Methods of making a multi-ply paperboard core include providing a number of paperboard furnishes and layering the furnishes to form a multi-ply paperboard web, wherein the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing no size and the two plies adjacent the outermost plies are formed of furnish containing size. Apparatus for making a multi-ply paperboard core include two or more furnish sources configured to provide a number of paperboard furnishes, wherein at least one furnish source provides furnish containing no size and at least one furnish source provides furnish containing size, and a paperboard forming section wherein the furnishes are layered to form a multi-ply paperboard web in which the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing no size and the two plies adjacent the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing size.