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March 10, 2025

Whether you're a builder, fabricator, or furniture maker, plywood thickness plays a major role in how a material performs. From structural strength to visual design, choosing the right thickness ensures a project not only looks good — but lasts.

Here are the five most commonly used plywood thicknesses across the industry, and why they continue to dominate.

1. 3⁄4″ (18mm) — The Industry Standard

By far the most requested thickness in both the U.S. and international markets, ¾″ plywood is the go-to for heavy-duty applications.

Why it’s popular:

Offers excellent strength and rigidity
Ideal for cabinetry, furniture, subflooring, and industrial builds
Works well with fasteners, joinery, and edge treatments

Used in: Kitchen cabinets, work surfaces, structural panels, trailers

2. 1⁄2″ (12mm) — Lightweight and Flexible

A strong second in popularity, ½″ plywood is a favorite for interior projects that don’t require full structural load-bearing.

Why it’s popular:

Balances weight with durability
Easier to cut, lift, and transport
Less material waste on CNC and panel saws

Used in: Drawer boxes, interior paneling, underlayment, signage

3. 1⁄4″ (6mm – 6.5mm) — Perfect for Panels and Templates

This thin plywood size is widely used for lightweight, non-structural elements.

Why it’s popular:

Flexible yet strong (especially when made from birch)
Ideal for laser cutting and decorative use
Works well for prototyping and lightweight cladding

Used in: Cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, CNC templates, crafts

4. 5⁄8″ (15mm – 16mm) — The Builder’s Choice

This thickness falls between ½″ and ¾″, offering a happy medium for projects where weight savings matter, but you still need more strength than ½″ can offer.

Why it’s popular:

Lighter than ¾″, but more rigid than ½″
Often used in European cabinetry
Offers strong performance with reduced cost and weight

Used in: Furniture carcasses, casework, shelving

5. 3⁄8″ (9mm – 10mm) — Underrated Utility

Though not as common in the U.S. as other sizes, 3⁄8″ plywood remains a staple for lightweight construction, formwork, and packaging.

Why it’s popular:

Flexible enough for curved surfaces
Stronger than ¼″ while still light
Popular in flooring underlayment and lightweight bracing

Used in: Crating, temporary structures, interior finish work

Final Word

These thicknesses are popular not just because they’re available — but because they solve real-world problems across industries. Whether you're maximizing strength, minimizing weight, or dialing in dimensional precision, knowing the right plywood thickness for the job is essential.