Here’s a ready-to-use Guide Showing The best plywood grade + typical thickness for common home furniture items. This is practical and commonly followed by carpenters and interior Designers.
🪑 Typical Plywood Thickness + Grade Combinations
1️⃣ Wardrobe / Cupboard
Grade: MR (dry rooms) / BWR (if near bathroom)
Thickness: Carcass / body: 18 mm
Shelves: 18 mm
Back panel: 6–9 mm
Shutter (door): 18–19 mm
Why: Strong, long-lasting, handles daily load well
Avoid: Thin ply (<12 mm) for shelves (sagging risk)
2️⃣ Kitchen Cabinets (Base & Wall Units)
Grade: BWR (minimum) / BWP (best)
Thickness: Base unit carcass: 18–19 mm
Wall cabinets: 16–18 mm
Shelves: 18 mm
Back panel: 6–9 mm
Why: Handles moisture, steam, and heavy utensils
Avoid: MR grade in kitchen areas
3️⃣ TV Unit / Entertainment Unit
Grade: MR (living room) / BWR (if damp wall)
Thickness: Main structure: 18 mm
Drawers & partitions: 12–16 mm
Back panel: 6 mm
Why: Balanced strength + neat finish
Tip: Use thicker ply for wall-mounted units
4️⃣ Bed (Box Bed / Storage Bed)
Grade: MR (dry room) / BWR (humid areas)
Thickness: Frame & side panels: 18–25 mm
Storage base: 12–18 mm
Headboard: 18 mm
Why: Needs high load-bearing capacity
Avoid: Thin ply — bed may creak or weaken
5️⃣ Study Table / Work Desk
Grade: MR
Thickness: Table top: 18–25 mm
Side panels: 18 mm
Drawers: 12 mm
Why: Sturdy top for daily use (laptop/books)
Tip: 25 mm for large desks to prevent bending
6️⃣ Bathroom Vanity / Wash Basin Cabinet
Grade: BWP (Marine Ply)
Thickness: Carcass: 18–19 mm
Shutter: 18 mm
Back panel: 9 mm
Why: Continuous exposure to moisture
Avoid: MR or low-quality BWR here
🔑 Quick Rule of Thumb :-
18 mm plywood → safest choice for most furniture :-
1. MR grade → dry areas
2. BWR grade → kitchens & mild moisture
3. BWP grade → bathrooms & heavy water exposure.
