Particle Board vs. Plywood

When it comes to cabinet construction, the box material is just one of many selections to make.  The two major choices for box construction materials are plywood or particle board.  There are costs and benefits to each.  But what IS the difference between the two?

Plywood is a series of wood veneers, sheets of wood cut from a log, glued together in a cross grain pattern making a composite sheet.  Because of the cross grain pattern, plywood is typically more stable than solid wood.  Wood expands and contracts in the direction of the grain.  By alternating the grain pattern in each layer of the veneer, plywood cancels most of the nature stresses caused by moisture and heat cycling.

Particle Board is a composite sheet wood product.  The sheet is made by combining wood particles with a binder and either shaping via a mold and press operation or continuously pressing process. Since the sheet is a composite of wood fibers, there is very little directional movement.  The higher the density the heavier the product.

So which is better?

Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends”.

• Both products have features and benefits and there is a no real winner. The standard-built, made-to-order cabinet sold in the world is made from particle board.
• Plywood cannot be made so precise.  Plywood is also a manufactured product, but it expands and contracts more in temperature and humidity.
• Particle board gets the vote for being Eco-friendly, because it doesn’t depend on large veneers.  The less desirable cuts that would not be used in plywood production can be used in making it more efficient, as well as utilizing recycled wood fibers.

The decision is yours.

• The cost savings of purchasing a particle board cabinet versus plywood cabinet ranges from 7% to 20% depending on the cabinet line.
• A report states that some-assembly-required shelf systems from IKEA are made from particle board.So is the one-of-a-kind custom set of kitchen cabinets from William Ohs. There is definitely a huge difference in the quality of the particle board.
• Good particle board is milled consistently.As a manufactured product it can be made to specifications and more true to size.

The cost savings of purchasing a particle board cabinet versus plywood cabinet ranges from 7% to 20% depending on the cabinet line. A report states that some-assembly-required shelf systems from IKEA are made from particle board. So is the one-of-a-kind custom set of kitchen cabinets from William Ohs. There is definitely a huge difference in the quality of the particle board. Good particle board is milled consistently. As a manufactured product it can be made to specifications and more true to size.