What Is The Best Plywood For Cabinets?

Selecting the right plywood is crucial for building durable, long-lasting cabinets. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best plywood options for cabinet construction.

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Best Plywood Types for Cabinets

Cabinet Grade Plywood

• Premium choice for visible surfaces
• A-grade faces with minimal defects
• Available in 1/2″ (12mm) and 3/4″ (18mm)
• Excellent screw holding capacity
• Ideal for doors and exposed sides

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Baltic Birch Plywood

• Superior quality with void-free core
• Exceptional stability
• Multiple birch plies throughout
• Available in 1/2″ (12mm) and 3/4″ (18mm)
• Perfect for all cabinet components

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Hardwood Plywood

• Beautiful natural wood faces
• Strong internal bond
• Available in various species
• Standard thicknesses: 1/2″ and 3/4″ (12mm and 18mm)
• Excellent for doors and visible panels

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Prefinished Plywood

• Factory-finished UV coating
• Ready to install
• Time-saving option
• Great for cabinet interiors
• Available in both thicknesses

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Recommended Thickness by Component

3/4″ (18mm) Plywood – Required For:

• Base cabinet sides
• Floor-standing cabinet sides
• Shelving over 24″ span
• Cabinet face frames
• Sink base cabinets
• Pull-out shelving

1/2″ (12mm) Plywood – Suitable For:

• Upper cabinet sides
• Cabinet backs
• Door panels
• Small cabinet sides
• Drawer bottoms
• Cabinet tops (if supported)

Best Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

Quality Grades Explained

Grade A

• Sanded smooth
• No knots
• Minimal patches
• Best for visible surfaces

Grade B

• Light mineral streaks
• Small knots allowed
• Good for semi-visible areas
• Suitable for painting

Grade C

• Knots and patches acceptable
• Used for hidden surfaces
• More economical
• Good for cabinet backs

Construction Tips

1. Material Selection

• Use consistent grades for matching faces
• Select straight, flat sheets
• Check for damage and defects
• Consider grain direction

2. Proper Storage

• Store flat
• Keep in climate-controlled space
• Allow material to acclimate
• Protect from moisture

3. Cutting Guidelines

• Use sharp blades
• Cut good face up
• Support large sheets
• Plan cuts to minimize waste

Our Recommendations

For High-End Cabinets:

• Cabinet Grade or Baltic Birch
• 3/4″ (18mm) for most components
• A-grade faces for visible surfaces

How to Update Plywood Kitchen Cabinets

For Budget-Friendly Projects:

• Mixed grade materials
• 1/2″ (12mm) where appropriate
• B-grade faces acceptable

For Commercial Projects:

• Prefinished plywood
• Consistent grade selection
• Focus on durability

Additional Considerations

• Always use appropriate cabinet screws
• Apply edge banding to exposed edges
• Consider humidity levels in final location
• Use proper support spacing
• Plan for future adjustments

Contact us to view our complete selection of cabinet-grade plywood and discuss your specific project requirements with our experienced staff.