Plywood vs. Blockboard: Which Is Better for Furniture? A Complete Buye

When it comes to building furniture for your home — be it a stunning modular kitchen, a sleek wardrobe, or a strong bed frame — choosing the right material matters more than you might think. Among the most popular choices in India are plywood and blockboard. Both are engineered wood products but differ significantly in structure, performance, and cost.

In this blog, we break down the differences between plywood and blockboard, their strengths, weaknesses, price variations, and ultimately help you decide which is better for furniture.

What Is Plywood?

Plywood is a versatile material made by gluing together multiple layers (or ‘plies’) of thin wood veneers, with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the next. This cross-graining gives plywood its strength and reduces the chances of warping or splitting.

Common Plywood Types Used in Furniture:

MR Plywood (Moisture Resistant)
BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)
BWP Plywood (Boiling Waterproof, also known as Marine Plywood)
Commercial Plywood
Shuttering Plywood
710 Marine Ply

Plyneer offers a wide range, including 18mm waterproof plywood, 12mm MR plywood, and 19mm BWP plywood, suitable for everything from bedroom furniture to high-moisture areas like kitchens.

What Is Blockboard?

Blockboard consists of a core made of softwood strips (like pinewood or neem wood) placed edge-to-edge and sandwiched between veneers of hardwood plywood. This structure makes blockboard lighter and more resistant to bending over long spans.

Blockboards are often used in:

Doors
Long bookshelves
Table tops
Partitions
Paneling

Key Differences Between Plywood and Blockboard

Feature	Plywood	Blockboard
Core Structure	Cross-laminated wood veneers	Solid wood strips sandwiched between veneers
Weight	Heavier and denser	Lighter
Warp Resistance	High due to cross-layered structure	Moderate; may warp slightly if not treated
Best For	Cabinets, modular kitchens, waterproof furniture	Doors, long furniture panels, vertical surfaces
Cost	Generally higher than blockboard	More affordable
Screw Holding Strength	Excellent	Good
Moisture Resistance	Excellent with BWP/BWR/MR grades	Lower unless specially treated
Plyneer Warranty	Up to Lifetime (e.g., Plyneer Gold BWP)	Up to 21 Years (e.g., Neem MR/Blockboard)

Where to Use Plywood

Plywood, especially 18mm marine plywood or 12mm BWR plywood, is ideal for:

Modular Kitchens: Where resistance to water and heat is essential.
Wardrobes & Cabinets: Strong and durable with excellent screw-holding capacity.
TV Units & Shelving: Great structural strength and design versatility.
Bed Frames & Storage Units: Long-lasting and heavy-duty.

Plyneer's Gold BWP Grade or Calibrated Waterproof Plywood is perfect for such use cases, especially in areas exposed to humidity or heat.

Where to Use Blockboard

Blockboards are recommended where lightweight, large panels are needed, such as:

Interior Doors: Especially large doors prone to bending — blockboard holds shape better here.
Study Tables or Bookshelves: Offers a long, sag-resistant surface.
Partitions & Wall Panels: Easier to install due to lighter weight.
Office Furniture: Budget-friendly and stable when not exposed to water.

Plyneer offers Neem-based blockboard options that provide strength with termite resistance and come with up to 21 years warranty.

Plywood vs. Blockboard Price in India (2025 Estimates)

Product	Price Range (8x4 ft sheet)
12mm MR Plywood	₹900 – ₹1,200
18mm BWR Waterproof Plywood	₹1,500 – ₹2,100
19mm Marine Plywood (710 Grade)	₹2,100 – ₹3,200
18mm Neem Blockboard	₹1,100 – ₹1,600
18mm Commercial Plywood	₹1,000 – ₹1,500

Where to Buy Plywood and Blockboard Online

With the rise of e-commerce, it’s easy to buy plywood online from trusted brands. Platforms like Plyneer offer:

Direct-to-home plywood delivery
100% waterproof certified products
Competitive pricing for 12mm, 18mm, and 19mm plywood
Fast shipping across India

You can even find plywood sheets, blockboard plywood, and veneered plywood at discounted rates, available in sizes like 8x4 with thicknesses ranging from 5mm to 25mm.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Furniture – Plywood or Blockboard?

Choose Plywood if you’re building:

Modular kitchens
Cabinets or wardrobes
Long-lasting furniture exposed to moisture

Choose Blockboard if you’re working on:

Doors and vertical panels
Lightweight furniture
Cost-effective projects

That said, both plywood and blockboard have their place in modern Indian homes. The secret is knowing where and how to use them. And with Plyneer, you get both — engineered to perfection, priced for value, and guaranteed to last.