Application of the finite element method (FEM) simulation codes allows developing the efficient and innovative solutions for cross-ply laminate materials and structures as well as elaborating virtual testing under various loading conditions. However, in order to guarantee the accuracy of such methodology, pre-determined material properties and a precise parametric model of the structure validated with physical experiments are required. The aim of the present research is to determine the elastic properties of small-size birch veneer specimens and to use the acquired numerical values as input data for simulation of plywood sandwich panels with a corrugated core by FEM commercial code ANSYS. More than 250 unidirectional birch veneer specimens were tested in tension in order to assess the elastic and strength properties. The distance between the grips was assumed constantly 100 mm and was tested with the loading speed of 1mm/min until the specimen failure. Specimens with different thicknesses and surface adhesive treatments were used to observe the effect of production processes versus mechanical parameters of the birch veneer. The average unidirectional modulus of elasticity was estimated Ex = 14.8 GPa with the average ultimate strength of 125 MPa. FEM commercial code ANSYS v.11 was used for computer simulation of four-point bending tests of the sandwich panels. The geometrical model of the panels was created with variable cross-section parameters and testing set-up mode options. The V-core plywood sandwich was modeled by using the 4-node shell element Shell 181. It was assumed that each ply has thickness of 1.35 mm. Moreover, stacking sequence of the plywood was modeled assuming that each layer is perpendicular to the upper and lower one. Validation of the FEM analysis results was performed using experimental tests for sandwich panels with a corrugated core in 4-point bending tests according to the EN 789 (2004). Relative deformations-strains of the structure were measured using strain-gauges (produced by HBM) attached on both outer surfaces of the panels and also on the corrugated core surface. The conclusion was drawn to narrow the confidence interval for the veneer mechanical properties once used in the design of plywood sandwich panels. Acquired numerical simulation values for sandwich panels were validated with the physical nature experiments, demonstrating that FEM parametrical model has high compatibility with nature tests and it could be successfully used for the design of 3D plywood structures