I'm planning to build a row of shop cabinet lowers just for storage. I'm stuck on whether to use decent birch plywood from big box stores or stick with regular but decent 3/4" plywood. The price difference is about $30 per sheet, and I might splurge on nicer wood for the visible ends. What's your take?
1 Answer
Honestly, I’d steer clear of buying nice wood at big box stores. Instead, look for a hardwood retailer or a lumber yard that caters to cabinet makers. If it were me, I'd even consider using MDF over box store plywood—though I generally dislike MDF. But for heavy-duty shop cabinets, it might hold up better than you'd think!
I get your point, but these are shop cabinets, not fine furniture! They’re meant to be functional, and MDF can warp with humidity. I'd rather go for that sanded plywood from the big box store, which is only $50 and strong enough for a garage.