What engineered wood product is manufactured with the grain of alternate plies laid at right angles?

The correct answer is plywood, which is an engineered wood product created by layering wood veneers, known as plies, with the grain of each layer oriented at right angles to the adjacent layers. This cross-laminated construction method is essential because it enhances the structural stability and strength of the plywood, reducing the likelihood of warping, splitting, or shrinking that might occur if all layers were aligned in the same direction.

Plywood is widely used in construction and manufacturing because of its versatility and strength-to-weight ratio. The alternating grain direction also contributes to the material's resistance to bending and shearing forces. In contrast, other engineered wood products like oriented strand board and particle board have different manufacturing processes and layering techniques, affecting their performance and applications in building construction.