Should you choose plywood or solid wood for furniture making?

Each type of board has its own advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scope. If you want to make furniture, is it better to use plywood or solid wood? Plywood is made by gluing and pressing wood veneers together. The veneers are joined by seams or beveled and overlapped. Each layer of veneers is arranged horizontally and vertically. Finally, it is sanded, shaped, and veneered to produce plywood.

Solid wood boards are wood panels made from whole pieces of timber (logs). They are generally classified according to the type of wood, such as pine boards. Solid wood boards do not have specific standard specifications; each board is made from a single piece of solid wood.

In terms of characteristics, plywood (multi-layer boards) is superior due to its unique manufacturing process and structure. High-quality plywood is characterized by dimensional stability, resistance to deformation and cracking, low expansion coefficient, high strength, good flatness, and ease of processing. Solid wood boards are durable, have natural grain, often possess the unique aroma of natural wood, and offer good moisture absorption and breathability, giving them a high-end and sophisticated appearance. From a performance perspective, plywood and solid wood are almost identical, and neither is inferior in this regard.

From an environmental perspective, multi-layer boards, using soybean protein formaldehyde-free glue, contain no formaldehyde, benzene, or other harmful substances, making them naturally pollution-free. Solid wood boards, on the other hand, do not use adhesives and are also environmentally friendly and harmless to humans. Multi-layer boards are easy to process and cost-effective, making them popular for furniture and interior decoration. Solid wood boards are less commonly used, firstly because of the demanding construction techniques, and secondly because of their higher price and limited timber resources. Solid wood boards are typically used for high-end furniture and home renovations; under normal circumstances, multi-layer boards, offering better value for money and easier construction, are the choice for most people.