Red oak plywood is characterized by a sharp contrast between coarse early wood and smooth late wood. The heartwood color is light tan to pinkish to reddish brown to dark tan or khaki.

The Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) core is made in a production process similar to Particleboard (PBC) except that all of wood particles are small and uniform like sawdust. MDF offers great stability and is the least likely to react when subjected to a measurable change in temperature or humidity. It offers a very smooth, void-free surface for veneer faces.

MDF has greater strength and screw holding properties than particleboard and weighs around 100 lbs per 3/4-inch panel. It is used in cabinets, furniture, fixtures and molding and is highly recommended for thin panel applications such as door inserts for cabinets and paneling.

Note that rift cut veneers are often pulled from the straight grain portion of plain sliced veneer from the region of the log closest to its center. The resulting veneer is called rift cut when the flake is minimal. Veneers thus developed are often called false rift but they are held to the same standard as “true” rift and quarters, reducing cost while preserving aesthetic appeal.4 x 8 Red oak plywood panelFalse rift cut face reduces cost while delivering the aesthetic appeal of “true rift”Rotary cut back: Peeling the entire log produces a continuous ribbon of veneer