plywood and OSB are great for:
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Residential home construction – Wall, roof, and subfloor sheathing
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Roof decking – Base layer for shingles or metal roofing
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Subfloors – Strong, stable foundation beneath finished flooring
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Sheds and outbuildings – Cost-effective structural panels
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Garages and workshops – Wall and roof sheathing
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Remodels and additions – Structural reinforcement and repairs
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Concrete forming – Temporary forms for poured concrete (plywood)
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DIY projects – Furniture backing, shelving, and general utility projects
Marine-Grade Plywood
High-quality plywood options like AB Grade and Marine-grade are engineered for durability, but they serve different roles depending on the environment—especially in a climate as demanding as Interior Alaska.
AB Quality Plywood vs. Marine-Grade
The primary difference between these two isn't just the appearance; it’s the internal construction and the type of glue used.
AB Quality Plywood:
Appearance: "A" face is nearly perfect (sanded, smooth, and paint-ready). "B" face allows for minor, tight knots or small repairs (plugs).
Internal: May contain small "voids" (gaps) in the inner layers.
Usage: Best for indoor projects where looks matter, such as cabinetry, furniture, or shelving.
Marine-Grade Plywood (e.g., Douglas Fir or Okoume):
Appearance: Generally B-B grade or better, meaning it’s sanded but may have more visible repairs than an AB sheet.
Internal: The core is void-free. This is crucial because voids trap moisture, which leads to rot or delamination.
Glue: Uses permanent Waterproof (WBP) phenolic resin.
Usage: High-moisture environments where structural integrity is a safety concern.
Marine-grade can last 20–25 years or more if properly sealed with epoxy or high-quality marine paint. Without a finish, even marine plywood will eventually succumb to UV damage and surface checking.
Northland Wood Recent Prices
Fairbanks presents a unique challenge: extreme temperature swings. Materials must handle the transition from -40F in winter to 80+F in summer.
Stability in Dry Cold: The Interior has very low humidity in winter. High-quality plywood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood, meaning it is less likely to warp or "cup" when the furnace is running 24/7.
Spring Breakup Resilience: During the rapid snowmelt (breakup), moisture levels spike. Marine-grade plywood is excellent for subfloors in entryways or "Arctic entries" where melting snow and ice are tracked in daily.
Resistance to Delamination: Standard "shop" grade plywood might fail after a few seasons of extreme expansion and contraction. The superior glues in AB and Marine grades hold the veneers together despite the thermal stress.
Recommended Projects
Furniture & Cabinets (AB Grade): Custom bookshelves, kitchen islands, or vanity cabinets that require a smooth, professional finish.
Outdoor Structures (Marine Grade): Building a custom dog sled, a boat for the Chena River, or even a specialized trailer floor.
Home Utilities: If you are building enclosures for well-houses or septic access covers that might be exposed to condensation or ground moisture, marine-grade is the safest bet to avoid frequent replacements.
