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:
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Modular Kitchens: Where resistance to water and heat is essential.
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Wardrobes & Cabinets: Strong and durable with excellent screw-holding capacity.
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TV Units & Shelving: Great structural strength and design versatility.
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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.
Why Plyneer Should Be Your First Choice
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Waterproof & Termite-Resistant Products
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Calibrated for Precision
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Long Warranties – Up to Lifetime
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Lab-Tested Durability
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Pan-India Delivery Network
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Trusted by 1500+ Dealers Nationwide
