What Type of Plywood for Furniture?

Plywood is often dismissed as a budget material, yet the right grade outperforms solid timber for stability and strength in both directions, which is exactly what a cabinet carcass or a long shelf needs. This guide explains how plywood is built, why the number of plies on the edge tells you so much about quality, and which boards suit which parts of a piece of furniture. It covers birch as the practical default, hardwood veneered board for visible surfaces, lightweight poplar cores for wall hung units and marine grades for damp rooms. You will also find a thickness guide for carcasses, shelves, drawers and backs, an explanation of face grading letters, and practical advice on cutting cleanly, fixing into edges and finishing the material. A short FAQ answers the questions asked most often....