nav-icon-674386747674-shopify-store Building Closet Shelves with Plywood: Good Idea or Bad?
By Christina Giaquinto

Discover the best types of wood for your DIY closet project, including pros and cons of plywood, MDF, and particle board.

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    As a DIY enthusiast, you can’t wait to roll up your sleeves and get to work on your new closet. Your excitement is well justified. Building things yourself has many benefits:

    • It’s an excellent outlet for your creativity.
    • It will improve your construction skills.
    • It will give you a feeling of lasting accomplishment.

    But before you start, you’ll want to get a basic understanding of the materials you'll be working with. The choice of building materials will determine how smooth your project will go and how strong the finished product will be.

    The first thing you may be wondering is what kind of wood you should use to build your closet. Two of the most popular kinds of wood are Plywood and MDF.

    What is Plywood?

    Plywood is a wood product made by combining 3 layers of veneer (solid wood sheets). These veneers are called "PLYS," and when they’re glued together, they form "Plywood."

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    What is MDF?

    MDF stands for “Medium Density Fiberboard.” MDF is also an engineered wood product, but it’s not made from veneers. Instead, it’s created by grinding woodchips into tiny "fibers" that are compressed with heat and pressure.

    Which Kind of Wood Should I Use for My Closet?

    Many manufacturers and designers recommend Plywood over MDF for two main reasons:

    • It’s more DIY-friendly.
    • It’s better for a wood closet.

    Why is Plywood More DIY-Friendly than MDF?

    Plywood holds screws well and is firm, so you can insert screws without damaging the wood. MDF, being more delicate, often requires pilot holes to avoid splitting. Additionally, plywood is lighter, making it easier to handle during projects.

    Safety Considerations

    Plywood can be cut or sanded anywhere. However, MDF should only be cut or sanded in well-ventilated areas due to the release of toxic dust particles containing formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant and carcinogen.

    Mount Sinai Hospital advises against working with MDF without a proper respirator. Due to health concerns, there were even calls to ban MDF in England.

    It Can Be Cut with a Regular Saw

    Plywood can be cut with a basic handsaw, whereas MDF requires special attachments to avoid blade dulling. This makes plywood a more straightforward option for DIY projects.

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    Why is Plywood Better for a Closet than MDF?

    It's More Durable

    Plywood withstands wear and tear better than MDF, making it ideal for furniture and structural use. During WWII, plywood was even used to protect British planes.

    It’s More Stable

    Plywood’s balanced structure helps it retain its shape, while MDF may warp over time.

    It’s More Water-Resistant

    Plywood can withstand indoor moisture exposure, though outdoor applications require waterproofing. MDF, however, is highly susceptible to water damage, which can lead to crumbling and disintegration.

    What is Particle Board?

    Particle Board is similar to MDF but made from wood particles instead of fibers, making it less dense and weaker. Although it’s cheaper, Particle Board is not as durable or sturdy as Plywood.

    Which Kind of Wood Should I Use for My Closet?

    Manufacturers and designers often recommend Plywood over Particle Board because it’s more DIY-friendly and better suited for closet construction.

    Why is Plywood More DIY-Friendly than Particle Board?

    It’s More Versatile

    Plywood can be twisted or curved without breaking, unlike Particle Board.

    It’s Easier to Paint

    Plywood can be painted without primer, while Particle Board requires primer due to its moisture sensitivity.

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    Why is Plywood Better for a Closet than Particle Board?

    It’s More Sturdy

    Plywood can support heavier loads than Particle Board, which can collapse under excess weight.

    It’s More Weatherproof

    • Plywood withstands high moisture, low humidity, and extreme temperatures.
    • Particle Board swells with moisture, shrinks in low humidity, and weakens in heat.

    It Lasts Longer

    Well-built Plywood furniture can last 15-20 years, while Particle Board furniture may only last 2-4 years.

    SUMMARY:

    A plywood sheet is the best choice for your DIY projects because it’s lightweight, safe, and flexible. A Plywood closet is ideal for your wardrobe, as it’s durable, strong, and long-lasting.

    About The Author

    Christina Giaquinto

    Christina Giaquinto is the Modular Closets in-house professional organizer and brand ambassador.
    In her capacity as a professional organizer, she has worked with hundreds of clients — including major celebrities — to organize every aspect of their lives, most notably their closets!
    She has been featured in The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and Popsugar among many others.
    If you have ANY organizing question whatsoever, feel free to email me her cgiaquinto@modularclosets.com!

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