Torn between hardwood and plywood for drawer boxes after a mishap

My plywood drawer bottom gave out last week, so I redid it with oak. Do you guys swear by solid wood for drawers, or is plywood usually fine if done right?

2 comments

2 Comments

calebhayes3d ago

Plywood is fine if it's good quality and thick enough, but it can delaminate if it gets wet or just over time. Solid wood like oak moves with changes in humidity, which you have to plan for, but it won't just come apart on you. My rule is use plywood for big cabinet boxes where strength is key, but for drawer bottoms that take a lot of abuse, solid wood is worth the extra work. A half inch oak bottom screwed into grooves will basically last forever. Just make sure you let the wood settle to your shop's humidity before you cut it.

cameron_ramirez903d ago

Half inch oak is way too thick for drawers!