Arauco and radiata pine plywood

Overview

Radiata pine plywood is made from plantation-grown Pinus radiata, mostly in Chile and New Zealand, and Arauco is one of the best-known producers. Arauco's AraucoPly AnAn and AnC panels are made from pruned radiata pine with a composed core and phenolic resin, sanded to 150 grit, and are sold in 1220 by 2440 mm sheets from 9 to 30 mm, made to PS 1-09 and FSC certified, according to Arauco's technical sheet. An 18 mm panel has seven plies and weighs 28.4 kg. It is the smooth, clean pine plywood often sold in the US as AC or ACX.

Pros

• Pruned plantation logs mean fewer knots, so faces are cleaner than ordinary sheathing; Arauco describes AnAn and AnC as appearance grades.
• Multi-ply construction: Aetna lists a 7-ply 23/32 in sheet to PS 1.
• Cheaper than hardwood plywood. Toledo's 3/4 in AC radiata is $54.95.
• Phenolic glue and FSC certification claimed by the maker.
• Good for paint and for clear finishing where a light pine look is wanted.

Cons

• Softwood face: dents easily and blotches under stain.
• Imports vary by shipment; Dunn Lumber lists Arauco ACX 3/4 in (net 23/32) at $77.88, well above Toledo's AC at $54.95.
• Thicknesses are metric or nominal, so 3/4 in sheets measure 23/32.
• Panel is heavy for its size.
• Not rated for permanent outdoor use unless the bond class says so.

Variants and subspecies

• AnAn: both faces appearance grade; AnC: one appearance face and a C back (Arauco).
• AC / ACX: see ACX plywood and Sanded pine plywood.
• Siding sheets: Toledo lists T1-11 5/8 in 4x8 at $59.95 to $66.95, 4x9 at $78.95, beaded 3/8 in at $41.95 and rough-sawn at $50.95.
• The wood itself: see Radiata pine.
• Other softwood plywood: Exterior and structural plywood (fir) and CDX sheathing plywood.

Working and finishing

Fine-tooth blades give clean edges. Fill and sand edges, or cover with solid strips or banding. Prime knots and patches before painting. Screws hold well in the face; pre-drill near edges. For outdoor use, seal all faces and edges.

Staining and finishing colour

Radiata is a blotchy softwood. Use pre-stain conditioner or gel stain, or paint. Clear finishes give a light cream to yellow tone that darkens in time. Light sanding only: the face veneer is thin.

Sustainability and handling

Arauco states that its plywood is made from plantation radiata and carries FSC certification (Arauco technical sheet); verify the chain-of-custody on the sheet you buy. PS 1 structural plywood is outside the EPA TSCA Title VI formaldehyde rule (EPA FAQ, checked 2026-09-30). Shipments are heavy; store flat.

Popular projects

Painted cabinets and built-ins, shop storage, panelling, sheds, and T1-11 siding.

Buying notes

Ask for the grade (AnAn, AnC, AC), actual thickness and bond class. Toledo AC radiata (September 2026): 1/4 in $29.95, 3/8 in $32.95, 1/2 in $45.95, 5/8 in $49.95, 3/4 in $54.95, 1 in $83.95. Compare mills: Dunn's Arauco ACX 3/4 in is $77.88.