Plywood, or ply board, is a favorite in the world of furniture and cabinetry, and for good reason. It’s strong, versatile, and budget-friendly, making it a top pick for everything from major home makeovers to small DIY projects. But here’s the thing: not all plywood is created equal, and the thickness you choose can make or break your project.
The right thickness isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s what keeps your furniture sturdy and your cabinets functional. Pick something too thin, and your shelves could sag or fail under pressure. Go too thick, and you might end up spending more than you need while adding unnecessary weight.
So, how do you find the perfect balance? Let’s explore why plywood thickness matters and how it varies depending on what you’re building whether its for furniture or specifically for cabinetry.
Why is Plywood Thickness Important?
The thickness of plywood affects how strong and durable it is. If the plywood is too thin, it might bend or break over time. If it’s too thick, it can make the project heavy and expensive.
By picking the correct thickness, you make sure your furniture or cabinets last long, look good, and work well.
Plywood Thickness for Furniture
Different pieces of furniture need different thicknesses of plywood. Let’s look at some examples:
Tables need to be strong enough to hold heavy items. For this, plywood that is 18mm to 24mm thick works best. This thickness gives enough strength without making the table too heavy.
Drawers often use different thicknesses of plywood. The sides and back of the drawer can be made with 6mm plywood, which is lightweight. For the bottom, where the weight sits, 12mm plywood is better to avoid bending.
If you’re making decorative items that don’t need to hold much weight, thinner plywood like 6mm to 12mm works well. These pieces focus on style, so they don’t need to be very thick.
For items like bookshelves or sideboards that carry a lot of weight, thicker plywood (18mm to 24mm) is the right choice. This thickness ensures the furniture stays strong even under pressure.
Plywood Thickness for Cabinetry
Cabinets are usually kept in safe indoor spaces, so you have more choices when deciding the thickness. However, certain rules can help:
For most cabinets, 12mm thick plywood works well. It’s strong enough for regular use and keeps the cabinets lightweight.
The thickness of cabinet shelves depends on their length and the items they will hold. Longer shelves that carry heavy items should be 18mm to 24mm thick to avoid bending. Shorter shelves can be 12mm thick.
If you’re making shelves that are not part of a cabinet, use the same rule: longer shelves need thicker plywood, while shorter ones can use thinner plywood.
Plywood Sheet Sizes
Along with thickness, the size of the plywood sheet is also important. Plywood comes in standard sizes like:
- 8x4 feet (2440mm x 1220mm)
- 6x3 feet (1820mm x 910mm)
- 4x2 feet (1220mm x 610mm)
For large furniture, bigger sheets reduce the number of joints, giving a cleaner look. For smaller items, smaller sheets are easier to manage and cut.
Why is Greenply a Good Choice?
While choosing the thickness, it’s also important to pick high-quality plywood. Greenply is a trusted brand known for making strong and durable plywood. They offer many options in different thicknesses and sizes to fit all kinds of projects.
Greenply plywood is reliable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. Whether you’re building a sturdy table, stylish cabinets, or a decorative shelf, Greenply has the right product for you
Conclusion
Picking the right plywood thickness is not just a small detail, it’s key to making furniture and cabinets that are strong, durable, and attractive. By knowing what your project needs and choosing the right thickness, you’ll get results you’ll be proud of.
If you want quality you can trust, Greenply is a great choice to make your work stand out. Next time you plan a project, remember: the right thickness makes all the difference.