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Plywood? Why Not!
Plywood is a go-to sheet good for cabinets, furniture, and interior projects. It's created by cross-laminating thin wood veneers with adhesive to improve strength and stability. While modern plywood evolved through 19th–20th century patents and production, the concept of laminated wood has existed much longer.
Common Types of Plywood
Choose the right plywood for your project needs:
- Softwood plywood — Most common, often fir-based; general construction, shop jigs, underlayment.
- Hardwood plywood — Furniture-grade faces like birch, maple, oak, walnut; great for cabinets and casework.
- Marine plywood — Constructed with waterproof glue and high-quality cores for wet environments and boatbuilding.
- Specialty panels — UV-finished, pre-veneered, bendable/kerfed, fire-rated, and more depending on store availability.
Browse current selection: Plywood & sheet goods
Pros of Plywood
- Strong and stable compared to MDF and particle board due to cross-laminated plies.
- Better moisture resistance than many composite panels; can be finished or laminated.
- Resistant to warping and shrinking with proper storage and sealing.
- Large sheet sizes enable efficient cabinet and furniture layouts.
- Versatile finishing — accepts paint, stain, and clear coats on appropriate face veneers.
- Often lighter than comparable MDF thicknesses for easier handling.
- Cost-effective alternative to solid wood for large surfaces.
Cons of Plywood
- Higher cost than MDF or particle board at the same thickness and grade.
- Exposed edges require banding or trim to hide plies and prevent splinters.
- Variable core quality between grades; voids can affect fastener holding and edge work.
- Tooling care — clean, sharp blades reduce tear-out on veneered faces.
- Moisture sensitivity if edges and faces aren't sealed; choose appropriate rating (e.g., exterior, marine) for wet areas.
- Adhesive emissions vary by product; look for low-emitting or certified panels when IAQ matters.
Good Uses for Plywood
- Cabinets, vanities, and closet built-ins
- Furniture frames, table tops with edge banding, shop cabinets
- Underlayment and structural sheathing (use appropriate grades)
- Boat and outdoor applications with marine or exterior-rated plywood
Plywood FAQ
What's the difference between plywood grades?
Plywood grades indicate face quality, core construction, and intended use. Higher grades have fewer defects and better cores for visible applications, while construction grades prioritize structural performance.
How do I finish plywood edges?
Use iron-on edge banding, solid wood trim, or wood filler. For painted projects, fill edges with wood filler and sand smooth before painting.
Can plywood be used outdoors?
Only exterior-grade or marine plywood with waterproof adhesives should be used outdoors. Always seal edges and surfaces for maximum durability.
What's the best way to cut plywood without tear-out?
Use a sharp blade with more teeth (80+ for table saws), apply masking tape along cut lines, and support the panel properly during cutting.
How does plywood compare to MDF?
Plywood is stronger, more moisture-resistant, and lighter than MDF, but costs more and requires edge treatment. MDF has smoother surfaces for painting but swells when wet.
What thickness should I use for cabinets?
3/4" for cabinet boxes and shelves, 1/4" for backs, and 1/2" for drawer boxes. Adjust based on span and load requirements.
