Creative Uses of Plywood Leftover Pieces

Creative Uses of Plywood Leftover Pieces

After every carpentry or modular furniture project, you’re likely left with scraps and odd-shaped plywood pieces. Instead of tossing them out, what if you could turn them into something useful, decorative, or even gift-worthy?

From minimalist décor to functional organizers, here are creative ways to use leftover plywood pieces — making the most of every inch of your Plyneer plywood sheet.

15 Smart & Stylish Uses for Plywood Leftovers

1. Wall-Mounted Key Holder

Make a simple rectangular piece of plywood into a key holder with:

  • Hooks or nails
  • Engraved names or painted labels
  • Magnet or clip-on slots
  • Use small 6mm or 12mm MR plywood scraps.

2. Floating Shelves for Plants or Frames

Layer a few 12mm pieces and mount them as:

  • Micro wall ledges
  • Bathroom product stands
  • Corner display shelves
  • Seal with laminate tape or PU paint for clean edges.

3. Drawer Organizers or Cutlery Dividers

Turn narrow strips into internal compartments for:

  • Kitchen cutlery
  • Makeup drawers
  • Stationery organizers
  • Use leftover calibrated plywood for even finishes.

4. Mobile Phone Stands or Charging Docks

Use angled scraps to make compact phone holders:

  • Add slots for cable access
  • Add a logo or quote with laser engraving
  • 6mm or 9mm ply is ideal for these compact builds.

5. Photo Frames with Raw Wood Aesthetic

Cut thin strips to make handcrafted photo frames:

  • Use mitre joints for corners
  • Paint, stain, or leave natural
  • Pair with Plyneer fabric laminate backboard for texture contrast.

6. Name Plates or Door Signs

Engrave, CNC, or paint leftover pieces as:

  • House number boards
  • Nameplates
  • Kids’ room labels
  • HDiHMR or BWR ply leftovers work best for weather resistance.

7. Bookshelf Bookends

Use thicker 18mm pieces to create:

  • L-shaped bookends
  • Painted or cut-out geometric styles
  • You can laminate them for a modern look.

8. Mini Wall Art or Quotes Board

Use scrap pieces to:

  • Decoupage quotes
  • Mount laser-cut metal shapes
  • Add lights or corkboard features

9. Under-Table Cable Organizers

Use a strip of plywood and some clips to hide:

  • WiFi routers
  • Adapters
  • Charging cables
  • Secure to the underside of your work desk.

10. Wooden Coasters & Trays

Cut into circles or squares, then:

  • Add a wood polish coat
  • Laser in initials or designs
  • Use as gifts or tabletop décor
  • Use 6mm calibrated ply for flatness.

11. Miniature Planter Boxes or Pots

Build mini boxes for succulents, herbs, or faux plants:

  • Drill holes for drainage
  • Paint or coat as needed

12. Laptop Risers or Monitor Stands

Layer leftover boards to create ergonomic risers:

  • Ideal for WFH setups
  • Slot for keyboard storage
  • Use 18mm Plyneer BWR for heavier loads.

13. Toy Storage Crates or DIY Boxes

Join medium-sized leftovers into open crates:

  • Use in kids’ rooms or workshops
  • Paint or add caster wheels

14. Custom Wall Clocks

Use circular plywood pieces as a clock base:

  • Drill center hole for clock mechanism
  • Add paint or natural wood design

15. CNC Art Prototypes or Paint Testers

Before using new paints or routers, test:

  • CNC finish quality
  • Primer and polish response
  • Adhesion strength of different laminates

Best Plywood Grades for Reuse

Plywood Type Ideal Reuse Ideas
MR Grade Key holders, trays, signs
BWR Grade Kitchen dividers, planters
BWP Grade Coasters, plant stands, outdoor signs
HDiHMR Board Paintings, carvings, wall art
Calibrated Ply Furniture risers, organizers, CNC work


Pro Tips for Repurposing Scraps

  • Sand edges to avoid splinters
  • Use PU, melamine, or polish to seal surfaces
  • Combine with resin, metal, or leather for hybrid DIYs
  • Store similar-size scraps together for quick access

Conclusion

Plywood leftovers don’t have to go to waste. With a bit of creativity, you can convert them into functional, decorative, or even sellable pieces — while saving money and reducing environmental impact.

Plyneer’s Take:

Our precisely cut, calibrated plywood reduces wastage. But when scraps do remain, they’re perfect for repurposing. With options from MR to BWP and HDiHMR, Plyneer plywood delivers value long after the main project is done.