Which is the best plywood for kitchen cabinets? Homeslibro

Which is the best plywood for kitchen cabinets?

In the previous article, we discussed the different types of plywood available in the market. This time we will see which plywood is most suitable for making kitchen cabinets.

 

A kitchen is a place where the furniture is exposed to water and stays wet. So the plywood we choose to make kitchen cabinets must be water-resistant.

 

Let us look at the types of plywood available in the market to fulfil these requirements. There are many types, but only three are often used.

 

1. MR Grade

MR grade is moisture resistant plywood. This is the interior grade plywood and is meant for interior use. Its also known as commercial plywood. While it does look like moisture resistance is exactly what we require for our kitchen cabinets, that is not the case. 'Moisture resistant' does not mean 'Waterproof'. It just means that this plywood can successfully withstand a bit of 'moisture' and 'humidity' without getting damaged.

 

2. BWR Grade

 

BWR grade plywood (Boiling Water resistant) is Exterior grade plywood. It is made from phenolic synthetic resins (plastic resins) and is waterproof, and is considered to be a good choice of plywood for making kitchen cabinets.

 

3. Fire Retardant Plywood

Fire retardant plywood is the best choice as kitchen plywood for modular kitchen areas just above the stove or for a rack near the stove. Today we see a lot of news about accidents in the kitchen. Fire-retardant plywood is highly resistant to ignition and even delay ignition, which gives us time to escape. In the event of a fire, they keep the toxic emissions to a minimum and prevent us from dizziness and bronchial disorders.

 

If you are looking to avoid fire accidents, this is hands down, one of the best plywood for your modular kitchen.

 

The Indian quality standards for both MR and BWR grade of plywood are specified in document IS:303.

The Indian quality standards for Fire Retardant plywood grade of plywood are specified in document IS:5509.

 

Plywood manufacturers in India, who meet the quality norms set by BIS as per IS:303 and IS:5509 are awarded a certification, after which they can display the prestigious ISI mark on their plywood sheets.

Also Read: What Is Moisture Resistant (Mr) Grade Plywood

Also Read: What Is Boiling Water Resistant (Bwr) Grade Plywood

Also Read: What Is Marine Plywood Or Boiling Water Proof Grade Plywood 

 

Points To Remember While Buying Plywood For Kitchen Cabinets

There is also another grade of plywood, called Marine grade plywood. This is a much superior type of plywood (Indian standards IS:710), that is majorly used in Marine applications such as for making boats and for the interior woodwork of ships. Using this plywood for making kitchen cabinets can be a very costly affair, and usually looks like overkill.

 

The plywood shopkeepers sometimes refer to BWR grade as Marine ply. It's best to ask them the ISI number. The ISI number is marked just above the ISI mark on each of the plywood sheets. Only if it's IS:710 is it Marine grade plywood. Else if it's IS:303 it means it's MR or BWR grade. If it's IS:303, look for additional markings that say 'BWR' or 'Boiling Water Resistant'.

 

Additionally it's better to check that there is a CM/L number mentioned below the ISI mark. CM/L number is the unique licence number that identifies the plywood company that has made the sheet, and every ISI mark has to be accompanied by a CM/L number. If CM/L is missing, the mark could be a fake one.

 

the plywood is usually laminated, meaning a decorative laminate is glued over the surface of the plywood. The laminate surface in itself is water-proof and it further decreases the chances of water reaching inside the plywood surface. While choosing laminates, the thumb rule is that the thicker it is, the better it will be.

Also Read: How to select Plywood and Laminates for your Furniture?

 

For furniture other than kitchen cabinets, using Commercial MR grade plywood is generally considered to be good enough. And wherever lengthy pieces of board are required, blockboard is considered better than plywood because it has a lesser tendency to sag or bend compared to plywood.

 

In conclusion, Fire retard plywood is costlier than BWR plywood so exterior quality BWR plywood is good for making kitchen cabinets and any other kitchen woodwork. Secondly laminating the plywood surface provides extra protection against water.

 

FAQ

 

Which is the best plywood for kitchen cabinets?

In conclusion, Fire retard plywood is costlier than BWR plywood so exterior quality BWR plywood is good for making kitchen cabinets and any other kitchen woodwork. Secondly laminating the plywood surface provides extra protection against water.

 

What should be the thickness of plywood for kitchen cabinets?

19mm BWP Ply will be the best option

 

What is the plywood grade options for kitchen cabinets?

1. MR Grade

2. BWR Grade

3. Fire Retardant Plywood