Choosing the right plywood for furniture can be confusing, especially with terms like MR, BWR, and BWP plywood being thrown around. But getting this decision right is crucial, as it directly impacts the durability, finish, and longevity of your furniture.
Whether you’re building wardrobes, modular kitchens, or interior partitions, selecting the right plywood can save you from costly repairs later. In this guide, we’ll explore the best plywood for furniture, its grades, and the perfect choices for wardrobes, kitchens, and home interiors.
Brands like Plyneer, CenturyPly, and GreenPly offer a range of plywood options, but knowing the differences will help you make the right decision.
Why Choosing the Right Plywood Matters
Furniture is not something you replace every year. That’s why the right plywood selection is critical.
A bad choice could lead to:
- Warping or bending of shelves and wardrobes
- Termite infestations in your wooden furniture
- Water damage in kitchen cabinets exposed to moisture
By choosing the right type of plywood, you ensure durability, termite resistance, and protection against moisture.
Types of Plywood for Furniture Moisture-Resistant (MR) Plywood
MR plywood is moisture-resistant, not waterproof. It’s best for use in furniture that won’t be exposed to heavy moisture, such as: Wardrobes Bedroom shelves Home interiors (like wall partitions)
Best For: Indoor furniture (wardrobes, shelves, partitions)
Avoid For: Kitchens and bathrooms (since moisture can weaken it)
Boiling Water-Resistant (BWR) Plywood
BWR plywood is a stronger, water-resistant option. It’s ideal for areas exposed to moisture but not submerged in water.
BWR plywood works well for: Kitchen cabinets Bathroom shelves Balconies and semi-outdoor furniture
Best For: Kitchen cabinets, bathroom furniture, semi-outdoor furniture
Avoid For: Areas with high moisture like underwater storage units
Boiling Waterproof (BWP) Plywood
BWP plywood is 100% waterproof. It is treated to withstand complete water immersion.
This makes it perfect for use in areas with extreme moisture, such as: Under-sink cabinets Bathroom vanities Furniture in coastal areas
Best For: Water-exposed areas, under-sink cabinets, bathrooms, and outdoor furniture
Avoid For: General-purpose furniture (since it's more expensive than MR and BWR plywood)
Which Plywood is Best for Different Types of Furniture? Furniture Type Modular Kitchen - BWR or BWP Plywood - Moisture and heat resistance are critical.
- Wardrobes - MR Plywood - Cost-effective, durable, and doesn’t face moisture.
- Bathroom Cabinets - BWP Plywood - Can withstand full water immersion. Under-
- Sink Storage - BWP Plywood - Full waterproofing is essential. Office Furniture -
- MR or BWR Plywood - Water-resistant properties are required. Partition Walls -
- MR Plywood - Low-cost option for internal use. TV Units - MR Plywood - Termite resistance and light usage.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood for Furniture
- Durability - Not all plywood is created equal. If your furniture is likely to face moisture, dust, or rough use, choose BWR or BWP plywood. For lighter usage, MR plywood is sufficient.
- Resistance to Moisture - Kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage, and under-sink storage units need BWP plywood since they’re exposed to moisture. Avoid MR plywood for these areas.
- Thickness - Plywood thickness is critical for load-bearing furniture. Choose: 6mm to 12mm for partition walls 18mm for kitchen cabinets and wardrobe shelves 25mm for heavy-duty storage units
- Termite Resistance - Furniture infested by termites can be difficult to salvage. Choose plywood that is pre-treated for termite resistance, especially for areas like wardrobes, which may not be opened frequently.
- Cost & Affordability - MR plywood is more affordable, while BWP plywood is the most expensive due to its waterproof nature. Strike a balance based on the furniture type.
Top Plywood Brands for Furniture
Plyneer (Best for Online Buyers) Plyneer offers a fully online buying experience where you can browse, compare, and buy plywood directly from the website. You’ll find MR, BWR, and BWP plywood options, along with bulk discounts for large orders.
CenturyPly (Trusted Legacy Brand) CenturyPly is a legacy brand available at local hardware shops and distributors. However, their reliance on distributors often results in slower deliveries and non-transparent pricing.
GreenPly (Eco-Friendly Choice) If sustainability matters, GreenPly offers eco-friendly plywood, but pricing tends to be on the higher side. GreenPly products are available at select distributors and hardware suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Which plywood is best for kitchen cabinets?
BWR plywood is recommended for kitchen cabinets as it offers excellent water resistance and can handle steam, heat, and daily cleaning.
2.Is MR plywood good for wardrobes?
Yes, MR plywood is sufficient for wardrobes as they are not exposed to high moisture. It’s also more affordable than BWR or BWP plywood.
3.Which plywood should I use for bathroom cabinets?
Choose BWP plywood for bathroom cabinets as it is fully waterproof and can withstand prolonged exposure to water.
4.Is it cheaper to buy plywood online?
Yes, buying from Plyneer can be cheaper due to transparent pricing, no intermediary markup, and the availability of bulk order discounts.
5.How do I calculate the cost of plywood for my project?
Plywood is sold as full sheets (typically 8ft x 4ft, i.e., 32 sq. ft. per sheet). To calculate the cost, follow these steps:
Calculate Total Area Required: For example, if you need 50 sq. ft. of plywood, you’ll need to purchase two full sheets since one sheet (32 sq. ft.) isn’t enough. Total required = 2 sheets (64 sq. ft.).
Calculate Cost Per Sheet: If one sheet of 18mm MR plywood costs ₹110 per sq. ft., then the cost of one sheet is 32 sq. ft. x ₹110 = ₹3,520.
Calculate Total Cost: If you need two sheets, the total cost will be ₹3,520 x 2 = ₹7,040.
This approach accounts for wastage and ensures you have enough material for your project.
Ready to buy plywood that offers the best combination of quality, price, and delivery speed? Plyneer is the clear winner. Avoid the hassle of dealing with distributors and enjoy transparent pricing, fast delivery, and premium-grade MR, BWR, and BWP plywood. Order online or request a custom quote from Plyneer today!
