I'm looking to build some built-in shelves in my pantry, inspired by pictures from my wife and a friend's setup I recently saw. They appear to be made from plywood boxes with face trim, and I'm eager to take on this project myself. However, I'm unsure about which type of plywood to select from the home improvement store, especially since I want the shelves to be painted. I haven't noticed any knots or grain in the examples I've seen, and I can't find any 4'x8' stain-grade sheets at Lowe's. Will I need to do a lot of sanding and use wood filler to achieve the desired finish? Or am I not searching in the right place for the quality of plywood I should be considering? Any insights would be appreciated!
6 Answers
If you plan to paint the shelves, MDF might be an alternative to consider. It's smooth and works well with paint.
Big box stores like Lowe's typically offer only construction-grade plywood, which isn't ideal for projects like yours. I recommend finding a local lumber yard or wood supplier. They usually have better quality options and might even help you with cutting.
Consider looking for 'sanded' plywood; it's a solid choice for painted projects that won't break the bank. Home Depot has what they call Sandee Plywood, which fills knots with wood filler and sands them flat. It paints nicely and holds up well over time. No need to splurge on birch or thick veneered plywood if you plan to paint it!
Maple plywood is an option, but probably not the best for kitchen cabinets. For your pantry, it should work fine for a first project, especially for a single cabinet.
Specialty suppliers focus on plywood and sheet goods, and while you might have to travel a bit, it's worth it. Avoid the low-quality options at big box stores. You want cabinet-grade plywood, and it’ll cost a bit more, but it’s definitely worth the investment.
If you're looking for stability and ease of finishing, go for Baltic birch plywood. It doesn't require sanding, has more layers for added stability, and while it costs a bit more, it’s a solid investment.
Absolutely! I used Sandee Plywood for a murphy bed cabinet and shelves, and they turned out super well when painted.