Searching the types of plywood to build cabinets & furniture?
You walk into a store or scroll online and suddenly you're hit with choices like birch, marine, laminated, and more. So, what is best for cabinets in your kitchen? Which one can handle the moisture of bathroom? What can last and still look good years from now?
One wrong choice and your cabinets will warp in moisture, chip too easily, or don’t look stylish. So, let’s help you find the perfect plywood for cabinet that can last for years and enhance the beauty of your indoors.
At Ply Supply, we understand the concerns faced by our customers, especially DIYers. That’s why we offer the best Plywood WA for furniture & cabinets. Our expert team inspects every sheet for quality and reliability, meaning you’ll focus on creating, not troubleshooting.
So, let’s start our plywood guide.
Types of Plywood You Can Consider for Cabinets
Like every other wood application, cabinets also have their unique needs. You need to match the load requirements, and moisture condition. So, let’s find out what each type offers and which one suits you the best.
1. Sanded Plywood
Sanded plywood features a smooth & consistent surface on one or both sides. It is made from soft wood like pine and smoothed while manufacturing with extensive sanding. So, there are no rough patches, and it’s an ideal base for paint or stain.
But it’s soft and can dent easily.
Benefits
• Ready for finishing: Less prep time, fewer coats.
• Uniform texture: No grain inconsistencies spoiling your surface look.
• Value-packed: Strong and smooth at a moderate price.
Uses
• Doors, drawer fronts, exposed cabinet panels.
• Use it anywhere appearance matters.
• Don’t suit the load bearing surfaces.
Pro tip
Choose double-sided sanded plywood if both sides will be visible or finished.
2. Birch Plywood
Birch is the most preferred plywood Australia due to its affordability and quality. Crafted from thin layers of birch, it doesn’t only look good but supports the load too. It’s fine, even grain and light hue is loved by most of the customers.
Benefits
• Structural strength: Birch layers create a strong panel.
• Superb finish: Accepts stain and clear coats beautifully.
• Minimal defects: Fewer knots or voids compared to softer cabinetry woods.
Uses
• High-end cabinet doors
• Floating shelves
• Furniture-grade frames
Pro tip
Seal birch immediately after cutting to prevent grain swelling before final finishing.
Get birch plywood in 6mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm and 25mm thickness
3. Poplar Plywood
Made from poplar veneer, this plywood is lighter than all of its counterparts. Hence, it is used in portable furniture and ceilings. Othe than being flexible, and easy to machine, bright colours are another useful feature of it.
Benefits
• Smooth paint surface: Low tannin content prevents staining bleeds.
• Clean-cut edges: Perfect for routed mouldings or intricate designs.
• Lightweight: Reduces strain during installation.
Uses
• Decorative trims
• Painted cabinet fronts
• Accent panels
• Ceiling linings
• Caravan fit-outs
Pro tip
Even though it’s paint-friendly, use a quality primer for uniform colour and texture.
4. Marine Plywood
If you want to build a cabinetry exposed to outdoor environment or moisture, think no other than marine plywood. It is constructed with waterproof adhesive and high-quality face veneers. So, you won’t have to worry about the moisture and decay.
Benefits
• Waterproof bonding: Holds up in humid or splash-prone areas.
• Void-free core: Adds strength and prevents internal failure.
• Long-lasting: Stay in damp environments without warping.
Uses
• Kitchen base cabinets
• Bathroom vanities
• Laundry cabinetry
• Outdoor built-ins
Pro tip
Seal edges with waterproof sealant post-cut to protect the inner layers fully in outdoors.
Shop Marine Plywood 2440×1220
5. Laminated Plywood
Also called veneer plywood or decorated plywood, this type is pre-finished with a decor layer. This layer gives it a smoother finish for decorative purposes. It can be veneer, melamine, or thermally fused laminate on one or both sides.
Benefits
• One-step finish: Skip painting or wood staining.
• Design variety: Countless colours and textures available.
• Resilient surface: Scratch- and stain-resistant top layer.
Uses
• Wardrobes
• Table tops
• Stylish cabinets
• Office fittings
Pro tip
Check that the laminate bond is full and even, poor adhesion can bubble or peel later.
Buy White Laminate 2400x1200x15mm
Or Black Laminate 2400x1200x15mm
6. Cabinet Grade Plywood
Cabinet grade plywood is specifically engineered for furniture use. That’s why, it gives better quality and polished finish than general purpose plywood. Common features are premium-grade veneers and a smooth, void-free core.
Benefits
• High structural integrity: Built to support load without sagging.
• Consistent faces: Ready to accept both paint and veneer finishes.
• Precision cut: Less warpage, true cuts that suit tight tolerances.
Uses
• Every type of cabinetry
• Carcasses
• Sides to doors
• Shelves
• Drawer parts
• Wardrobes
Pro tip
Pair with high-quality edge banding or solid wood trim to elevate the final look.
Also Read: Guide to Choosing the Best Plywood for Cabinets and Furniture
Is Plywood for Cabinets a Good Option?
Yes, plywood is an excellent option among cabinets and furniture materials. You can use it anywhere in your home from lounge & kitchen to washrooms. Its top qualities include:
• Cost-effective: More affordable than solid timber but still strong.
• Stable structure: Cross-grain core layers resist warping, bending & splitting.
• Less waste: Sheets are cut to size and graded, reducing onsite rejection.
• Eco-smart: Uses fast-growing trees and smaller logs efficiently.
In short, plywood for cabinet making gives you reliability, quality, and value. Just make sure you get it from authentic plywood suppliers, then use it worry free.
Sizing of Plywood for Cabinets
If you’ve chosen your preferred type of cabinet plywood, next step is size sorting. Standard sheet sizes available by suppliers in Australia are:
• 2400 × 1200 mm
• 2440 × 1220 mm
If we talk about thickness, it depends on your intended use.
• 12 mm for shelves or back panels.
• 18 mm for carcases and structural components.
• 25 mm for heavy-duty shelving or benchtops.
Perform layout planning using cut lists to minimise wastage. If you don’t have workshop space, Ply Supply offers you pre-cut sheets according to your requirements.
Tips for Working with Plywood
1. Choose the right blade for cutting. A 100+ tooth carbide blade will reduce splintering.
2. Use a sharp blade to trace the boundaries before full cut for clean edges.
3. Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting, especially around edges.
4. Apply sealant or primer to edges post-cut to guard against moisture.
5. Spread light sanding between coats before final paint or varnish for smooth finishes.
6. Keep plywood flat in dry storage to prevent distortion before use.
Need the Reliable Plywood Perth for Cabinets in Reasonable Price?
Start Building Your Cabinetry with Ply Supply
We’re your trusted plywood supplier Perth and beyond.
If you need specialized plywood for cabinet work, come to us. We offer quality-checked sheets, expert advice, and bespoke cutting. Our stock only includes the best quality.
So, your cabinets will not only look great but last a lifetime. Reach out today to get exactly what you need for your project.
Check Out Our Furniture Plywood Collection
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