Plywood is essential for cabinets due to its strength and durability, maintaining cabinet shape and integrity over time. Hardwood and softwood plywood offer sturdy options, while decorative plywood adds aesthetic appeal. Grades vary from flawless A-grade to utility-focused D-grade. Specialty options like marine and fire-rated plywood cater to specific needs. Considerations include budget, aesthetics, durability, and environmental impact when choosing plywood for cabinets.
The Ply-Weekly Newsletter
Receive a curated roundup of the best in the world of plywood – every two weeks.
Why Use Plywood for Cabinets?
Due to its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility, plywood forms the structural backbone of cabinets, providing stability and support for the entire cabinet structure. Its uniform composition and resistance to warping or twisting ensure that cabinets maintain their shape and integrity over time, even in demanding environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Common Types of Plywood for Cabinets
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is crafted from high-quality hardwood veneers, offering superior strength, durability, and stability. It’s known for its resistance to warping, making it ideal for cabinet construction where durability is important. Popular hardwood species used in hardwood plywood include oak, maple, birch, cherry, and walnut.
Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood provides a cost-effective yet sturdy option for cabinet construction. It’s commonly used in applications where strength and structural support are essential. Softwood plywood often features species like pine, cedar, fir, and spruce.
Decorative Plywood
Decorative plywood adds aesthetic flair to cabinets with its visually appealing surface finishes. It’s often used for cabinet fronts, doors, and panels, enhancing the overall design and ambiance of the space. Exotic hardwoods like mahogany, teak, and rosewood, as well as engineered veneers with unique patterns and designs are often used.
Grades of Plywood for Cabinets
A-Grade Plywood
A-grade plywood is known for its high quality and smooth, defect-free surface. It features minimal knots, voids, or blemishes, making it ideal for visible areas of cabinets where aesthetics are important. A-grade plywood is commonly used for cabinet faces, doors, and other prominent surfaces where a flawless finish is desired.
B-Grade Plywood
B-grade plywood offers good quality at a more affordable price point compared to A-grade. It may contain small knots, voids, or minor imperfections but still provides a smooth and uniform appearance. B-grade plywood is suitable for cabinet components that require structural integrity but may not be highly visible, such as cabinet boxes and interior shelves.
C-Grade Plywood
C-grade plywood is characterized by its utility and strength rather than aesthetics. It may feature larger knots, voids, or surface defects, but it’s still structurally sound and suitable for cabinet construction. C-grade plywood is often used for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, and other hidden or non-visible areas where appearance is less critical.
D-Grade Plywood
D-grade plywood is the lowest quality grade and is typically used for rough construction purposes where appearance is not a concern. It may contain numerous knots, voids, and other defects, making it unsuitable for visible cabinet components. D-grade plywood may be used sparingly in cabinet making for non-structural purposes such as temporary bracing or blocking.
Specialty Plywood for Cabinets
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is designed to withstand moisture and humidity, making it perfect for cabinets in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Its water-resistant properties help prevent warping and damage, ensuring long-lasting cabinets in moisture-prone environments.
Fire-Rated Plywood
Fire-rated plywood is crucial for cabinet safety in case of fire. It’s specially treated to resist flames and slow down their spread, providing valuable time for evacuation and reducing property damage. Including fire-rated plywood in cabinets adds an extra layer of protection.
Eco-Friendly Plywood
These plywood varieties are sourced from sustainable forests or use recycled materials, minimizing environmental impact. By choosing eco-friendly plywood, cabinet makers contribute to conservation efforts while still creating durable and functional cabinets.
Considerations When Choosing Plywood for Cabinets
Budget
Budget plays a significant role in plywood selection for cabinets. Evaluate the cost of different plywood options and choose one that aligns with your budget constraints while still meeting quality and durability requirements.
Aesthetic Preferences
Consider the appearance and finish of various plywood types to ensure they complement the desired aesthetic of your cabinets. Select plywood with grain patterns, colors, and textures that enhance the overall design and style of your cabinets.
Durability and Strength
Assess the structural integrity and longevity of plywood options to ensure they can withstand the demands of daily use in cabinets. Look for plywood with adequate strength and resistance to warping, moisture, and impact damage to ensure long-lasting cabinets.
Check This Out!
Got more questions? We have answers!
How to Hang Cabinets Without Studs