Plywood has become a favorite material for furniture making due to its unique combination of strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It’s crafted from multiple layers of veneer glued together, creating a stable and durable material that can be used in a variety of furniture projects. Choosing the best plywood for furniture will depend on your exact project.
The Ply-Weekly Newsletter
Receive a curated roundup of the best in the world of plywood – every two weeks.
Best Plywood for Furniture – Why it’s Ideal
Its versatility allows for a wide range of design applications, from simple shelving to intricate cabinetry. Compared to solid wood, plywood is often more cost-effective while still providing comparable durability and strength. Available in various grades and finishes, plywood can be tailored to fit both practical and aesthetic needs. Opting for sustainably sourced plywood can benefit the environment by reducing the demand for solid wood.
Types of Plywood for Furniture
Hardwood Plywood
Made from hardwood species like oak, maple, or birch, hardwood plywood is strong, durable, and has an attractive grain. It’s ideal for high-quality furniture, cabinets, and decorative pieces where durability and appearance are crucial.
Softwood Plywood
This type uses softwood species such as pine, fir, or spruce. It’s more affordable and easier to work with, making it a good choice for structural furniture pieces, shelving, or projects where budget is a consideration.
Veneered Plywood
Featuring a thin layer of hardwood veneer on the surface, veneered plywood combines the strength of plywood with the aesthetic appeal of hardwood. It’s excellent for high-end furniture, tabletops, and cabinetry where both durability and beauty are desired.
Marine-Grade Plywood
Known for its waterproof glue and high-quality veneers, marine-grade plywood excels in resisting moisture and rot. It’s perfect for outdoor furniture and pieces that are exposed to high humidity or water.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood for Furniture
Grade
Plywood grades reflect the quality of its veneers. Higher grades (A or B) are best for visible surfaces, while lower grades (C or D) can be used for hidden parts. Choosing the right grade ensures a balance between appearance and cost.
Thickness
The thickness of plywood affects its strength and application. For structural parts, use thicker plywood (3/4 inch), and for panels or drawer bottoms, thinner plywood (1/2 inch or 1/4 inch) is sufficient. The right thickness provides the necessary support and durability for different furniture components.
Core Type
Plywood can have various core constructions, such as veneer core, MDF core, or particleboard core. A veneer core offers strength and stability, an MDF core provides smoothness, and a particleboard core is cost-effective. Select the core type based on the specific needs of your project.
Finish and Appearance
The finish of plywood impacts the final look of the furniture. Choose plywood with a suitable veneer and finish to match your project’s aesthetic requirements. Proper finishing enhances both the appearance and durability of the furniture.
Project-Specific Recommendations
Cabinets and Shelving
Hardwood or veneered plywood is highly recommended due to its superior strength and durability. Hardwood plywood offers a solid, reliable foundation that can support the weight of stored items without sagging or warping over time. Veneered plywood, on the other hand, combines the structural benefits of plywood with a high-quality finish, enhancing the overall appearance and providing a polished, professional look to your cabinetry and shelving units.
Tables and Desks
Hardwood or marine-grade plywood is ideal. Hardwood plywood provides a robust and stable surface that can withstand daily use, including the weight of heavy objects and frequent movement. Marine-grade plywood is specially designed to resist moisture, making it a perfect choice for tables and desks that may be exposed to spills or high humidity environments. Both types ensure a long-lasting, durable workspace that maintains its integrity and appearance over time.
Chairs and Seating
Hardwood plywood is the best choice due to its exceptional strength and stability. These qualities are crucial for supporting the weight of individuals and ensuring the durability of the furniture. Hardwood plywood can handle the stresses and strains of everyday use, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for seating that remains sturdy and secure.
Decorative Furniture Pieces
Veneered plywood is an excellent option for decorative furniture pieces. This type of plywood combines the structural integrity of standard plywood with a thin layer of high-quality wood veneer, resulting in a beautiful, attractive finish. Veneered plywood allows for intricate and aesthetically pleasing designs while maintaining the necessary strength and durability. This makes it perfect for crafting unique, eye-catching furniture that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
Tips for Working with Plywood
Cutting and Shaping
To avoid splintering and ensure clean cuts, always use sharp saw blades and proper cutting techniques. When cutting plywood, support the sheet well to prevent it from bending or vibrating, which can cause jagged edges and inaccuracies. Using a table saw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade can significantly improve the quality of the cuts, leading to precise and smooth edges.
Joining and Assembly
For stable and durable furniture assembly, utilize strong joints such as dowels, biscuits, or screws in combination with high-quality wood glue. These joining methods create robust connections that can withstand the stresses of daily use. Proper assembly techniques, including aligning parts accurately and applying sufficient clamping pressure while the glue dries, will enhance the overall strength and longevity of the finished furniture, ensuring it remains sturdy and reliable over time.
Finishing
Before applying any finishes, thoroughly sand the plywood to create a smooth surface that will better accept paint, stain, or varnish. Sanding helps to remove any rough spots or imperfections, resulting in a more polished and professional appearance. Applying a finish not only enhances the visual appeal of the furniture but also adds a protective layer that increases its durability, making it more resistant to scratches, moisture, and wear.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling are crucial to maintaining the quality of plywood. Store plywood sheets flat in a dry environment to prevent warping, bending, or damage. Avoid leaning them against walls or stacking them unevenly, as this can cause them to lose their shape. Careful handling during transport and preparation will ensure that the plywood remains in optimal condition for your furniture projects, leading to better results and a longer-lasting product.