Plywood is an engineered type of wood manufactured by gluing thin sheets of wood veneer together under high heat and pressure. The grain pattern of each sheet is aligned to be at 90° with the adjacent sheet to provide optimum strength. Plywood sheets can be constructed using hardwood, softwood, or a combination of both.
The best type of plywood for kitchen cabinets is laminated marine. When it comes to cabinetry, the exterior of plywood can have a stained finish or coating of laminate, acrylic, or wood veneer. In many cases, plywood is also available in paint finishes. Plywood kitchen cabinet can also be treated against termite infestation, heat, and moisture with proper sealants.
Plywood is an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets as it showcases impressive strength and durability. It will hold up well against heavy weight too. With proper care and maintenance, you can use plywood cabinets for a long time without a hassle. However, if your kitchen space is exposed to excessive moisture and heat, plywood kitchen cabinet may not be the best choice. In this case, you can consider other resilient materials.
- Attractive grain pattern
- Excellent tensile and shear strength
- Impressive longevity due to its sturdy construction
- Very resistant to dents and scratches
- Doesn’t warp, crack, or shrink over time like solid wood due to temperature and humidity changes
- Light in weight, making it a great choice for wall cabinets
- Can be treated to be fireproof, termite-proof, and water-resistant
- Compared to MDF, plywood holds screws very well
- Plywood can be stained or painted to achieve a beautiful look
- Very expensive compared to other kitchen cabinet materials
- Consistent exposure to water or moisture can diminish plywood’s durability and lifespan
- As the layers are visible from the edges, you would have to cover them with laminate or veneer
- Edges are prone to splintering as well