When renovating or building a new kitchen, cabinetry is one of the most important elements. Opting for plywood kitchen cabinets provides many benefits over alternatives like particleboard. Plywood offers superior strength, durability, and an attractive natural wood look.
Plywood has been used for decades to construct strong, resilient kitchen cabinet boxes and drawers. Advances in manufacturing and materials have only increased the benefits of plywood kitchen cabinetry. Learn more about the properties of plywood that make it an ideal material for kitchen and bath, from aesthetics to cost savings.
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Properties of Plywood for Cabinetry
Plywood consists of thin sheets of solid wood called veneers glued together in alternating cross-grain pattern or patterns. The cross-grain structure gives plywood its characteristic strength and resistance to warping. During kitchen remodeling or building a new kitchen, understanding the properties of quality plywood is key to choosing the best material for cabinet boxes and doors.
Cabinet Grade Plywood
Cabinet-grade plywoods are made from quality hardwood veneers rather than lower-grade softwoods. Thicker plywood panels add durability but cost more. Cabinet-grade plywood is usually available in 1/4”, 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4” thickness. Thicker plywood can support heavier items in base cabinets and provides extra screw-holding strength.
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is constructed using an odd number of layered wood veneers, commonly 3, 5, or 7 plies. Veneers are arranged perpendicular to adjacent layers. More plies add strength, with 5-ply being typical for most furniture and cabinetry. The core layers may be a veneer or material like medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Veneer Core Plywood
Veneer core plywood has wood veneer center plies. This makes it dimensionally stable as temperature and humidity change. Plywood with an MDF core is also available. It is lighter in weight expensive plywood, but lacks the screw-holding ability of wood core plywood.
Benefits of a Plywood Kitchen
Choosing quality plywood for kitchen cabinet boxes, door base cabinets, and side panels offers many advantages:
Aesthetic Appeal
Plywood provides an attractive natural wood look and smooth finish, unlike MDF or particleboard core. The beautiful wood grains and textures of the veneers are visible on cabinet edges, toe kicks, and inside boxes, adding warmth and visual interest. Plywood allows full overlay cabinet doors for a seamless custom look. Opting for plywood cabinets contributes to the highest quality appearance for your new kitchen.
Environmentally Friendly
Plywood makes efficient use of thin veneer wood sheets harvested from small-diameter trees and salvaged wood chips. Plywood production generates far less wasted wood compared to milling large solid lumber. Using veneers bonded solid hardwood with low-VOC adhesives is also more eco-friendly. Plywood kitchen cabinets are a sustainable cabinetry material for any eco-conscious homeowner.
Durability
The cross-grain engineered structure of quality plywood prevents splitting, cracking, and warping even in hot, humid kitchens. Plywood-constructed cabinet boxes have maintained structural integrity and strength for decades with heavy use, supporting large pots, small appliances, top shelves, and more. Screws and hinges hold tightly over years of opening and closing. Opting for plywood over particleboard or MDF saves money, as you’ll never need to replace cabinets.
Healthier Indoor Air
Plywood made with exterior grade low-VOC adhesives emits almost no harmful formaldehyde into a home, unlike manufactured wood products. Using unfinished maple, oak, birch or other plywood minimizes off-gassing and indoor pollution. Your family will benefit from the clean indoor air resulting from plywood kitchen cabinets.
Water Resistance
High-quality multi-ply plywood resists moisture absorption better than MDF or particleboard, meeting CARB Phase 2 standards. Veneer core plywood with enamel-coated veneers provides moisture protection suitable for bathrooms. Plywood stands up to spills, splashes, and dampness far better than other cabinet materials.
Cost Effective
Although more expensive upfront than particleboard cabinet boxes, the durability and quality of real wood plywood ultimately save money long-term. You’ll never need to replace warped or damaged plywood cabinets. Easy refacing by replacing doors and hardware is possible too. The added value and functionality plywood brings makes it a smart investment.
Plywood Kitchens Vs. MDF
When evaluating cabinet materials for a kitchen remodel or new construction, two top options are plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). While MDF is cheaper upfront, plywood offers durability and aesthetic benefits that make it the better long-term investment for most homeowners.
Plywood consists of very thin layers of wood veneers layered in alternating grains, giving exceptional resistance to warping and moisture. MDF is made from wood fibers and resin compressed into solid boards. The composite material lacks plywood’s strength. Over time, an MDF cabinet box can sag, warp, and degrade in humid kitchens.
The layered structure of plywood allows attractive wood grains to show on cabinet edges and inside boxes, unlike MDF’s uniform appearance upper cabinet top. Plywood takes paint and stains better as well for an integrated custom look. MDF heavily relies on laminates for aesthetics. These can peel and chip over years of use.
MDF costs less upfront, but plywood’s durability saves expenses down the road. With plywood cabinets, you may only need to replace doors and hardware over decades rather than the entire box. Plywood also adds value for kitchen resale.
Maximize the Benefits With Quality Installation
To fully realize the functional and aesthetic advantages of plywood kitchen cabinets, proper installation is key:
- Use cabinet-grade plywood rated for residential use rather than rough construction varieties. Look for veneers like oak, maple, or birch.
- Choose plywood with CARB Phase 2 compliance to limit formaldehyde emissions.
- Use plywood-rated Exposure 1 to resist swelling from moisture.
- Select 5-ply or 7-ply for maximum durability and fastener holding strength.
- Opt for 3/4” thick plywood for cabinet boxes, and 1/2″ for shelves and side panels.
- Matchwood veneer color throughout or use complementary stains for a unified custom look.
- Ensure all exposed plywood edges are sealed with high-quality water-resistant edge banding to prevent moisture damage.
- Use zinc-plated or exterior-grade fasteners to assemble cabinets for corrosion resistance in kitchens.
- Follow best practices for cabinet installation including adequate support, leveling and securing.
Plywood kitchen cabinets aren’t necessarily more expensive than particleboard options when you factor in long-term value. With proper selection and assembly, a plywood kitchen will provide enduring beauty, healthy indoor air, and a resilient heart to your kitchen for decades to come.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to kitchen cabinet materials, plywood reigns supreme over alternatives like MDF and particleboard. The durable engineered wood, attractive natural wood grains, and humidity resistance provide homeowners benefits that directly translate into long-term value.
The environmentally friendly production process of plywood from sustainable forestry is also a major plus for eco-conscious homeowners. Partnering with an experienced kitchen designer allows you to maximize plywood’s advantages through smart layout and material choices.
For homeowners who value durability, sustainability, and a timeless natural aesthetic, a plywood kitchen is the clear choice. The benefits will be enjoyed by your family for generations to come.
