I'm in the process of building a Murphy bed and trying to decide which type of plywood to use. I need about five sheets in total, and I prefer to buy from my local big box store since I have some gift cards. Here's what I'm considering:
- Birch veneer plywood, 5-ply, with a really smooth surface
- Sande plywood, also 5-ply, priced at about $66 per sheet
- Radiata pine, 7-ply, costing $55 per sheet but a bit rough
- Baltic birch, available from a local distributor (not the big box store), which is 13-ply and very flat, but $120 per sheet
This is my first time using plywood for a cabinet project, and I'm unsure about the tradeoffs. While I know Baltic birch is a solid option, I'd love to save around $300 if the cheaper plywood still holds up fine. I'm open to doing extra sanding and edge banding if necessary, and I haven't made up my mind whether to paint it or finish it with a clear coat.
For those who have experience building furniture or Murphy beds with more affordable options, how did it go for you? Would you make the same choice again? Any tips on what to watch out for? Thanks in advance for any advice!
5 Answers
If I were you, I’d definitely go for the Baltic Birch, even at $120 a sheet. If the plywood is going to be visible, I usually opt for Birch veneer, which costs around $70 in my area. I could justify paying double for Baltic Birch, but almost tripling the cost is tough. Think about how visible the project will be—if aesthetics matter, Baltic is the way to go.
I’ve used both Radiata Pine and Sande for shop projects, and honestly, they work fine for things like shelving. I wouldn’t want to sleep on a bed made from Sande because it has a weird smell. For nicer projects—like furniture or good bookshelves—birch veneer ply is great; it stains well and is pretty sturdy, too. If you can find decent birch veneer, go for it!
From a construction standpoint, it really shouldn’t make much difference which option you choose. The main advantage of Baltic Birch is its stability and uniformity, plus it gets a nice finish. Plywood generally doesn’t stain well, so you might end up with similar results regardless of which type you choose. Personally, I’d lean towards spending a bit more for the best material I can get; after all, building furniture can end up being a false economy if you skimp on quality.
I’m all for the higher quality stuff. Use your gift cards for things like tools or hardware instead of skimping on the plywood. I’ve had bad experiences with big box birch plywood that had a super thin outer layer—just not durable enough. Real Baltic Birch is solid and way stronger; it won’t flex under weight like some of the cheaper stuff can. The extra time you spend measuring and cutting will be worth it in the end when you look at the finished product and love how it turned out. The only reason I’d consider cheaper ply is if it was for a temporary setup like a cabin where looks don’t matter as much.
I totally get where you’re coming from as a beginner! In my experience, the biggest plus of Baltic Birch is that it has zero voids, making it stronger and easier for clean cuts. On top of that, I’ve found that big box store plywood can be wet, warped, or in pretty rough shape, and thin veneers can be a pain when working with such large sheets. Plus, dealing with a local supplier has been way easier; they typically help you pick out the best pieces right away. If you look for birch veneer ply at a big box store, you might be lucky, but definitely check the sheets out in person to avoid surprises later.