Oak plywood instead of Ash?

[jeajsa]

Just wanted to get all your opinions on replacing the Ash 1/8 plywood with 1/8 oak. My 1963 airflyte has ash that was painted and I don't think stripping the paint is an option i.e. way to much work! I think it may be near impossible to get ash in 1/8 and 1/4 is way expensive ($60-$75/ 4x8 sheet)! Oak and Ash are very similar in grain but I am not sure how the shellac would look? I can get birch but still more expensive than Oak. I have oak kitchen cabinets in my house but oak was used way to much in the 80's and 90's and I don't really like it so much in the kitchen. What would you do?

[Gone Kayaking]

Hi
Ive seen a few with oak but it's not typical. Prices I've seen for birch run more like 20-30 per sheet for 1/8 it's easy to find where I am (CA) but folks in some parts of country seem to have a hard time finding. If the trailer is for you to keep and use do what feels right to you and fits your budget.

[vikx]

I recently talked to the lumber yard about oak, and he felt that it is a darker and pinker color than ash. Birch is closer in color. If you're using amber shellac, oak should blend pretty well.

In WA, 3/16 birch is available at Home Depot for 12 bucks a sheet. You have to pick and choose, and some lots aren't any good, but the price is worth the hunt... Great for the walls. Gone Kayaking is correct on 1/8 being around $20-$30, which you will need for the ceiling.

Beware Chinese plywood if you are using anything other than shellac. Some finishes split the top layer of plywood; a test coat of several days may be necessary. From what we have learned, the glue is bad and expands when the finish penetrates.

[tylerbes]

Kayak

The part of the country you are reffering to is mine ... NE . It was $50 a sheet for 1/8 Birch and I needed 7 for the roof! I also used the 1/4 from Lowes for the walls. Came out good but you are right, need to pick through.

JeaJsa

Have you looked into Maple? would that be a better match in grain and color? just a suggestion, I know its available.

[jeajsa]

Thanks everyone, Tyler I have not thought of maple, great tip I know that is available.

[Gone Kayaking]

I think Maple is a great idea...and in NE it might be a better price...we don't see much of it out here in the lumber yard.

And ditto on the quality. some of the veneers can be way too thin and papery.

[marvindsoza]

I have heard about them but have not utilized them in my home furniture as I am using oak and walnut wood. I have heard about maple that they are not known like preferred choice by wood workers as it is too hard and it does not like stains. Is it true?