Building the Shell

I’m not sure where I got the idea to use Baltic birch plywood for the basic structure of my house, but it is a remarkable product and great choice. It comes from a region of Europe around the Baltic Sea and is manufactured for European cabinet making. Many standard lumber yards carry it, or it can be ordered from most home centers, wood worker sources or miniature and model maker suppliers. Standard sheets are 5’ X 5’. We used ½” for the exterior walls and 3/8” for the interior and dadoed the panels in place with a combination of Titebond III wood glue and a pin nailer.

Besides being beautiful, Baltic birch plywood’s claim to fame for me is its strength and stability. The way it’s manufactured makes the sheets balanced and reduces warp or bowing. One eighth inch product has 3 plies. Half inch has nine! I guess I’m hoping my finished house will last for the ages.