What Is Furniture Board?
Furniture board is also called particleboard. It’s one of the most common materials made from wood products, and it’s a classic cabinet material. This is made from wood shavings, sawdust, and waste that is mixed with resin and glue. After that, it’s pressed into a board shape and then fashioned into cabinetry.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is a type of wood-like substance that is made up of multiple thin sheets of wood that are glued and pressed together for added strength. Unlike particleboard, plywood is not made of waste or sawdust. Plywood is known for being lighter weight, primarily because it is not made from resin.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Furniture Board Cabinets?
Furniture board cabinets are very popular, but that doesn’t mean they are the right choice for everyone. In fact, I would wager that a lot of people wouldn’t find them to be a good match for their kitchen needs at all. Here’s what you should expect with furniture board:
Furniture board is heavy and is often made to appear like solid wood. It has a deep, thick, pressed look that people tend to enjoy. It feels sturdy.
Cabinetry out of particleboard is also the cheapest on the market. Since it is made from “roughage/waste,” this is always going to be the more affordable option.
Furniture board has a clean and even look. It also has smoother sides too. You will not see knots of wood streaks with particleboard. It’s much flatter and tends to have a very even grain.
However, durability is an issue. Furniture board will look good as new for about three to five years. It is prone to bending, warping, and discoloration.
It’s also at a bigger risk for scuffs and scratches. Remember when I said it wasn’t very durable? Yep. It has an issue keeping its veneer looking good.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Plywood Cabinets?
When most people think of plywood, they wince. It’s a rough, gritty material that most people assume is for cheap theater props or for building up a wall. The truth is that it’s actually pretty good for building stuff. Here’s what you need to understand about plywood cabinetry:
Plywood is far more expensive. Plywood is not resin-based. It’s actually made of real wood that’s been glued and bonded together. As a result, it’s more expensive than particleboard.
Plywood is lighter, but happens to be a rougher material. You will need to treat the cut edges of plywood with a lot of sanding in order to get away from the roughness. Moreover, you probably may need to add sealant and gloss to smooth out the wood in case of a splinter.
There is a lot more durability in plywood than there is in furniture board. You won’t see bending and discoloration with furniture board. In fact, this is actually the more water-resistant option of the two. With that said, you might still want to apply a waterproofing sealant to it.
Unlike furniture board, which has a smooth appearance, plywood has a very woody appearance. You will see a real wood grain with plywood.
