I'm building a console table and want to use plywood for the top. My plan is to glue two 3/4" pieces together to achieve the desired thickness and then veneer the edges. I've successfully done this for other tables before. I'm curious if it's okay to use a higher grade plywood for the top piece (the one you'll see) and a lower grade or different type for the bottom piece that won't be visible. I'm considering that once I veneer the edges, no one will know the bottom piece isn't the same grade. Cost is a big factor, as I want to make two projects from one 4x8 sheet of high-grade maple plywood.
3 Answers
Why not get plywood that’s good on one side and just glue the "bad" sides together? This way, you save on costs while keeping the visible side nice.
You can definitely mix the grades, but avoid going with the cheapest stuff, like Home Depot ply—could end up with warping or flexing issues. Stick with furniture or cabinet-grade plywood for the bottom to keep it sturdy.
I'd advise against using very low-grade plywood for the bottom layer. You still want that furniture-quality feel, so maybe consider using some generic blonde wood plywood which could cost less than maple. If it happens to be visible at all, I’d stick with maple for both pieces to maintain a consistent look. Just a thought!