Should I use 1/2 or 3/4 plywood for building an armoire?

Question

I'm building an armoire (approx 72" x 30" x 24"). It'll be standard deal, three drawers below a doored set of shelves. For the carcass, should I use 1/2, 5/8, or 3/4 plywood?

People with knowledege only please respond. (No "well if u use 3/4 itll be stronger" comments).

Answer 1

If this is a piece that you intend to keep and hand down , I would only use quality hardwood such as oak. If this is something for a child's room just to make do, then i would use 1/2" plywood with a thin sheet of ash or some other wood to finish out the surface. Keep in mind that 1/2" wood of almost any type will require more support inside of the cabinet to prevent warping. Also consider humidity. Some plywoods will separate and warp in hi humidity. There is nothing worse than putting a lot of time and money into something like this and then in a year or two it starts to warp and change. Maybe spend a little more now and get something that will last a good while. Hope this helps you to make a good decision. Good Luck. Purple Heart Woodworker

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

I typically use 3/4" plywood for the carcasse when I use plywood for solid sided cabinets. I use 1/2 " plywood for the drawer boxes when I am building utility pieces. But, for an armoire, if you want to go with a more detailed look you could do a frame and panel setup using 4/4 solid stock for a frame and 1/4" ply for the panel. This would give you a more refined look than just a slab side while cutting the cost, and making it easier to move.

Answer 5

To just cover the skin of the armoire ... I think 1/2 or 3/4 would be very very strong, but way too heavy unless this is built in, and even then why the overkill.

I would use something like 1/4 or even a veneer type of thing with a strong frame ... then the finished product would be something useful and moveable. There is no reason to go to the expence and effort of using so much wood for something that does not need the strength.

Answer 6

I am not a lover of ply wood, but if you must, use 3/4, or the closest thing to it. If you can get 3/4 plywood that is not covered with rotary cut veneer, that will look better.

If it twere me, I would make it out of solid boards - much more expensive - but that will last and become a good piece of furniture to hand down.

My rule is glues and screws, not staples or nails shot with a gun.

I have built my share of furniture, but what I do most is to buy rickity antiques at a bargain, knock them apart, make any pieces that it does not have, stain it, reassemble it with glues and screws, and with that method, I have furnished three houses - mine, my daughter's, and my son's.

You can buy an old Armoire from an antique dealer for less than it will cost to make that one.

Answer 7

A lot depends on what your trying for. If just a practical piece for use, then I would go for the 1/2 inch. If your going for beauty, I would go for solid wood and not use plywood at all. 3/4 inch stuff would be fine for Fort Knox but I wouldn't use if for myself on practically any furniture piece.

Answer 8

If the piece is framed properly, 1/2 will be fine. In fact if you check any "new" such pieces, store bought, you'll likely find the "walls" thinner than 1/2 inch.

In your case, as it's to be a piece of furniture, I suggest using a veneer ply, IE: Birch, etc. then stain/finish after. Also, you can use hardwoods for the framing, but can likely get through it well enough with fine grain soft woods as well.

Rev. Steven

Answer 9

That is an employer/employee problem. Although i support the decriminalization of pot, I still would drug test and not hire someone that tested positive. If they cannot stay clean for a few days then they have an issue. That is much different than having a few beers and a joint on a saturday night.

Answer 10

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