Guide to Choosing the Best Plywood for Cabinets and Furniture

Solid wood may seem a classic choice for cabinets. But its susceptibility to cracking and high demand for maintenance make it less ideal. Plywood for cabinets is a game-changer. With its consistent thickness, durability, and cost-effectiveness, plywood has become the top choice for crafting stunning, long-lasting cabinets.

In this blog by Ply Supply, we’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing plywood for cabinets, including the best types, ideal thickness, and finishing techniques to achieve a flawless look. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, building custom furniture, or upgrading your interiors, this guide will help you make a smart, stylish, and functional choice.

Let’s get started.

What Types of Plywood Are Best Suited for Cabinets?

When you use plywood used to construct cabinets, it makes a significant difference in terms of durability, appearance, and overall quality. Let’s explore the top plywood varieties that are ideal for cabinet construction.

• Hardwood Plywood

Hardwood plywood, as the name suggests, is made from hardwoods such as oak, birch, and maple. This type of plywood is known for its heavy weight and robust construction. This makes it an excellent choice for load-bearing furniture and cabinets.

The smooth surface and consistent grain of hardwood plywood make it perfect for staining or painting which gives a polished, high-quality finish for cabinets.

• Structural Plywood (Plywood Sheathing)

Structural plywood is particularly designed for permanent structures and fixtures. It’s incredibly strong and budget-friendly but lacks a finished surface. This makes it better suited for hidden areas.

It’s commonly used for framing, bracing, beams, or under flooring, where it’s covered by other materials.

• Plywood Panels

Plywood panels are pre-cut boards that are ready to use and ideal for DIY projects. Available in various wood types and thicknesses, these panels simplify cabinet-making projects while offering flexibility for custom designs.

• Exterior Plywood

For outdoor cabinets or furniture, exterior plywood is the go-to option. Bonded with water-resistant glue, it withstands moisture and prevents deterioration.

While it’s not the most visually appealing option, a layer of paint or sealant can enhance its longevity and protect it from rot.

• Baltic Birch Plywood

Baltic Birch is prized for its uniform core, strength, and fine grain. This high-quality plywood is a favourite for premium cabinetry and furniture projects. It delivers a sleek, modern finish and performs exceptionally well in demanding applications.

• Sanded Plywood

Sanded plywood is specially manufactured with smooth outer layers which makes it an excellent option for visible areas like cabinet doors, shelving, and paneling.

Its polished surface provides a great base for painting or staining. Thus, you get both the functionality and aesthetics.

• Furniture and Cabinet-Grade Plywood

Cabinet-grade plywood, also referred to as hardwood or appearance-grade plywood, features a high-quality hardwood veneer, typically made from birch, maple, or oak.

It’s heavier and pricier than sanded plywood but offers unparalleled durability and an immaculate finish. This makes it an outstanding choice for cabinets and furniture, especially when quality is a top priority.

• MDF Core Plywood

If painting is part of your cabinet project, MDF core plywood is an excellent option. Its smooth, flat surface takes paint beautifully without showing any wood grain, ensuring a clean and even finish.

Read more > Plywood or MDF: Which is Better for Your Cabinets?

Why Plywood is a Smart Choice for Cabinets and Furniture?

Plywood’s combination of strength, affordability, and design flexibility makes it a smart, reliable choice. Below given are the benefits of plywood that make it an ideal material for cabinets and furniture:

• Strength and Durability: Its layered construction provides great stability and reduces the risk of warping or cracking.
• Variety of Grades and Finishes: Available in various grades and finishes to suit different needs and design preferences.
• Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than solid wood which makes it budget-friendly for large projects.
• Consistency: Offers uniform strength and appearance by reducing defects like knots or voids.
• Environmental Sustainability: Made from sustainably sourced wood, plywood is an eco-friendly choice.
• Easy to Work With: Plywood is easier to cut, shape, and finish compared to solid wood, making it ideal for custom projects.
• Moisture Resistance: High-quality plywood can withstand moisture better than solid wood, making it suitable for areas with higher humidity.
• Lightweight: Plywood is lighter than solid wood which makes it easier to handle and install.
• Versatile: Works well for a variety of applications, from cabinetry to furniture to flooring.

What Plywood Thickness Is Best for Furniture and Cabinets?

When deciding on plywood to construct cabinets and furniture, thickness plays an important role to ensure durability and functionality. Traditionally, face-framed cabinets relied on the frame itself for support, allowing for thinner materials. But with the growing popularity of frameless cabinets, stronger plywood is essential to maintain structural integrity.

Many professionals prefer ANSI HP-1 nominal ¾″ plywood for its exceptional strength and versatility.

This thickness provides enough support for the backs and sides of frameless cabinet boxes, making them sturdy enough to hang directly onto wall studs without needing extra reinforcement.

Ideal Plywood Thickness for Different Applications

The thickness of plywood you choose depends on the specific application:

Thus, for most furniture and cabinet projects, ¾″ plywood remains the best option as it offers the ideal balance of strength, versatility, and reliability.

Commonly Used Plywood Thicknesses in ‘mm’

• 6mm – 12mm: Best for drawer bottoms and cabinet backs.
• 12mm – 18mm: Perfect for cabinet doors, shelves, and structural components of furniture.
• 18mm+: Ideal for countertops and heavy-duty furniture that needs extra strength.

Ply Supply provide a variety of plywood thickness options to suit any project, whether it’s lightweight cabinetry or robust furniture construction

Wondering how many grades of Cabinet Plywood?

4 Cabinet Plywood Grades to Consider

The grade of plywood affects its quality, durability, and appearance. Higher-grade plywood may cost more, but it’s worth the investment for a long-lasting, professional finish.

Below are the four main grades of cabinet plywood to help you make an informed choice.

Read more > Plywood Manufacturing, Grades, Uses & Benefits

9 Pro Tips to Choose the Right Plywood for Cabinets

Selecting plywood for cabinets can be tricky because of the variety of options available. Understanding the different plywood types, grades, and finishes can make the process easier. To help you navigate through the choices, here are some pro tips on selecting the right plywood for your next cabinetry project.

1. Inspect the Face Veneers for Quality

The face veneer is the outermost layer of the plywood. It plays an important role in both its aesthetic and structural qualities. Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood, with the face veneer providing a smooth, durable surface.

The better the veneer, the more appealing the final look of your cabinets.

Look for plywood with a thick face veneer as it will hide any imperfections in the core and provide a smooth surface for painting or staining. The most common types of face veneers are rotary cut or plain sliced. Both of which offer a different texture and appearance.

2. Understand the Plywood Grading System

Plywood comes in various grades, which impact its appearance and strength.

Cabinet-grade plywood is typically used for high-end cabinetry and furniture projects. Grades like A, B, and C indicate the quality of the plywood, with A being the highest quality, free of visible defects, and perfect for visible areas.

B-grade plywood may have a few minor imperfections. But still provides a solid base. When choosing plywood for cabinets, it’s important to match the grade to your intended use.

3. Consider the Staining Challenges of Certain Wood Species

While some wood species may look great. They can be difficult to stain. Birch, pine, and maple are known for presenting challenges when staining.

Birch, for example, can result in blotchy, uneven stains. Pine can absorb stains unevenly, especially around knots. Maple can be tricky to stain as well, with dark stains not taking as well as lighter tones.

If you want a smooth, consistent finish, it’s best to avoid these woods for staining or opt for lighter stain colours.

4. Check for Damage Before Purchasing

Even though plywood is strong, it’s not immune to damage. Be sure to inspect the sheets for any defects, including scratches, blisters, or water damage.

Water damage mostly appears at the edges first. Plus, larger defects may need the plywood to be replaced entirely. So, checking your plywood sheets thoroughly will save you time and money during the installation process.

5. Transport Plywood with Care

If you’re transporting the plywood yourself, be aware of its weight and how it can affect the quality. Pressing down on the middle of a sheet can help you identify whether it’s hollow inside.

If the plywood is solid, you should hear a consistent sound when tapping all sides. Check for thickness variations along the edges as well, as inconsistencies can indicate poor manufacturing quality.

6. Pay Attention to Curves in Plywood for Unique Designs

Many modern designs, especially curved kitchen cabinets and bow-front furniture, require flexible plywood.

For projects that need a curved design, make sure you select plywood with thin plies that can bend easily without compromising strength. Bending plywood can be done at home using clamps or a ratchet strap. But make sure the plywood is flexible enough to achieve the desired curve.

7. Ensure Plywood Flatness for Ease of Use

Warped plywood can cause serious issues during cabinet construction. It can lead to poor adhesion, misalignment, and structural issues, making it difficult to work with.

For smooth, seamless results, always ensure that the plywood you choose is at least 95% flat.

8. Inspect the Edges for Quality

When evaluating plywood, always inspect the edges. Thicker plywood generally offers better structural integrity, and thick edges ensure smoother finishes. Thin-edged plywood can be challenging to work with, especially when it comes to sanding and polishing.

Look for plywood with clean, void-free edges to ensure a high-quality finish for your cabinetry.

9. Consult with Experts for the Right Choice

If you’re feeling unsure about your plywood choices, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from professionals. Many cabinet material suppliers in Perth can guide you in selecting the right type of plywood based on your needs. Whether you’re looking for high-quality plywood for cabinets or special finishes, experienced plywood suppliers like Ply Supply can recommend the best products to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Contact Ply Supply to Find the Best Plywood for Cabinets and Furniture

At Ply Supply, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality plywood products tailored to your needs. Here’s why many Australians choose us:

• We offer wide range of plywood products; from structural to non-structural and hardwood plywood.
• Our plywood meets Australian standards and undergoes strict quality checks.
• We are always ready to assist you in selecting the best plywood for your project.
• We’re committed to sustainability, offering products that are safe for the environment.
• To safeguard your investment, we provide structural plywood with H2S glueline termite treatment. This gives your furniture and cabinets extra protection against damage.

Ready to start your next project?

Visit Ply Supply or call us at (08) 6388 2801 to explore our range of plywood for cabinets and furniture today. Let’s make your vision a reality.