When it comes to buying plywood for your next furniture or interior project, thickness matters more than you might realize. From 6mm lightweight panels to heavy-duty 25mm boards, each plywood thickness serves a very specific purpose.
If you’re confused about which one to buy — 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, or 25mm plywood — this guide will help you make the right decision based on usage, durability, waterproofing, and cost.
Plywood Thickness Overview
| Thickness | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| 6mm | Wall paneling, ceilings, cabinet backs |
| 9mm | Drawer sides, lightweight partitions |
| 12mm | Wardrobe shutters, small furniture, kitchen work |
| 16mm | Medium furniture, office workstations |
| 18mm | Beds, base units, heavy-duty cabinets |
| 25mm | Stages, flooring, structural platforms |
1. 6mm Plywood – Light, Flexible, and Decorative
Best for:
- Wall paneling
- False ceilings
- Drawer backs
- Laminate substrate
- Interior cladding
Why choose 6mm plywood:
It’s light, easy to cut, and cost-effective. Ideal for surfaces that don’t bear weight. Plyneer offers 6mm calibrated plywood for high-end finishing and lamination.
Suggested Product: Plyneer Gold MR 6mm or Saffron Recon Veneer on 6mm MR ply
Price Range: ₹500 – ₹800 per 8x4 sheet
2. 9mm Plywood – Perfect for Utility & Strength Combo
Best for:
- Drawer construction
- Partition panels
- Underside of tables
- Lightweight furniture
Why choose 9mm plywood:
Stronger than 6mm, still manageable for areas needing a bit of rigidity. Use 9mm BWR plywood for added moisture resistance.
Suggested Product: Plyneer X MR or BWR 9mm
Price Range: ₹850 – ₹1,200 per 8x4 sheet
3. 12mm Plywood – Most Versatile Thickness
Best for:
- Wardrobes
- Kitchen shutters
- Small to medium furniture
- Loft covers
Why choose 12mm plywood:
A go-to thickness for modular furniture, 12mm balances strength and manageability. Available in MR, BWR, and BWP grades for dry and moist areas.
Suggested Product: Plyneer Calibrated MR 12mm or BWR 710 Marine Grade
Price Range: ₹1,100 – ₹1,600 per 8x4 sheet
4. 16mm Plywood – Midway Strength for Office & Retail Use
Best for:
- Work desks
- Medium load cabinets
- Tables in cafes or showrooms
Why choose 16mm plywood:
16mm is an emerging favorite in commercial interiors. Stronger than 12mm without the bulk of 18mm. Ideal for efficient furniture production.
Suggested Product: Plyneer Silver BWR 16mm
Price Range: ₹1,400 – ₹1,900 per 8x4 sheet
5. 18mm Plywood – Standard for Heavy-Duty Furniture
Best for:
- Beds and base units
- Modular kitchen carcasses
- Book shelves
- Storage furniture
- Wall-mounted TV units
Why choose 18mm plywood:
This is India’s most preferred plywood thickness, especially in BWR and BWP grades. Offers maximum stability, excellent screw holding, and load capacity.
Suggested Product:
- Plyneer Bullet BWR 18mm (Affordable range)
- Plyneer X BWP 18mm (30-year warranty)
Price Range: ₹1,800 – ₹2,800 per 8x4 sheet
6. 25mm Plywood – Built for Structural Strength
Best for:
- Mezzanine floors
- Platform stages
- Soundproof doors
- Raised office flooring
Why choose 25mm plywood:
Where strength and zero-flex are non-negotiable, 25mm waterproof plywood steps in. It’s heavy, robust, and long-lasting — especially useful for commercial or institutional projects.
Suggested Product: Plyneer Gold BWP 25mm
Price Range: ₹2,800 – ₹3,800 per 8x4 sheet
Which Plywood Grade to Pair with Thickness?
| Grade | Use Case |
|---|---|
| MR (Moisture Resistant) | Bedroom, wardrobes, dry zones |
| BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) | Kitchens, bathrooms, semi-wet zones |
| BWP (Boiling Waterproof / Marine) | Modular kitchens, outdoors, extreme moisture |
| Shuttering Ply | Construction and temporary formwork |
How to Choose Based on Application
| Area | Ideal Thickness + Grade |
|---|---|
| Wardrobe Back Panels | 6mm MR |
| Kitchen Shutters | 12mm BWR |
| Modular Kitchen Cabinets | 18mm BWP |
| Home Office Table | 16mm BWR |
| Bed Platform | 18mm or 25mm BWP |
| Drawer Sides | 9mm MR |
| False Ceiling Panels | 6mm MR or Commercial Ply |
| Retail Display Furniture | 16mm BWR |
| Stage Platform or Mezzanine | 25mm Marine Plywood |
Buy Plywood Online – Fast Delivery from Plyneer
Plyneer makes it easy to buy plywood online in all standard thicknesses and grades. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or architect, we offer:
- 8x4 plywood sheets in MR, BWR, and BWP
- Calibrated plywood for modular furniture
- Fast pan-India delivery
- 100% waterproof guarantee on BWP-grade sheets
- Neem and eucalyptus core options
You can explore plywood thicknesses from 5mm to 25mm, choose your grade, and get it delivered directly to your project site.
Final Takeaway: Match Thickness to Purpose
Choosing the right plywood thickness means balancing weight, cost, strength, and design needs. Here’s a quick recap:
- Use 6mm–9mm for lightweight, decorative work.
- Go for 12mm–16mm for mid-load furniture and shutters.
- Stick to 18mm–25mm for beds, base cabinets, and heavy furniture.
At Plyneer, we guide you every step of the way — from choosing the right plywood grade to matching it with the right thickness. Build with confidence. Build with Plyneer.
