Plywood is commonly used in furniture making, known for being inexpensive and of mediocre quality - suitable for initial furniture pieces like a couch or bed frame, but not for more refined projects. Our goal is to debunk that misconception and illustrate why plywood may actually be the ideal material for certain furniture pieces.
Plywood: What is it?
We should begin with the fundamentals. Plywood is created by bonding thin layers of wood veneer together in opposing grain directions. Cross-graining, also known as perpendicular grain, offers various advantages: it decreases the chances of wood splitting at the edges when nailed, minimizes expansion and shrinkage for better stability, and ensures uniform strength in all directions.
What makes plywood suitable for building furniture?
In furniture making, plywood is a versatile and dependable material with numerous advantages. Below are a few advantages of incorporating plywood into furniture design.
Strength and durability
One of the key advantages of incorporating plywood into furniture making lies in its robustness and longevity. Plywood is stronger than solid wood of the same thickness due to its composition of glued-together layers of wood. Plywood is less prone to warping or cracking, making it a great option for furniture intended for daily use.
Lightweight qualities
Plywood, being lightweight, is also simple to transport and install. This is particularly advantageous for furniture that requires frequent moving, like office furniture or modular furniture.
Versatility
Plywood comes in a variety of grades, including high-quality plywood, which we use for our furniture when we incorporate it, like for the frame of our Everyday Sofa in conjunction with hardwood. It is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of furniture styles and designs. It is also easily cut into different shapes and sizes.
Sustainability
Because it is comprised of renewable materials, plywood is an environmentally beneficial material. Plywood is created from trees that are grown especially for this use, in contrast to other building materials. When plywood is no longer needed, it can also be recycled and put to various uses.
Cost efficiency
Naturally, having less expensive furnishings doesn't hurt. Plywood is significantly less expensive than real wood, making it an economical material. Thus, it is economical and wise to use plywood where it is needed and leave solid wood for items like the dining table.
Perfect for building furniture, plywood is a robust, adaptable, and long-lasting material. Now that we know this, it should come as no surprise that plywood is a popular material among furniture builders when it comes to crafting exquisite and useful items.
