What is Plywood and How is it different from Solid Wood?

by Akash Sharma Akash Sharma

Plywood is often referred to as engineered hardwood. It is made by adhering thin layers of solid wood together. It is covered with a veneer of nicer wood while it used from making furniture.

Pros of plywood

Unlike its counterparts, plywood from good plywood suppliers works well in extreme climatic conditions.

There are very little chances of warp or crack, unlike solid wood.

It proves to be a more economical option as it has the same features like solid wood.

Cons of plywood

The upper layer of veneer might get chipped. This will end up exposing the less expensive wood underneath.
Since two different species of wood are used, repairing these furniture is a difficult task.
Often, many plywood use chemicals with formaldehyde. One must look for the options that are formaldehyde-free.

How to shop for plywood furniture?

While buying plywood, always look for renowned plywood and laminate suppliers in Mumbai or other cities to ensure top quality. In case of veneered plywood, chances of wear and tear are high. As drawer fronts and doors often take a beating, they should be made of solid wood so they can be repaired easily.

What is Solid Wood?

Solid wood furniture is made from single pieces of wood or wood boards stuck together to form panels. The label ‘Solid Wood Products’ is a term that actually describes poor-quality engineered wood products. Oak, ash, walnut, cherry and maple are a few tree types used as solid wood Hardwood. These are slower-growing trees that have denser wood and are more resistant to dings. On the other hand, pine, fir and poplar fall in the softwood class. These are faster-growing trees and have less-dense wood. The superior quality of hardwood trees makes furniture made from them, more expensive. However, there are both pros and cons of using solid wood furniture. Here is a list:

Pros of solid wood furniture

The label of solid wood furniture ensures that the furniture is of top quality.

The longevity factor makes solid wood a quality investment. One does not have to incur expenses in repairing and replacing the furniture time and again.