If you are buying knockdown, ready to assemble furniture from retail stores or from online sources, you know very little about the material or method of manufacture. You get a manufactured product and trust your luck that the manufacturer has taken pains to use good quality materials.
If it is expensive, then wait a minute and consider whether it is worthwhile to spend money on buying plywood furniture about which you can be sure.
Here are 10 things to consider:
- Material makes a difference to quality and durability. Opt for furniture made of best quality, boiling waterproof plywood or marine grade plywood.
- Pick only marine grade plywood furniture for kitchen’s wet areas, for bathrooms and for exterior applications
- Thickness also matters. For plywood furniture to be sturdy, the minimum thickness must be at least 19mm to 25 mm for sofas and chairs and 15 mm for cupboards and shelves; otherwise plywood has a tendency to sag under heavy loads.
- There are different grades of plywood such as soft plywood made from soft veneers or hard plywood made using wood from hardwood trees. Select the latter for furniture.
- Do not look at only the price. Select furniture made from plywood obtained from well established manufacturer even if it is slightly expensive.
- Insist on plywood with BIS marking for the appropriate grade.
- Use appropriate grades for specific purposes. Commercial plywood is great for tables, chairs and sofas. Boiling water proof is best for kitchen use. Marine grade is recommended for toilets, bathrooms and exterior doors.
- Ensure the plywood is well-laminated or it has appropriate resin or lacquer coat and also make sure the edges are well-sealed to prevent ingress of moisture and pests
- If you are getting furniture made at your own, it is advisable to give a coating of termite resistant solution to plywood before it is furnished.
- Do not hesitate to use plywood for wall paneling to get a traditional, elegant look that will be the envy of others.
