The Wood Library
Made of Cross-glued wood veneers Thicknesses 4–25 mm+ Strength High Screw hold (face) Good
Engineered Wood
Plywood
Thin layers of real wood veneer glued with their grain crossing at right angles. That cross-grain build makes plywood exceptionally strong and stable for its weight — the all-rounder of engineered boards.
The facts
Best uses
- Cabinets & drawer boxes
- Curved & structural work
- Shelving
- Sub-floors
Watch out for
Quality varies enormously — cheap plywood can hide internal voids and warp. Exposed edges show the layers and need banding; only marine/exterior grades tolerate damp.
Engineer's notes
Good plywood is one of the most useful materials in the workshop — strong, stable and quick. I spend the money on quality sheets (birch ply especially): the cheap stuff with hidden voids will betray you exactly where you can't see it.
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