A kitchen is the happiest place in every house and using a bad material can make this kitchen upset. Choosing the perfect material is very important in a modular kitchen because these are much more functional and accessible as compared to traditional kitchens. Now, you might be wondering why it is so difficult to choose one prominent material. Well, this is because there are plenty of materials available with plenty of pros and fewer cons.

PLYWOOD – WHAT IS IT?

Plywood is an engineered wood that is made by binding layers of veneer wood. It is available in different grades, which also determines the quality of the plywood that you use. It has visible grains that bring in texture. If you are wondering which grade plywood is the best for a modular kitchen then we must tell you that high-grade is suitable for cabinets and shelves. Now the point here is what the difference between low-grade and high-grade plywood is. There are four grades of plywood that are manufactured by altering the number of sheets and the pressure put on it.

• A grade Plywood- it is the Best quality plywood and one of the most expensive out of the four. It is smooth and can easily be painted upon, and hence highly customised. It is the best quality one can opt for while making a modular kitchen.
• B grade plywood- This plywood is not very smooth and is a bit rough than grade A plywood. It is prone to regular wear and tears.
• C grade plywood-C grade plywood has a few knots up to 1.5 inches in diameter in its sheets.
• D-grade plywood: The least expensive sort of plywood veneers, these sheets are usually undamaged. The faults in this type of plywood can be slightly greater, and the knots can be up to 2.5 inches in diameter.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLYWOOD

• CDX: CDX-grade plywood is often inexpensive (C and D) because it is made up of the two lowest classes of plywood. It can also endure a certain amount of wetness. CDX plywood is ideal for use in the construction of work tables and storage boxes.
• Sanded Pine: Sanded pine is a versatile type of plywood that has a smooth and clean surface and holds screws and nails securely. It’s ideal for constructing cabinets.
• Baltic Birch: A flexible material with clean edges and a smooth finish, Baltic birch is often more expensive because of its clean edges and smooth finish.
• BWR: The term “BWR” stands for “Boiling Water Resistant” plywood. It is high-quality waterproof exterior grade plywood that’s suited for most home furniture needs. For kitchen cabinets and other kitchen furniture, most interior designers and carpenters choose to utilize BWR plywood.
• BWP: BWP stands for boiling waterproof, which means that plywood boards with the BWP logo are boiling waterproof according to industry standards. They can endure prolonged water and moisture exposure.
• Marine Ply: Marine plywood is more durable and stronger than standard plywood, which only has three layers. Marine plywood comprises five or more layers that are joined with a waterproof adhesive to support greater loads and keep moisture out of the core. Marine plywood is perfect for forming modest boat structures, and it is watertight as long as it is properly sealed inside and out.

It is good to choose Boiling Water-Resistant (BWR) ply for kitchen cabinets since they are more likely to get wet and exposed to steam. You can even go with the more expensive Marine ply, but make sure what you purchase is genuine. BWR is more expensive, they are more robust and resistant to fungal infections.

ADVANTAGES OF PLYWOOD

Plywood is a sturdy material to use at home since it is made up of numerous layers of veneer.   It does not absorb water or liquids which means it is water and moisture resistant.  As a result, it is less vulnerable to harm. Plywood is easy to stain because of its grains, making it an best choice for cabinets and tabletops. Therefore, you can paint it in the colour that you want.  Plywood strongly retains screws because it is made up of layers, each of which offers the screw a greater grip. This material is available in a variety of designs and thicknesses.

DISADVANTAGES OF PLYWOOD

Plywood costs more than MDF, and the greater the grade, the more expensive it is. It contains layers on its surface; it must be well-finished with wood or decorative mouldings.   Plywood is challenging to work with since it is difficult to achieve smooth cuts on it. When not cut properly, plywood splinters quickly, and the edges with layers may have cavities.

Plywood can be used without fear of damaging the board when nails and screws are employed. It’s also available in a variety of sizes that make it ideal for furniture manufacturing. It is less expensive than wood, making it a worthwhile investment. For the money paid, the quality is also better. For various purposes, the material is available in a variety of sizes, densities, and qualities. As a result, whether you’re looking for cabinets, this is your finest option.