An Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Plywood for Wardrobe

You went to Pinterest, saw a design, and finally convinced your carpenter to get that aesthetic wardrobe for your bedroom. But if there’s something even more important than the design of the wardrobe, it’s what it’s made of. The days of those old steel cupboards are gone; it’s time you switch to plywood wardrobes, as they’re all the hype now.

But how do you pick the right plywood? Choosing the wrong plywood can have serious consequences later on, which is why this article is going to be a step-by-step guide on how to pick the best plywood for your wardrobe.

Step 1: Understand Why Plywood is Best for Wardrobes

Before we start, we need to understand why plywood is the best possible material for a wardrobe. Firstly, particle boards and MDFs are other options too, but plywood in general is stronger than they are. Thanks to this strength, it’s resistant to any form of bending or cracking. Since wardrobes aren’t just blocks of wood and need hinges and screws in them, plywood works the best here as well.

Here at CenturyPly, our plywood is extremely wear and tear-resistant, so it’s automatically one of the best materials for wardrobes.

Step 2: Know the Types of Plywood for Wardrobes

Now, did you think there was only one single plywood for wardrobes? No, you’re wrong. There are around 3 types of plywood that can be used in wardrobes, and all of them have different uses. Which one should you pick? Well, it depends on the environment in which the wardrobe is placed.

Plywood Grade	Best Use for Wardrobes
MR Grade (Moisture Resistant)	Ideal for bedroom wardrobes in low-moisture areas
BWR Grade (Boiling Water Resistant)	Perfect for wardrobes in kitchens, bathrooms, or humid regions
BWP (Boiling Water Proof)	Premium quality ensures maximum durability and resistance

Based on your needs and the specific environment, you can choose the plywood appropriate for you.

Step 3: Choose the Right Thickness

Now, the thickness of a ply directly translates to space and durability; while thicker plywood is more durable, it’s bound to take up more space. The best course of action is to choose durable plywood, but not so thick that it takes up a lot of space. This doesn’t mean that you’ll pick a really thin one; pick one with decent thickness and good strength so it doesn’t bend or break easily.

Plywood Thickness	Usage in Wardrobe
16mm – 19mm	Commonly used for wardrobe shutters & sides
25mm or more	Best for heavy-duty shelves that hold weight

Step 4: Select a Good Brand

Now, the most important part of any good plywood is the brand. While you can get generic plywood for a much cheaper price, you’re going to have a hard time with it. It might get blisters, become termite-infested, or swell during the wet season-all because you chose to save some money. This can be avoided if you choose to spend extra upfront to save on repair costs later.

Here at CenturyPly, our plywood is boiling water-proof, termite-resistant, and highly durable, matching several Indian and international standards. But the best part? It’s quite affordable compared to other plywood in the market that offer these exact qualities.

Step 5: Focus on Finishing

A good plywood is non-negotiable, but you wouldn’t want a wardrobe that’s just plywood and nails; you’d want it to match the aesthetic of the house, and that’s where finishing comes into play.

Finishing is what makes the wardrobe truly look aesthetic, and the table below explains the kinds of finishes that elevate the wardrobe's look.

Finishing Option	Key Benefit	Best For
Laminate	Highly durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean	Everyday use, modern wardrobes
Veneer	Gives a natural, premium wooden look	Elegant, luxury wardrobes
Paint / Polish	Customisable colours and finishes	Personalised style, creative designs

Our recommendation: Use CenturyVeneers or laminates, as they’re super durable and come in a variety of designs.

Step 6: Maintenance Tips

Now that you have the plywood you’re looking for, you might wonder how to maintain its aesthetics. The table below explains it perfectly.

Tip	Why It Matters	How to Do It Right
Keep the wardrobe dry and clean	Moisture leads to swelling, fungal growth, and musty smells. Dust also attracts termites and insects.	Wipe weekly with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Use silica gel or naphthalene balls to absorb moisture. Avoid placing wardrobes against damp walls.
Avoid overloading shelves	Excess weight causes shelves to sag or even break, damaging both the structure and your clothes.	Distribute weight evenly. Use boxes to organise. Store heavy items at the bottom. Don’t cram beyond capacity.
Check hinges and screws regularly	Loose hinges and screws strain the plywood, misalign doors, and may cause cracks over time.	Tighten screws every few months. Oil hinges lightly to prevent squeaking. Avoid slamming doors.

Conclusion

Plywood is the base material for any wardrobe, and with so many options in the market, it’s important that you choose the right one. Here at CenturyPly, we always give utmost focus to the quality of our products. From plywood to laminates to veneers, we’re committed to providing you with the best for your wardrobe, so you don’t miss out.

FAQs

1. Which plywood grade is best for wardrobes?

MR Grade Plywood is proven to be the best for wardrobes. It’s resistant to moisture and works quite well in high-moisture areas, ensuring no accidental spills cause damage.

2. What is the ideal plywood thickness for a wardrobe?

The key is balance. Use lighter 18mm boards for shutters and doors. For shelves that will carry more load, use 25mm.

3. How do I maintain my plywood wardrobe?

Make sure to wipe it regularly, keep it dry, and check the hinges often. As a precaution, don’t overload it; although CenturyPly can handle it quite well, it’s just a measure to make sure your wardrobe lasts long.