Using Solid Wood in a plywood design

[Bob Jones]

I have seen a few posts on the + and - of plywood vs. solid wood, but I have a specific question that was not answered.
I have some furniture plans that were drawn up using mostly 3/4" ply and some solid cherry. I do not want to stain, and I am concerned that the ply will not match the cherry that I bought from a local sawmill.

So, can I substitute solid wood panels for the plywood panels? I am attaching a picture so you experts can see how one of the pieces should go together. I am just concerned with the outside pieces - all the others I will do in plywood. Thanks!

[glenn bradley]

You could glue-up your own panels but, cherry veneer ply would be cheaper.

[Mike Cutler]

Short answer is yes, you can make your own wood panels to take the place of the plywood panels.

Long answer though is that you may have to modify the design and assemb method to account for seasonal expansion and contraction of the solid wood panels.

[glenn bradley]

Mike makes a very good point. I neglected to mention that. You should not neglect to take it into consideration.