Plywood: The Backbone of Durable Furniture
When considering the furnishing of an interior, much emphasis is placed upon the surface, whether the finish of the laminate, the finish of the cabinet or the hardware. However, the true secret to the durability of furniture lies below the surface. Plywood sheets are the primary structural component of all modern interiors—from large wardrobes to complex modular kitchens—and provide the required strength and versatility.
What Makes Plywood the Preferred Material
Particle board and MDF are made up of particle board: compressed wood fibres, and/or wood dust. Plywood , however, consists of multiple layers of thin wood veneer (thin sheets of plywood glued together into a solid core) oriented perpendicular to the other veneer layers. The use of this “cross-layering” technique provides plywood with exceptional properties:
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A Very High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Plywood is very light compared to its strength, providing its structural integrity for holding heavy objects without sagging.
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Stability in Size: Due to the cross-bonding of the wood grain direction of the various layers of wood, plywood will not shrink, swell, or warp as readily as other engineered products.
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Wide Application Possibilities: Plywood allows for the construction of both curved and rectilinear design elements, because of its structural reliability, its versatility permits the use of plywood for design purposes that cannot be met by other engineered wood products.
The Significant Role of Structural Integrity
Homes located in urban areas with high humidity levels and/or heavy foot traffic will not tolerate poor-quality plywood for the “bones” of your furniture. Using an inferior plywood core may create future problems, such as sagging shelves, loose hinges and reduced lifespan of the furniture. By using high-quality marine plywood for moisture-prone areas, your custom-built items will maintain their structural integrity for a longer period of time. It is the foundation for keeping the doors and drawers aligned and the cabinets secure.
Choosing an Appropriate Foundation
When planning your next home renovation or custom-built project, the types of materials you select will determine the durability of your home’s interior. Elevating your home’s interior durability requires that you use quality plywood. For individuals who desire superior performance in their home’s foundation—strength, pest resistance, and environmentally-friendly—selecting high-quality plywood such as Royale Touche or equivalent will produce a high-quality furniture piece that will stand the test of time and will be an investment for future generations.
