According to Dictionary.com their definitions are as follows:
Plywood: a structural board consisting of an odd number of thin layers of wood glued together under pressure, with the grain of one layer at right angles to the grain of the adjoining layer
Particle Board: any of various composition boards formed from small particles of wood, as flakes or shavings, tightly compressed and bonded together with a resin.
Pros and Cons
In the cabinet industry these are two of the main components of the cabinet boxes. How do you know which one is best for you? Below is a list of Pros and Cons of each material.
Plywood Pros
- Strong
- Less susceptible to water damage
- Lighter in weight
- Firmly holds fasteners
Plywood Cons
- Price will be higher than particle board
- Veneer required
The plywood used in the box of cabinets are constructed with more layers, better lamination and a smoother finish that cuts cleanly with little damage or splintering. It tends to be ¾ inch thick and will often be veneered due to it not being appearance-grade. Cabinets that use plywood will be lighter, making it easier when lifting them to install at higher levels. Lastly, due to the construction of the plywood, screws hold well so that hardware- like hinges, will remain solid.
Particle Board Pros
- Inexpensive
- Widely found
- Stable if veneered with wood or thermafoil
- Flat predictable material
Particle Board Cons
- Damaged by moisture
- Heavy
- Can warp over time
Particle Board or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) will be stable as long as it stays dry and is not subject to undue stress. When particle board gets wet it will swell up and become unstable and warp. Swollen particle board cannot be sanded or planed down so the only option will be to replace the damaged pieces. Particle board is an engineered material that is perfectly flat so you will not have any of the imperfections like knots that are sometimes found in plywood.
Are Plywood Cabinets better than Particle Board?
- Plywood is usually preferred by manufactures that want to offer a higher end cabinet and still offer an affordable price.
- Plywood is much more durable than particle board and much more water resistant for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Particle Boards cannot support a lot of weight making them a poor choice for kitchen cabinets which usually store heavy kitchen equipment such as pots and pans or food cans and boxes.
- Solid wood cabinets have been known to last decades depending on its maintenance, while furniture and cabinets made from particle board are looking at a lifespan of 3-5 years depending on the user though this varies greatly.
- Plywood boxed cabinets are recommended for rental homes, businesses, or larger families with kids due to the durability and strength of the construction material.
What does Sunridge Supply offer?
We believe in offering ready-to-assemble quality wood cabinets made out of plywood boxes at affordable prices. Contact us to get a FREE 3D Plan and Quote to get quality kitchen cabinets in your home today!
