Pantry drawer bottom thickness question

[Al Bacon]

I am building pantry drawers that are 21" front to back and 23 3/4" wide. I can use either 1/4" plywood or 1/2" Baltic birch for the bottoms both of which would be glued in. I am concerned about weight. Since these are going into an area where sometimes heavy things are stored is the 1/4" plywood going to be OK or should I go with the 1/2" Baltic birch?

Thanks

Al

[Matt Meiser]

I'd say depends but probably lean toward 1/2. If the drawers are going to hold light items and you can get a good quality ply, maybe 1/4.

[John TenEyck]

I used 1/2" in my pantry drawers. Another option would be to use 1/4" but to install a stiffener underneath at the center. Using 1/2" though would be less work.

John

[Rich Enders]

Al,

15/32 inch pre-finished.

[Brad Cambell]

I'd use 1/2". It is far cheaper to build it right the first time, then it is to redo it later because you tried to build it cheaply. IMHO.

[Jamie Buxton]

Baltic Birch is overkill. Conventional half-inch plywood is structurally similar, and costs less.

[Stan Krupowies]

I just got done doing a similar pantry with 30" wide pull out shelves. Since I knew all the shelves would be loaded with canned goods, juices, and even small kitchen appliances I went with 1/2" ply. Nothing special just standard AC fir plywood. I'm glad I did because with side to side and front to back cans there is no sag. I don't think 1/4" ply could have said the same thing.

[Myk Rian]

Double faced 1/2" MDO would be another option.