Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Feb 23, 2008 07:35pm | #1

   Hardwood-veneer plywood works for backs.  The advantages is that it is much faster to build than lumber panels, and it is more stable than lumber.  The disadvantages are that you can't raise the panel, and that species choices are generally more limited than lumber.

   As to buying the stuff, you must find it locally.   It doesn't make economic sense to ship single sheets of plywood.  

2. 
   frenchy | Feb 23, 2008 08:19pm | #2

   johngruss,

     Plywood and glue ups can cost a similar amount once all the various factors such as plywoods need for edgebanding etc. is factored in..

     We are talking about a hobbiest who pays too much for raw materials aren't we?  Not some high volume shop with massive buying power..

      The limitation of plywood is inability to withstand much in the way of surface damage.  Stuff does happen and with solid wood it's a relatively simple process to repair.  Often scrapwood or cut offs can be used.   With plywood it's going to be very hard to match the veneer.

     The negative is clamps, you will need some, but you'll need some sooner or later anyway. 

3. 
   hammer1 | Feb 23, 2008 09:22pm | #3

   It's fairly common to use plywood for certain parts of a piece, backs, bottoms. shelves, etc. There is some very nice plywood available, you just have to find a source. If you want an unusual species, it can be a problem but domestic species are widely available and you can order it in plain sliced, which looks like solid lumber.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

4. 
   JamesS | Feb 24, 2008 03:27am | #4

   John:  Last summer I built a cabinet (to hold my FWW collection). Used Teak ply w/ walnut for the hardwood. Stained the Teak to match the walnut. Reason I used Teak was got it next to free. When stained, the grains matched pretty good, at least to my old eyes. Guess it depends on the woodworker & type of project.

   James

5. 
   Telemike | Feb 24, 2008 05:02am | #5

   I often use hardwood plywood in my projects. I veneer it with 3/32" thick slices cut off of an especially special piece of wood that is one of a kind in grain, color, and figure or is just to expensive to use for a solid panel

   Using sawn veneers on panels is only reasonable when you plan to use thick cut veneers of very special wood on both sides of the panel It is mandatory to use the same species and thickness on both sides but the back doesn't have to be the good stuff. Commercial hardwood veneered plywood is also good if you don't expect the piece to last a really long time. As others have stated, the 1/24" or less commercial veneer is just too thin for any longevity, especially after sanding in the shop.

6. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 24, 2008 05:08am | #6

   In the past, I have almost always used a plywood panel for drawer bottoms and cabinets backs.  I would cut a groove in the four sides to accomodate the plywood and conceal and edges.  Adding a little glue in one of the grooves during assembly prevents the panel from moving around.

   More recently, I have gotten into raised panels (solid wood, of course).  They take a little more time, especially with a wide panel, but hold much more weight and look nicer, in my view.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

7. 
   Dave45 | Feb 24, 2008 05:13am | #7

   I use plywood all the time for backs and flat panels.  I prefer it for these uses it's more stable than solid wood (less cupping, expansion/contraction. etc.) and the panel fabrication is simply a matter of cutting the right sized piece of ply.

   Don't, however, think that just any old plywood will work.  You need a good quality cabinet grade ply (more plys) with a veneer of whatever wood you're working with.  I'm using Beech ply for my current cabinet project and it's costing me almost $100/sheet.

8. 
   oldusty | Feb 24, 2008 05:29am | #8

    Hi johngruss ,

              You said for a " nice piece of furniture "  not a kitchen / household type cabinet . On a large back of a furniture piece I will make a frame and panel with panels to match the desired detail .

       I use 1/4" plywood backs for household / kitchen and such as long as it is a good cabinet grade it's fine .

                 dusty

9. 
   coltfanru | Feb 25, 2008 12:17am | #9

   usually i use a combination of solid wood and ply wood. i am currently doing a project with plywood. all you need to do is bee carefully as to not damage the surface. and another thing, to cover up the nasty edge i recommend homemade veneer about a 1/4" thick or a home made 2 part molding.

10. 
    wdrite | Feb 25, 2008 02:51am | #10

    Use the plywood.  It is much better for backs than solid wood or panels in that it is more stable and less work to use.  Purests may disagree with me but I say they are "whistling Dixie".