plywood selection

[ron hokenson]

I am about to start building cabinets on wheels to go under a workbench for tool storage. They will also be used as a stand alone worktables and roll out tables. I am not sure of the grade or type of plywood I will need. In the past, I have used 3/4 Birch plywood (C2 WPF)as well as 3/4 AC. Both seem to be holding up well in my garage, but I do live on the coast so there is pretty high humidity when I don't have the shop heater on. I do run a dehumidifier in winter and it helps. Heating it all the time is not an option. I will need about 15 sheets.

now my question....What type and grade of plywood should I be using ? The AC would be the least expensive but I am thinking I want something a little better.

I am new to this board and find it very interesting as well as informative for a novice like myself.


Thanks in advace for your help...ron

[Paul Johnstone]

now my question....What type and grade of plywood should I be using ? The AC would be the least expensive but I am thinking I want something a little better.


It all depends on your personality. I don't care how show cabinets/storage look, I just want something quick and easy so I can go on to building what I consider "Real" furniture.

Other people have shop cabinets that are nicer than stuff I build for dining room. :) It all depends on your taste and how much time/$$ you want to spend on this project.

[ron hokenson]

Thanks Paul for your reply. I guess I would be somewhere in the middle of your 2 examples. My question was more than anything what grade plywood in regards to glue used that would hold up over time. Another thing I wonder about is whether 5 ply with the thicker sections is as good as 9 ply which comes with the more expensive sheets.

...ron

[Myk Rian]

My thought is the 9 ply. Better holding power with screws. I believe 5 ply should stay on the floor, as the floor.

[Lee Schierer]

Unless you need super precision or flatness, you won't need to spend the money on baltic birch type plywood. I used the "hardwood faced" plywood from the borgs. It may have a few edge voids, but these do not generally detract from the functional aspects. Sort through the sheets and find a flat one. I've made a really nice cabinets from this material and it has held up well.

here is one:

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~us71na/craft_table4.jpg
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~us71na/craft_table3.jpg
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~us71na/craft_table2.jpg