Here is my experience.
True baltic birch is much heavier than the "baltic birch" from the big box stores. Hulbert Lumber in Fremont carries it (real baltic birch is sold in 5x5' sheets, box stores sell it in 2x4' or 4x4' sheets).
For homedepot wood:
If you need the wood to hold/carry substantial weight, use "BC" plywood in both 1/2 and 3/4" variants.
"Sande" wood is really soft (lightweight) but I wouldn't use it unless it is for a more cosmetic use.
You'll need to sort through the wood at the box stores; here are the following issues with the wood you'll see:
-Warpage
-Large knots/voids in the surface
-Voids in between the layers
-Damaged or chipped edges/corners
Here's a picture of my drawers.
