If you’re planning a 6×4 wardrobe and wondering,
“How many plywood sheets do I really need?”
you’re not alone.
Almost every homeowner, carpenter, and interior beginner asks this question. A wardrobe looks simple from the outside, but once you start calculating the sheets for the:
- carcass (the main body)
- shutters
- shelves
- drawer boxes
…it gets confusing very quickly.
What Exactly Is a 6×4 Wardrobe?
A “6×4 wardrobe” usually means:
- 6 feet width
- 7 feet height (standard for most homes)
- 2 feet depth
So the wardrobe we’re calculating for is: 6ft (W) × 7ft (H) × 2ft (D)
This is the most common 2-door hinged wardrobe used in Indian bedrooms.
Plywood Sizes You’ll Use
In India, the standard plywood sheet size is:
8 ft × 4 ft
= 32 sq. ft
We will calculate based on this.
What Plywood Thickness Goes Where?
To avoid mistakes, follow this simple rule:
18mm plywood
For: sides, bottom, top, partitions, shutters
12mm or 9mm plywood
For: shelves
6mm plywood
For: back panel
This is the most stable and budget-friendly setup.
Total Plywood Required (Simple Summary)
| Plywood Type | Thickness | Sheets Needed |
| Main carcass | 18mm | 3 sheets |
| Shelves | 12mm | 2 sheets |
| Back panel | 6mm | 2 sheets |
| Shutters | 18mm | 2 sheets |
Cost Calculator (2025 Prices)
Prices vary by brand, city, and grade (MR, BWR, BWP).
Below are average 2025 prices:
18mm plywood
MR: ₹80–95/sq ft
BWR: ₹110–140/sq ft
BWP: ₹150–190/sq ft
12mm plywood
MR: ₹60–75/sq ft
BWR: ₹85–105/sq ft
6mm plywood
₹30–50/sq ft
Tips to Reduce Plywood Wastage
Here’s how professionals save money:
1. Pre-plan the cut-list
Give your carpenter a printed cut-list to reduce leftover waste.
2. Use 6mm back panel
Never use 12mm unless absolutely required — it adds unnecessary cost.
3. Combine shelves in one sheet
Cut smaller shelves along the width of the sheet.
4. Keep standard heights
7ft or 8ft wardrobes reduce wastage.
5. Use blockboard for shutters
If you want sliding shutters, blockboard prevents bending.
Should You Use 19mm Instead of 18mm?
In India, people commonly say 19mm, but most branded sheets are 18mm.
They are the same category.
Both work fine.
Can You Build the Same Wardrobe With Fewer Sheets?
Yes, but only if:
- Your wardrobe is smaller
- You use pre-laminated boards
- You reduce shelf count
- You use MDF for shutters
- You skip the middle partition
Avoiding the Most Common Wardrobe Construction Mistakes
A lot of wardrobes look beautiful on day one, but within two years:
- Shelves sag
- Hinges loosen
- Shutters bend
- Drawers get stuck
- Back panel warps
Why the Middle Partition Is So Important
A middle partition may feel like it eats space, but in reality, it creates:
- Stronger structure
- Better weight distribution
- More organized storage
- Longer shelf life
- Zero wobbling
Designing a wardrobe isn’t just about choosing colours, handles, or laminate.
The real strength of your wardrobe comes from what’s inside it — the plywood. And once you understand the cut-list properly, everything becomes simpler, clearer, and more cost-efficient.
For a standard 6×4 wardrobe, you now know exactly what materials you need and how much you’ll spend. No guesswork. No depending blindly on carpenters. No overspending because “the shopkeeper said so.” You are in full control.
