About APA

A New Building Material Emerges

The roots of the engineered wood industry trace back to the early 1900s, when plywood was emerging as a new and innovative building material. Manufacturers demonstrated its strength through public exhibitions and real-world applications, helping builders and designers recognize the advantages of wood veneers bonded together into strong, stable panels.

The Waterproof Adhesive Breakthrough

A major breakthrough came with the development of waterproof adhesives, which allowed plywood to perform reliably in demanding structural and exterior applications. These advances expanded the material's potential and accelerated industry growth.

Laying the Foundation for Industry Standards

As production increased and new applications emerged, manufacturers recognized the need for consistent quality standards, product testing and industry-wide cooperation. Those efforts laid the groundwork for the formation of the organization that would become APA.

A Unified Voice for Manufacturers

Founded in 1933 as the Douglas Fir Plywood Association (DFPA), APA was created to help support a growing plywood industry and establish confidence in plywood products. The Association brought manufacturers together to promote consistent quality, expand market acceptance and advance the use of plywood in construction.

Building Confidence Through Standards

One of the Association's earliest priorities was the development of industry-wide quality standards and trademark programs that allowed builders and specifiers to identify products manufactured to recognized performance requirements.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

These efforts helped transform plywood from a relatively new building material into a trusted structural product used throughout North America. The principles established during APA's earliest years continue to influence the Association's work today.

Plywood Goes to War

World War II highlighted the versatility and performance of plywood, which was used extensively in military boats, aircraft, barracks, crates and other applications. The material's combination of strength, durability and light weight made it an important wartime resource.

Meeting Post-War Demand

Following the war, demand for housing and construction materials increased dramatically. At the same time, advances in manufacturing technology and adhesives made it possible to produce structural plywood from additional wood species beyond Douglas-fir.

Becoming a National Association

As the industry expanded across the United States and Canada, the Association's membership and influence grew as well. In 1964, the organization adopted the name American Plywood Association (APA) to reflect its broader geographic reach and growing role within the industry.

Innovation Through Performance Standards

During the 1970s and 1980s, engineered wood products continued to evolve. New manufacturing technologies and performance-based standards created opportunities for innovative products designed to meet changing construction needs.

APA played an important role in supporting the introduction and acceptance of oriented strand board (OSB), helping establish performance standards that allowed products to be evaluated based on how they performed rather than how they were manufactured.

Expanding Beyond Plywood

As the industry expanded beyond traditional plywood, APA welcomed manufacturers of products such as glued laminated timber (glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), wood I-joists and structural composite lumber. These developments marked a significant shift toward engineered structural systems and advanced wood technologies.

A New Name for a Growing Industry

To reflect this broader mission and membership, the organization adopted its current name in 1994: APA — The Engineered Wood Association.

Supporting the Modern Industry

Today, APA serves manufacturers across the United States and Canada through certification, quality assurance, testing, research, technical support, standards development and market support programs.

Research and Technical Leadership

Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, APA operates one of North America's leading engineered wood research and testing facilities, supporting product evaluation, structural testing and industry innovation.

Looking Ahead

As engineered wood products continue to evolve, APA remains focused on advancing product quality, supporting market acceptance, and helping the industry address new opportunities in areas such as mass timber, sustainability, and resilient modern construction systems.