Types of Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets: What You Need to Know

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Plywood is given the largest preference for fitting kitchen cabinets as it’s robust in nature, moderate in cost, and perfectly resistant to moisture. This is not to say that all plywood is equal. It is therefore very important when one has to choose the type of kitchen cabinet they are going to use as the quality and appearance of the kitchen one has will be determined by it. In this guide, efforts have been made to explain the different types of plywood for kitchen cabinets as a way of making sound decisions.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Using Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

Before we dig into the varieties, let’s first look into why ply has such great popularity in kitchen cabinetry use:

Durability: Plywood is known for its power and durability to withstand extensive use. Unlike MDF or particleboard, plywood remains less likely to warp or crack with time.
Moisture Resistance: The marine plywood and BWP plywood show excellent resistance to water. Plywood is ideal for kitchen environments as they are confronted with water and moisture daily.
Affordability: Plywood is cheaper compared to solid wood, yet provides strength and durability at a very affordable price, making it ideal for being used for kitchen cabinetry.
Versatility: This plywood can be used for both straight and curved designs. Flexible plywood is very useful, especially in custom kitchen cabinets where you can do unique shapes and layouts.
Eco-Friendly: Many of the plywood options available are made from sustainably sourced wood, so it is a much greener product compared to some of the other cabinet materials.
Easy to Work With: Plywood is relatively easy to cut, shape, and finish, therefore preferred by cabinetmakers.

1. Marine Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

Marine plywood should be preferred over any other wood when constructing or purchasing kitchen cabinets. When tested in terms of water absorption it can withstand a larger percentage than most other materials. It is made from a high density of wood veneer and water resistance glue that makes it suitable for use in exposed areas such as the kitchen.

Advantages: Highly durable, resistant to water, and long-lasting.
Best For: Lower kitchen cabinets near sinks or dishwashers.

Marine Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

2. Moisture-Resistant Plywood (MR Grade) for Kitchen Cabinets

MR-grade plywood is yet another excellent choice for your kitchen cabinets. It is not entirely waterproof; still, it is treated to resist the qualities of humidity and dampness which will be valued in the kitchen

Advantages: Affordable, good moisture resistance.
Best For: Upper kitchen cabinets and less exposed areas.

Moisture-Resistant Plywood (MR Grade) for Kitchen Cabinets

3. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

BWP-grade plywood, otherwise known as Boiling waterproof plywood, is one of the higher-end choices of materials for making kitchen cabinets. Since the name says it’s resistant to boiling water, there’s not much to argue that this is its best place in a house, the kitchen.

Advantages: Superior water resistance, and high durability.
Best For: Cabinets under sinks or areas with heavy water exposure.

BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

4. Commercial Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

Commercial plywood, also known as MR plywood, is quite popular for kitchens because it is inexpensive. Though not water-resistant, like marine or BWP plywood, this will be quite satisfactory for dry kitchen areas.

Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to work with.
Best For: Dry areas like upper cabinets and pantry units.

Commercial Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

5. Flexible Plywood for Custom Kitchen Cabinet Designs

For uniquely curved designs for your kitchen cabinets, the best material is flexible plywood because it bends without cracking easily in creative design elements.

Advantages: Highly flexible, easy to mold.
Best For: Custom or curved cabinet designs.

Flexible Plywood for Custom Kitchen Cabinet Designs

6. Pre-Laminated Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

The glossy look of pre-laminated plywood is very useful because one does not have to paint or polish the interiors of the kitchen cabinet to have that shiny outside look. This material is relatively harder to scratch or to stain and this can be considered positive if one will focus on the utilization of the items in the kitchen.

Advantages: Ready-to-use, scratch-resistant.
Best For: Modern kitchen cabinet designs with minimal maintenance.

Pre-Laminated Plywood for Kitchen Cabinets

7. Hardwood Plywood for Elegant Kitchen Cabinets

It is suitable for kitchen cabinets if the appearance is a consideration because hardwood plywood incorporates the best quality of hardwood veneers such as oak and maple to achieve that natural beauty in the kitchen.

Advantages: Beautiful, durable, and long-lasting.
Best For: High-end kitchen cabinets with a natural wood finish.

Hardwood Plywood for Elegant Kitchen Cabinets

8. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for Budget-Friendly Cabinets

OSB is cheaper than plywood and is made up of strands of wood. Not as pretty, but OSB is strong and okay for the not-so-visible areas of kitchen cabinetry.

Advantages: Cost-effective, strong.
Best For: Internal cabinet structures.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for Budget-Friendly Cabinets

9. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) for Strong, Stable Cabinets

LVL simply implies laminated veneer lumber, this is a great type of plywood and is made from thin subsequent layers of wood. LVL has very good strength and it can therefore be used in kitchens where one requires having a strong carcass with normal underneath support.

Advantages: Strong, stable, and resistant to warping.
Best For: Load-bearing cabinet structures.

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) for Strong, Stable Cabinets

10. Birch Plywood for Aesthetic Appeal in Kitchen Cabinets

Birch plywood features a light color and fine grain, making it an attractive choice among the types of plywood for kitchen cabinets.

Advantages: Attractive finish, strong.
Best For: Visible kitchen cabinets and shelving.

Birch Plywood for Aesthetic Appeal in Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the Right Plywood for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The best types of plywood for kitchen cabinets should be decided based on criteria including its resistance to moisture, its durability, and budget. Marring or BWP would be an excellent choice if you have more areas that tend to carry water. Commercial plywood is a cost-effective alternative for dry areas.

Final Thoughts

Using the right form of plywood ensures that your kitchen can stand for many years and against numerous fashion trends. There is a type of plywood that will suit your needs on kitchen cabinets, either for water resistance, flexibility, or cost-effectiveness. Examine these choices closely to ensure your cabinets are functional and fashionable for years to come.

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