That guy who said you can't use plywood for face frames is wrong

Last month I built a full kitchen with Baltic birch plywood face frames and it came out straighter and more stable than the poplar I used 3 years ago on my own house, so has anyone else ditched solid wood for ply on frames?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_riley1mo ago

Fair point about the edges showing (that's always bugged me too), but I've had zero splintering issues on my shop cabinets going on 4 years now. Solid wood still wins for looks though, no argument there.

amy1541mo ago

Hold your horses there. Plywood is great for boxes and backing but face frames take a beating from cabinets slamming shut and people grabbing them. I've seen plywood splinter at the joints where solid wood just takes the abuse and keeps going. Plus, even Baltic birch will show that layered edge no matter how careful you are with your router bit or sanding. Solid wood lets you refinish or touch up years later without worrying about the veneer peeling off. Not saying it can't work for some folks, but calling solid wood obsolete is jumping the gun big time.