MDO surface
Stable resin-fibre face for primer, paint, graphics and project-specified matte concrete finishes.
HDO & MDO PLYWOODSURFACE · CORE · END USE
HDO and MDO Plywood for Formwork, Signage and Coated Panel Programs
CUZI PLY HDO and MDO plywood combine a resin-impregnated overlay with a selected veneer core, exterior bond, controlled dimensions and sealed-edge option. MDO provides a stable paint and coating base for signage, exterior panels and matte concrete finishes; HDO provides a harder, lower-absorption face for smooth formwork and demanding industrial surfaces. Choose the overlay, face/back arrangement, core, moisture, machining, coating or release system, packing and destination documents as one complete construction.
- MDO surface
- Paint, coating, signage, matte finish
- HDO surface
- Hard surface, forming, wear, cleaning
- Thickness
- 6–30 mm by construction
- Moisture
- 8–12%
- Export reference range
- USD 520–1,350/m³
- Price reference size
- 1220×2440×18 mm
Match the overlay to the required finish, coating and service method.
HDO surface
Harder, more resin-rich and lower-absorption face for smooth formwork, wear and repeated cleaning.
Face arrangement
One-face, two-face or controlled balancing back, stated with colour, texture, sheen and priming.
Panel build
Selected support veneer, balanced core, exterior phenolic bond and sealed edges beneath the overlay.
Fabrication
Cutting, drilling, edge resealing, coating or release agent are matched to the finished application.
Commercial range
USD 520–1,350/m³ across paint-base, formwork and project-specific overlay constructions.
Compare the required face result first, then align the core, bond, dimensions, fabrication method and documents before comparing quotations.
Compare HDO and MDO by applicationSurface, finish, construction and fabrication · 8 comparison fieldsShow comparisonHide comparison
| Selection field | MDO option | HDO option | Information to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overlay role | Paint/coating base, sign and exterior-finish option; matte formwork where specified | Hard, low-absorption, wear and smooth-forming option | Required surface result |
| Face options | One/two face; primed or unprimed programme | One/two face; industrial or forming programme | Face/back construction |
| Finish | Paint-ready or coating-specific after preparation | Smooth hard surface; coating only when the system is confirmed | Paint/release/coating compatibility |
| Concrete result | Matte or project-specified | Smooth/low-porosity result where construction and site practice support it | Finish class and mock-up |
| Wear/cleaning | project requirements | Higher-duty option by construction | Method and acceptance threshold |
| Core/bond | Selected by use | Selected by use | Species, lay-up, bond class |
| Edge/cut | Reseal after machining when exposure requires | Reseal after machining when exposure requires | Compatible seal system |
| Documents | Paint/coating, bond, dimensions and project documents | Bond, dimensions, surface/forming and project documents | Named method and required records |
HDO means High Density Overlay plywood and MDO means Medium Density Overlay plywood. Both use a resin-impregnated fibre face consolidated with the panel under heat and pressure. HDO generally uses a harder, more resin-rich, low-absorption surface; MDO generally gives a stable paintable or coating-specific face and can also serve qualified matte concrete-forming work.
MDO retains a cross-laminated plywood core beneath its treated overlay. HDO uses a harder overlay construction suited to smooth forming and industrial surface duty. The intended paint system, concrete finish, wear, cleaning method and budget determine the appropriate option.
Name the expected result: a primed paint base, matte concrete surface, smooth concrete surface or industrial face for a defined cleaning and wear regime. The overlay choice follows that result, then the core, lay-up, support veneer, bond, dimensions and edge system are matched to it.
Structural, fire, slip, marine and installed-system requirements are specified through their applicable product and project standards alongside the selected HDO or MDO construction.
Choose the construction around your finished surface.
MDO Paint & Sign Base
Select a paint-ready MDO face, core and edge system around the approved coating or sign fabrication method.
- Application
- Painted signage blanks, exterior coated panels, soffit/siding bases and industrial coated parts
- Dimensions
- 1220×2440 mm standard; 1250×2500 mm standard
- Documents
- EN bond, dimensions, emission and product documents as required
- Reference price
- USD 520–720/m³USD 27.86–38.58/sheet on the reference size
HDO Formwork & Industrial Surface
Select a hard HDO surface with the panel construction, edge, release and inspection method required by the forming or industrial duty.
- Application
- Smooth concrete-forming faces, industrial work surfaces and reusable panel systems
- Dimensions
- 1220×2440 mm standard; 1250×2500 mm standard; 1525×3050 mm after confirmation
- Documents
- EN bond and dimensional documents plus forming or industrial test records
- Reference price
- USD 700–980/m³USD 37.51–52.51/sheet on the reference size
Project-Specific Overlay System
Coordinate the HDO/MDO face and back, selected core, machining, mock-up, documents and large-format feasibility as one specification.
- Application
- Specified overlay systems, large formats, CNC parts and project-controlled surfaces
- Dimensions
- 1220×2440 mm standard; 1250×2500 mm standard; 1525×3050 mm after confirmation; 1220×3800 mm after confirmation; 2100×2800 mm after confirmation
- Documents
- Project-specific standard, test, sourcing and submittal documents
- Reference price
- USD 950–1,350/m³USD 50.90–72.33/sheet on the reference size
Support the entire panel and inspect the face as a controlled material surface.
Specify the complete plywood construction beneath the overlay.
Overlay build
MDO or HDO, one/two-face arrangement, colour, finish, priming and surface sample.
Core choices
Poplar, combi, eucalyptus-hardwood, selected hardwood or birch-led high-ply construction.
Size range
1220×2440 and 1250×2500 mm standard; qualified project formats up to 2100×2800 mm.
Panel control
6–30 mm thickness range, 8–12% moisture and stated tolerance, squareness and flatness method.
Edges & machining
Factory edge seal plus compatible resealing for exposed cuts, holes and CNC-machined details.
Commercial basis
Three options referenced to 1220×2440×18 mm for consistent USD/m³ and per-sheet comparison.
View the complete specification27 order fields · Compare MDO paint-base, HDO formwork and project-specific optionsShow specificationsHide specifications
| Specification field | MDO paint-base | HDO formwork | Project overlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overlay type | MDO resin-fiber overlay; buyer-approved basis weight and treatment | HDO resin-fiber overlay; programme-specific hard surface | Project-specified HDO/MDO face/back system and approved sample |
| Face / back arrangement | 1S or 2S MDO; MDO, balanced or project back | 1S/2S HDO or HDO face with controlled back | Project HDO/MDO combination, balanced back or two-face system |
| Surface colour / finish | Kraft, opaque, grey, brown, white or an available project colour | Brown, black, grey or project colour; smooth hard forming/industrial finish | Buyer-selected colour, texture, sheen and face/back references |
| Priming | Unprimed or factory-primed to suit the selected coating system | Unprimed forming face or a separately specified compatible coating | Project primer, coating or form-release mock-up |
| Core species | Selected poplar, combi or eucalyptus-hardwood | Selected hardwood, eucalyptus, combi or project core | Selected hardwood, birch-led, high-ply or project construction |
| Core construction / lay-up | Balanced cross-lay matched to paint and fabrication duty | Balanced selected veneers with controlled overlaps and voids | Project lay-up and ply count tied to machining, surface and dimensions |
| Face / support veneer | Support veneer selected for overlay flatness and paint result | Dense selected support veneer for HDO consolidation | Buyer-selected support veneer and surface preparation |
| Bond / adhesive system | Exterior phenolic option as export baseline; other options by use | Exterior phenolic option | Project and destination matched bond system |
| Standard sizes | 1220×2440; 1250×2500 mm | 1220×2440; 1250×2500 mm | 1220×2440; 1250×2500 mm plus qualified project formats |
| Oversize qualification | 1220×2440 and 1250×2500 mm standard formats | 1525×3050 mm after overlay, press, flatness, handling and pack confirmation | 1525×3050, 1220×3800 and 2100×2800 mm after technical and loading confirmation |
| Thickness | 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24/25 mm; other 6–30 mm sizes by order | 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24/25 mm; other 6–30 mm sizes by order | Project thickness and ply count; 3/4 in stated as an actual millimetre value and tolerance |
| Thickness tolerance | About ±0.6 mm on the stated measurement method | About ±0.5 mm on the stated measurement method | About ±0.3 mm where the selected construction and method support it |
| Squareness / edge straightness | Order tolerance and sampling method confirmed | Controlled to order and EN 315 option when nominated | Drawing and project method control |
| Moisture range | 8–12%; matched to coating, use and destination | 8–12%; matched to forming, core and destination | 8–12% or a stated project range linked to core, machining and surface system |
| Density / panel weight | Calculated from the selected poplar/combi/eucalyptus construction | Calculated from the selected hardwood/eucalyptus/combi construction | Calculated for the selected high-ply or project lay-up |
| Edge sealing | Factory edge seal where exposure or coating system requires | Compatible factory seal for forming/industrial exposure | Project colour, chemistry and coverage matched to the sample |
| Cut-edge / drilled-hole treatment | Reseal exposed cuts and holes where service requires | Reseal cuts and holes with a compatible system | Drawing-led machining and reseal inspection |
| CNC / cutting / drilling options | Panel saw or CNC option matched to tooling and painted-edge finish | Cutting and drilling option matched to edge sealing, form release and fixing | CNC files, tool path, tolerance, edge distance and first-piece sample |
| Paint / coating preparation | Clean, prepare and prime for the selected coating system | Surface preparation and coating compatibility stated for the selected HDO face | Coating stack and preparation demonstrated on the project mock-up |
| Concrete release / cleaning input | Matte-forming option with the form-release and cleaning method stated | Release agent, cleaning tools and acceptable surface result stated | Mock-up combines panel, release agent, concrete mix, support and cleaning method |
| Surface / overlay inspection | MDO sample, colour, continuity, priming and defect limits | HDO sample, sheen, continuity, bonding and local-defect limits | Face/back sample, measured requirements and project acceptance |
| Bond / dimension documents | Product specification and EN 314/315 documents on request | EN 314/315 documents and project surface records | Named methods, samples, reports and submittal list |
| Packing | Dry flat support, face paper, aligned bearers, corners, parallel straps, moisture wrap | Full-width support and overlay protection; straps kept from marking face | Project/oversize cradle, full-length support and loading validation |
| MOQ / quantity basis | Confirmed against colour, priming, thickness mix and pack | Confirmed against HDO surface, core, thickness and required documents | Project lot based on custom face/back, machining, samples and tests |
| Lead-time inputs | Overlay/primer availability, core, thickness mix, sample and pack | Overlay, selected core, press, inspection, documents and pack | Material selection, mock-up, tooling, tests and oversize handling |
| Quotation unit | USD/m³; sheet math only on the same reference basis | USD/m³; sheet math only on the same reference basis | USD/m³ plus separately stated machining/testing where applicable |
| Required sample / mock-up option | MDO face and coating coupon matched before production | HDO face and forming/industrial surface reference matched before production | Project mock-up and signed face/back specification |
Build the MDO face into a complete coating and fabrication system.
MDO supplies a stable, treated fiber face over plywood for a buyer-approved primer, paint or coating system. Painted outdoor or industrial signs, construction sign substrates, coated panels, soffit or siding bases and industrial enclosures are specified with the coating stack, supports, exposed edges, holes, maintenance and destination requirements.
For a 3/4 MDO plywood request, the quotation states the actual millimetre thickness and tolerance. Permanent traffic-sign performance is developed through the selected MDO construction, coating, graphics, fixing, support and maintenance specification.
- Select
- MDO face/back, primed or unprimed, core, bond and approved paint sample
- Control
- Cleaning, preparation, primer/paint compatibility, cuts, holes and edge reseal
- Confirm
- Coating coupon, adhesion/finish criteria and destination project documents
Match the coating sample to the same face and edge system used for production.
Specify the HDO surface, forming method and cleaning duty together.
HDO provides a hard, low-absorption and wear-oriented surface for smooth concrete, industrial work faces and reusable panel systems. Panel construction, support, ties and fasteners, release agent, concrete mix, vibration, cleaning, storage, sealed edges and site handling determine the working result and practical reuse.
A smooth-concrete order names the finish class or approved mock-up. Industrial surface orders state the expected wear, chemicals, cleaning tools and acceptance thresholds so the HDO construction and inspection method match the actual duty.
- Select
- HDO face/back, selected core, exterior bond and dimensional requirements
- Control
- Support, ties, release, cleaning, sealed edges and lot inspection
- Confirm
- Surface mock-up and named bond, dimension or project method
Match the panel surface to the supported forming system.
Choose the plywood construction that matches the finished application.
Film Faced Plywood
Best used for: Conventional formwork film with matched core and sealed edges
Choose when: The required surface is a conventional film face for concrete formwork.
Structural Plywood
Best used for: Declared structural grade and design properties
Choose when: The panel must carry structural values for engineering design.
Outdoor signage system
Best used for: MDO construction combined with coating, graphics, supports and destination rules
Choose when: The order includes the complete outdoor sign substrate and coating specification.
Melamine / HPL
Best used for: Decorative paper or high-pressure laminate system
Choose when: The required surface is a decorative melamine or HPL finish.
Anti-Slip Plywood
Best used for: Pattern geometry, slip condition and test method
Choose when: The working face requires a textured tread surface and slip test.
T1-11
Best used for: Grooved siding profile and installed wall specification
Choose when: The wall panel requires a machined groove profile and siding details.
Carry the selected surface from inspection through delivery.
- Approved overlay sample
- Face colour, texture and continuity
- Overlay bonding and local defects
- Thickness, squareness and flatness
- Edge, corner and machining inspection
- Paint, release or mock-up method where ordered
- Lot identity and product documents
- Pack protection
Use tooling suited to the overlay and plywood build, with the blade, tool path, edge distance, cut quality, hole treatment and resealing stated for the application. Packs remain dry, flat and fully supported with face isolation, aligned bearers, corner protection, parallel straps and moisture wrapping. Large formats use full-length handling and loading support.
Match each standard and document to the construction, use and destination.
The order identifies the applicable bond, dimensions, emissions, sourcing, due-diligence and project documents for the selected construction. APA terminology provides an established industry reference for HDO/MDO overlay selection, while eligible North American orders can nominate PS 1 or an applicable APA grade.
| Standard / requirement | Availability | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| EN 636 | Available on request | Product use/environment class for the defined construction |
| EN 314-1 / EN 314-2 | Available on request | Bond testing and bonding-quality requirements |
| EN 315 | Available on request | Dimensions and tolerances |
| Product specification / inspection plan | Available | Order construction, approved sample, inspection method and document list |
| EN 13986 / CPR / DoP / CE | Project-specific | Applicable construction use and technical topics only |
| ISO 12465 | Available on request | Buyer-nominated international plywood specification |
| EN 717-1/E1 / REACH Entry 77 | Available on request | European emission requirements when triggered |
| FSC / PEFC transaction | Available on request | Covered transaction and matching material records |
| EUDR due-diligence documents | Importer confirmation required | Operator/importer due-diligence inputs |
| Australia illegal logging / BICON | Importer confirmation required | Australian order and live import pathway |
| Project submittal | Available on request | Samples, reports, agreed variations and document index |
Compare complete HDO and MDO constructions on the same reference size.
- Reference
- 1220×2440×18 mm; 0.05358 m³/sheet; full-container quantity basis
- Price date
- 2026-08-18
- Commercial terms
- Port, Incoterm, freight, tax and destination charges are confirmed in the quotation.
Export reference ranges for the stated format and full-container quantity basis. The sheet values use the same 1220×2440×18 mm construction volume for comparison.
MDO Paint & Sign Base
USD 27.86–38.58/sheet
MDO paint and sign-base construction with selected core, priming, coating sample and export packing.HDO Formwork & Industrial Surface
USD 37.51–52.51/sheet
HDO formwork and industrial-surface construction with selected core, sealed edges and surface inspection.Project-Specific Overlay System
USD 50.90–72.33/sheet
Project overlay system with custom face/back, high-ply core, machining, mock-up, documents and large-format handling.The three ranges compare export-oriented MDO, HDO and project overlay constructions on the same reference size. The final quotation adjusts for the selected overlay, face/back arrangement, core, bond, dimensions, machining, documents, quantity, packing and delivery terms.
Continue with the product, market or technical page relevant to the order.
Plywood Product Catalogue
Compare plywood products by construction and application.
View detailsFilm Faced PlywoodCompare conventional formwork film, core and sealed-edge options.
View detailsStructural PlywoodChoose a declared structural grade for engineered construction.
View detailsPlywood Sizes & ThicknessesDimension qualification
View detailsQuality & InspectionSurface, dimensions, machining and packing checks
View detailsAustralia Market BriefAustralian import and project requirements
View detailsExport Process & PackingPacking and document requirements
View detailsBuild an Exact-Spec RFQSend the surface, construction, document and delivery requirements.
View detailsOutdoor Signage & Construction BoardsMatch the MDO substrate with the sign family, coating, edge protection, support and intended service life.
View detailsNorth America Market BriefMatch the overlay use, product standard and importer documents to the destination.
View detailsCompare HDO/MDO with film and coating optionsCompare overlay density, coating compatibility, panel construction and end use before selecting HDO or MDO.
View detailsBUYER QUESTIONS
Overlay, fabrication and price
Questions before you order.
What is the difference between HDO plywood and MDO plywood?
Both are plywood faced with resin-impregnated fiber overlay. HDO usually provides a harder, more resin-rich, low-absorption and wear-oriented surface; MDO usually provides a stable paint or coating base and can serve a qualified matte-forming application. The quotation also states the selected core, bond, dimensions, edges and product documents.
How does MDO plywood differ from MDF?
MDO is Medium Density Overlay plywood: a thin treated fiber face consolidated over a cross-laminated plywood core. MDF is made from compressed wood fibers. MDO retains plywood's layered veneer construction and is selected for coating, fabrication and exterior-service specifications.
Which overlay is suitable for concrete formwork?
HDO supports a hard, smooth, low-absorption forming face, while qualified MDO supports matte concrete finishes. The practical finish and reuse result come from the complete panel, supports, ties, release agent, concrete, cleaning, sealed edges and site handling.
Can MDO plywood be painted for outdoor signage?
Yes. Configure MDO with the selected primer, paint, graphics or reflective layer, sealed edges and holes, compatible fixings and support. A coating sample confirms adhesion, colour, finish and edge treatment before production.
Can HDO or MDO be supplied one-sided or two-sided?
Yes. The order can use one overlay face with a controlled balancing back, matching overlays on two faces or a project-specified face/back combination. Both faces are stated in the specification so the construction matches the exposure and fabrication method.
What sizes and thicknesses are available, including 3/4 inch?
1220×2440 and 1250×2500 mm are standard comparison sizes. Project formats include 1525×3050, 1220×3800 and 2100×2800 mm after confirming overlay continuity, press capacity, flatness, handling and packing. Common thicknesses are 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24/25 mm. For a 3/4 MDO plywood enquiry, state the required millimetre thickness and tolerance.
How should cut edges, holes and coatings be handled?
Confirm tooling, cut quality, hole position, edge distance and the compatible reseal system before fabrication. Clean and prepare the face according to the approved primer, paint, release or coating system. Reseal exposed cuts and drilled holes where the service environment requires it.
How should buyers compare HDO and MDO plywood prices?
Compare the overlay and face/back arrangement, core and lay-up, bond, size, actual thickness and tolerance, priming, edge work, machining, quantity, documents and packing. The page ranges use one 1220×2440×18 mm reference basis for a consistent comparison.
What to include in your enquiry
Surface result
Paint base / matte concrete / smooth concrete / industrial wear
Panel construction
Overlay / core / lay-up / bond
Fabrication & exposure
Cutting / edges / coating / moisture / cleaning
Documents & delivery
Method / dimensions / quantity / packing / destination
Plywood enquiry
Tell us what you need.
Choose HDO or MDO, or describe the surface result and we will recommend the suitable overlay. State end use, one/two-face and back arrangement, primed/unprimed coating system, core and lay-up, bond and exposure, size, thickness and tolerance, edge/cut/hole treatment, test/standard/document requirements, quantity, packing, destination and target date. Our team can recommend the suitable Incoterm for the destination and order volume.
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