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Torn between hardwood and plywood for drawer boxes after a mishap
My plywood drawer bottom gave out last week, so I redid it with oak. Do you guys swear by solid wood for drawers, or is plywood usually fine if done right?
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william_ellis296mo ago
That movement calebhayes mentioned is actually a good thing for longevity. Solid wood swells and shrinks as a unit, while plywood's layers can separate for good once they start. The trick is just installing it in a frame that allows for that seasonal shift without stressing the joints.
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calebhayes6mo ago
Plywood is fine if it's good quality and thick enough, but it can delaminate if it gets wet or just over time. Solid wood like oak moves with changes in humidity, which you have to plan for, but it won't just come apart on you. My rule is use plywood for big cabinet boxes where strength is key, but for drawer bottoms that take a lot of abuse, solid wood is worth the extra work. A half inch oak bottom screwed into grooves will basically last forever. Just make sure you let the wood settle to your shop's humidity before you cut it.
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