Cargo boxes - baltic birch

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CharlieS

CharlieS

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I called about a 4x8 sheet of 12mm Baltic Birch today. $160. Now I don't have a point of reference, but that sounds expensive.

The shop said they are trying to find a non Russian source and won't be restocking until they do.

From High School I recall that the Baltic States are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. So I don't see a contemporary Russia connection (other than proximity and former status).

But... the Google machine tells me that all Baltic ply is made in either Finland or Russia.

I imagine this puts a crimp in the commercial box manufacturers like Trekboxx and Landshark, when it is a primary material in their builds.

For the lower budget crowd, are there any alternatives that may be less costly? That scrap zip system sheathing collecting dust in the shed may be pressed into service...
 
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CharlieS said:
I called about a 4x8 sheet of 12mm Baltic Birch today. $160. Now I don't have a point of reference, but that sounds expensive.

The shop said they are trying to find a non Russian source and won't be restocking until they do.

From High School I recall that the Baltic States are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. So I don't see a contemporary Russia connection (other than proximity and former status).

But... the Google machine tells me that all Baltic ply is made in either Finland or Russia.

I imagine this puts a crimp in the commercial box manufacturers like Trekboxx and Landshark, when it is a primary material in their builds.

For the lower budget crowd, are there any alternatives that may be less costly? That scrap zip system sheathing collecting dust in the shed may be pressed into service...
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All wood prices have gone through the roof, especially specialty products. This price sounds about right.

I used 1” marine grade plywood for my build. Super strong and 1/2 the price.
 
Hmm usually hard to find Baltic Birch in 4x8 sheets. Usually comes in 5x5. I paid $100 for a 5x5 sheet a year ago, so $160 may be about right these days depending on region, etc.
 
Pre covid, 19mm Baltic Birch was around $65 CAD for a 4x8. It jumped to around $120 CAD and zero stock during covid, and I haven’t looked at prices since. It’s all insane at this point.
 
CharlieS said:
I called about a 4x8 sheet of 12mm Baltic Birch today. $160. Now I don't have a point of reference, but that sounds expensive.

The shop said they are trying to find a non Russian source and won't be restocking until they do.

From High School I recall that the Baltic States are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. So I don't see a contemporary Russia connection (other than proximity and former status).

But... the Google machine tells me that all Baltic ply is made in either Finland or Russia.

I imagine this puts a crimp in the commercial box manufacturers like Trekboxx and Landshark, when it is a primary material in their builds.

For the lower budget crowd, are there any alternatives that may be less costly? That scrap zip system sheathing collecting dust in the shed may be pressed into service...
Click to expand...
All the supply of Baltic Birch appears to be Russian, unfortunately. I'm not sure what geopolitical history is behind that, but I don't think any other country produces significant quantities of Baltic Birch as of 2022. Perhaps that will change with recent events. Hopefully this whole ordeal opens the doors wide open for neighboring countries without a madman at the helm to conquer the market.

There are alternatives to Baltic Birch, but I think most (maybe all) equivalent options are upmarket. Baltic Birch is a pretty special product.

Most everything else is either:
1. More expensive
2. Weaker
3. Uglier

or

4. All of the above.

For ADGU we've got good material quantities on hand, but will be testing out alternatives ASAP. We've had a few premium options in mind that are all being expedited at this point.
 
Yep, this is all true. Luckily I bought a LOT of Baltic last year when prices were heading to the moon. My cost today on a 5x5 of 12mm is $68, which is more than 3x what I used to pay. Unfortunately the supply here in the states will be gone in a matter of weeks. So yes, this is an existential issue for us and others. Appleply uses a Baltic core. Finnish ply is rare and $$$. Plastics suck- majorly. Bamboo is good but also very expensive and is reliant on China.

Bottom line- if you want Baltic or a product made with it don't wait. We may be gone in a year.
 
I'm curious why Boise Cascade or some other ply manufacturer doesn't make a high quality competitor to that sheet good. Not enough volume for sufficient margin when you can sell literal tons of ACX, OSB, MDF and other lower quality sheet goods, maybe?

It will be such a loss to everyone if you all can't continue to make the amazing products you do for our community.

Fingers crossed that another good alternative appears.
 
If you're building drawers and are going to carpet them, any decent plywood will probably do. If it's decent sanded plywood you can do a finishing sand on the insides and it'll be reasonably nice and smooth.

If you want to be able to finish it (stain, clearcoat) and it'll be visible (like furniture quality) then spend the $ on high grade baltic birch. (beware as there are a few different grades available)

I paid about $150 for two sheets from my local Menards last year. They are $151/sheet now. Yeah lumber costs are ~2x this time last year.
 
I'll figure something out. I wanted to make my 2nd row extension match my Reef boxes, and Dave uses baltic birch. I had sticker shock when this guy told me the price. I figured maybe $75 or $100 bucks for the really primo stuff.

I'll probably end up making a semi disposable temporary/prototype version out of scrap zip system sheathing that I have kicking around, and if prices ever come back down to earth, make a new "good" set. This will only be in the car while camping and exploring, so it isn't an every day thing like the cargo boxes. I think I have enough automotive carpet left over from other projects to cover it too, so it won't be horrible.

Or maybe I should buy before it gets to $300 a sheet and be thankful I found any. :(
 
CharlieS said:
I'm curious why Boise Cascade or some other ply manufacturer doesn't make a high quality competitor to that sheet good. Not enough volume for sufficient margin when you can sell literal tons of ACX, OSB, MDF and other lower quality sheet goods, maybe?

It will be such a loss to everyone if you all can't continue to make the amazing products you do for our community.

Fingers crossed that another good alternative appears.
Click to expand...

My impression is it's the species of wood and forest conditions that are the critical parts there. It's not about the facilities or the company making panels - it's about the actual living tree you need to harvest. Baltic is really strong and really clean and plentiful in that part of the planet.

Russia also has a major stake in titanium supply around the globe. Good thing my two businesses don't rely on Baltic Birch and Titanium. Oh wait...
 
linuxgod said:
If you're building drawers and are going to carpet them, any decent plywood will probably do. If it's decent sanded plywood you can do a finishing sand on the insides and it'll be reasonably nice and smooth.

If you want to be able to finish it (stain, clearcoat) and it'll be visible (like furniture quality) then spend the $ on high grade baltic birch. (beware as there are a few different grades available)

I paid about $150 for two sheets from my local Menards last year. They are $151/sheet now. Yeah lumber costs are ~2x this time last year.
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We cover our wood completely, but it's the structural strength, lack of voids, hardwood core, and incredible fastener holding ability that makes Baltic in a league of it's own. Most if not all other plys use a softwood core that's basically just a filler. In Baltic you will often shear the faster before the wood strips out.

A while back I drove my 200 series over one of our systems with zero issues. Try that with box store ply!
Sandroad said:
I’ve used okoume plywood in boat building. It’s light, strong, has no voids, and looks nice if left exposed. Various thickness and size can be ordered from boat building suppliers. The kicker is shipping costs for wood.

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Okoume is good stuff. But definitely not made in the quantities required to replace baltic. Watch the price of that one in the coming weeks...
 
Wood is expensive these days, you know. It's not like it grows on trees!
 
I folded and ordered a full set of ADGU boxes with the sleeping extension before vendors run out of baltic birch, have to use inferior materials, the price goes sky high or these products become unobtanium.

My local guy got back to me on a 5'x5' 12mm sheet - $95.

I put my Reef boxes on the marketplace. They are made of Baltic Birch too. Just in case you are in the market and within a drive of Vermont.
 
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