Plywood staining / sealing

[Mark Kelly]

Is it necessary to apply an oil-based stain/sealer to BOTH sides of plywood? Will it bend/distort if it is only applied to one side?

[Chris Padilla]

Mark,

Plywood is exceedingly stable. Basically, the plys are laminated together with the grains oriented orthogonally (perpendicular, 90º) to each other. This is one benefit of plywood, it doesn't move like solid wood does. Hence, you can stain one side and forget about the other if you like. If the wood will be out the weather, I'd recommend applying your finish to both side to protect everything. If the ply will be in the house, just finish one side and call it good.

[Steve Clardy]

Ditto on what Chris said. ;)

Steve