In the field of furniture making, plywood is a common material with many types and different characteristics. How to choose the most suitable plywood plays a decisive role in the quality, appearance and service life of furniture. The following is a detailed introduction to the seven tips for selecting the best plywood for furniture making.
Know the various types of plywood
Plywood has a wide range of uses and rich types. Each type has unique performance and applicable scenarios. In-depth understanding is the prerequisite for making the right choice.
- Cork plywood: Because it is strong and flexible, it is very popular in building structures and furniture making. Like the common pine plywood, it is relatively soft and easy to process. It is often used to make bookshelves, wardrobe frames, etc., which can provide stable support for furniture.
- Hardwood plywood: It is favored by furniture manufacturers. Plywood made of hardwoods such as oak, maple, and birch is strong and durable, with a high surface finish. Taking oak hardwood plywood as an example, its texture is beautiful and atmospheric. It is used to make furniture such as dining tables and chairs, which can give furniture a classic and elegant appearance.
- Marine plywood: specially designed for outdoor furniture, with excellent moisture and humidity resistance. For example, in the production of outdoor tables and chairs in seaside villas, marine plywood can effectively resist the erosion of sea breeze and sea water, extending the service life of furniture.
- Moisture-proof plywood: suitable for indoor spaces with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It can prevent deformation and damage caused by humid environments to a certain extent, and ensure the stability of furniture.
- BWR grade plywood (boiling water resistant): It has boiling water resistance and is stronger than MR grade plywood. It can be widely used in indoor and outdoor furniture. For example, when making outdoor barbecue tables, BWR grade plywood can withstand the test of high temperature and water vapor, and is a long-term and reliable investment.
Insight into the different grades of plywood
The grade of plywood is determined by the quality of its veneer (upper layer) and the defects. For furniture projects, try to choose high-grade plywood.
- AA grade: Both sides are high-quality finishes, suitable for projects that need to display both sides of plywood, such as double-sided display cabinets, exquisite screens, etc., which can present a flawless appearance.
- AB grade: Only one side is high-quality, suitable for furniture production that only displays one side, such as wardrobe side panels placed against the wall, which not only ensures the beauty of the display surface, but also controls costs.
- BC grade: The price is relatively low, but there may be more defects. Suitable for projects that do not require high appearance, such as temporary storage boxes.
Consider size and thickness
The width of plywood affects its strength, stability and cost. The thickness is usually between 1/8 inch and 1 inch. Thicker plywood has high hardness, but the cost and weight are also increased accordingly. In terms of board size, the standard is 4 feet by 8 feet. You can choose the appropriate size according to work needs to reduce waste. For example, when making small children’s furniture, choosing a smaller size of plywood can not only meet the needs, but also reduce costs and handling difficulties.
Examine the quality of core materials and finishes
High-quality core materials and finishes are essential to the strength and appearance of furniture. When checking, pay attention to whether there are gaps or overlaps, which will weaken the structure of the furniture. At the same time, the consistency of the finish quality also affects the appearance. For example, when making a spliced tabletop, if the quality of the finish is uneven, there will be obvious differences at the splicing, affecting the overall appearance.
Weigh the cost
Price is important, but the quality of plywood is directly related to the life and appearance of furniture. For furniture that is frequently used or requires fine processing, such as cabinet doors that are frequently opened and closed, it is wiser to choose high-quality plywood. For some temporary or less frequently used furniture, such as folding tables that are used occasionally, cheaper plywood can also meet the needs.
Choose according to the purpose of furniture
Choose the right plywood according to the purpose of the furniture. Furniture that is frequently moved or used should choose a sturdy and durable grade. Outdoor furniture needs to use marine plywood or other non-absorbent plywood to withstand harsh environments. For example, outdoor swing chairs are made of marine plywood, which can ensure that they are stable and durable in wind, sun and rain.
Consider the appearance effect
If the furniture is used as the main display, such as the solid wood coffee table in the living room, you should choose plywood with beautiful texture, such as walnut plywood with unique mountain-shaped texture, which can enhance the overall grade of the furniture. If part of the furniture will not be seen, such as the internal partition of the wardrobe, the appearance requirements can be appropriately reduced. If the plywood will be painted or covered later, the importance of its appearance will also be reduced accordingly.