Plywood vs Particle Board Cabinets: Make the Right Investment
by Gary Wade • May 21, 2024
In the realm of home improvement and kitchen remodeling, one question often crops up: should you choose plywood vs particle board cabinets? The debate between particle board vs plywood cabinets has been raging for years, and it's no wonder considering the pivotal role cabinetry plays in the overall aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen.
As a leading provider of top-tier kitchen solutions, Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets takes pride in ensuring our customers make the most informed choices for their home improvement projects. So, let's delve into the essential information you need to make the right choice for your kitchen cabinetry.

Understanding the Basics: Particle Board and Plywood
Before we dive headfirst into the comparison of particle board cabinets vs plywood, it's important to understand what these materials are and how they're made.
Particle Board Cabinets
Particle board, also known as chipboard or low-density fiberboard (LDF), is an engineered wood product created by compressing wood chips, sawdust, and resin under high heat and pressure. It's a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its cost-effectiveness and the efficient use of wood waste. However, it's not without its drawbacks.
Plywood Cabinets
On the other hand, plywood is made from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer, glued together under heat and pressure to form a robust sheet. Due to its layered composition, plywood boasts superior strength and flexibility, making it a favored choice for high-quality kitchen cabinets.

The Key Elements of Cabinet Construction
To make an informed decision on plywood cabinets vs particle board, it's crucial to grasp the key components that make up a cabinet. These include:
Cabinet Boxes
The cabinet box is the backbone of the entire cabinet system, housing the shelves, floor, and sides. Its durability and strength are vital for the overall integrity of your cabinets.
Cabinet Doors
The doors of the cabinet are its most visible feature and play a significant role in defining your kitchen's style. They can be solid panels, raised panels, inset panel doors, or soft close doors.
Cabinet Drawers and Drawer Fronts
These are integral parts of modern kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, comprising the complete drawer boxes.
Cabinet Hardware
The final trim parts, including drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges, fall under this category.

Particle Board vs Plywood Cabinets: A Comparative Analysis
Now that we've outlined the basics, let's delve into the pros and cons of particle board vs plywood cabinets to help you decide which material best suits your needs.
Particle Board Cabinets
Pros:
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Stable if veneer remains in place
- Flat and predictable material
Cons:
- Prone to damage by moisture
- Heavy
- Can warp over time
When particle board remains dry and unstressed, it can serve you well for many years. However, it’s susceptible to moisture damage, and once it swells, it cannot be restored.

Plywood Cabinets
Pros:
- Strong
- Less susceptible to water damage
- Lighter in weight
- Firmly holds fasteners
Cons:
- More expensive
- Requires veneer for aesthetic appeal
Plywood is robust, lightweight, and holds screws exceptionally well, which makes it an excellent choice for high-quality cabinets. However, it's more expensive than particle board, and it usually requires a veneer for an aesthetic finish.

The Cost and Availability Factor
Generally, particle board cabinets are less expensive than their plywood counterparts, with a price difference of about 10-20%. However, plywood cabinets are more resilient and a better candidate for refacing later on.
The Verdict: Plywood vs Particle Board Cabinets
After examining the pros and cons, it's clear that both plywood and particle board have their own strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for durability, longevity, and a cabinet that can hold a veneer well, then plywood is your best bet.
However, if cost and availability are your primary concerns, particle board cabinets can be a wise choice. They can perform just as well as plywood cabinets, provided moisture isn't a significant concern in your kitchen.
So, whether you opt for plywood or particle board depends largely on your specific needs, budget, and the conditions in your kitchen. But remember, choosing the right material is just the first step. The quality of construction and installation also plays a significant role in determining the durability and longevity of your cabinets.
At Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets, we're here to guide you through this process and ensure you get the best kitchen cabinets for your home. Whether you choose plywood or particle board, you can trust us to deliver high-quality products that will enhance your kitchen's appearance and functionality for years to come.