Picking the wrong plywood thickness causes sagging shelves, flexing doors and loose hardware, while over-specifying wastes money. This guide matches common furniture parts to the thickness range that is usually used.
ZIPCO® MR 303 and PF 710 are available in 6, 9, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 25mm, in 8 × 4 ft sheets (2440 × 1220 mm).
Key Takeaways
- 18mm is the workhorse for carcasses, wardrobes and shutters.
- 6mm suits back panels and drawer bottoms; 12mm suits lighter shelves.
- 19mm and 25mm are used for beds, long spans and heavy shelves.
- Span, load and hardware decide thickness, so confirm with your furniture maker.
Thickness by Use
| Thickness | Common uses |
|---|---|
| 6mm | Back panels, drawer bottoms, light partitions |
| 9mm | Light partitions, drawer sides, lining |
| 12mm | Lighter shelves, drawer sides, some shutters |
| 15mm and 16mm | Shelves, doors, light carcass parts |
| 18mm | Carcass sides, wardrobe shutters, bookcases, kitchen carcasses |
| 19mm | Heavier carcass parts, wide shelves, tables |
| 25mm | Bed frames, heavy shelves, long spans, table tops |
The uses above are typical practice. For long spans or heavy loads, a thicker board or an added support is usually better than relying on thickness alone.
Pick the Grade Too
- Dry interiors (wardrobes, beds, living room): MR 303, available as Standard and Premium with 2 extra layers.
- Kitchens, bathrooms, wet areas: PF 710 BWP. See best plywood for modular kitchens.
- CNC and modular work: calibrated plywood for uniform thickness.
For a full comparison of grades, read plywood grades in India.
Common Mistakes
- Using 12mm for a wide wardrobe shelf that will carry heavy loads.
- Using 6mm for a back panel that must hold the carcass square without extra support.
- Mixing boards from different thickness tolerances in one unit.
- Forgetting to seal the cut edges in damp areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness plywood is best for a wardrobe?
18mm is commonly used for carcass sides, shelves and shutters, with 6mm for the back panel. Wide shelves with heavy loads may need 19mm or added support.
What thickness plywood should I use for a bed?
Bed frames and headboards commonly use 19mm to 25mm plywood depending on span and load. Confirm with your furniture maker.
Is 12mm plywood strong enough for shelves?
12mm can work for short, lightly loaded shelves. Longer spans or heavy loads sag, so use 18mm or add a support.
What thicknesses do you supply?
ZIPCO® MR 303 and PF 710 are available in 6, 9, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 25mm. Calibrated plywood is available from 6mm to 18mm. Standard size is 8 × 4 ft.
Need a bulk quote?
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