When shopping for new kitchen cabinets in the US, you will hear one term over and over again: "All-Plywood Construction."

But what exactly is plywood? And more importantly, why is it considered the "Gold Standard" for kitchen cabinets compared to the cheaper particle board options found in big box stores?

At CNT Cabinetry, we believe the quality of the cabinet box is just as important as the door. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about plywood and why we use it exclusively for our cabinets.

1. What is Plywood? (The Science Behind the Strength)

The term "Plywood" comes from the combination of "Ply" (meaning layers) and "Wood." Unlike solid wood which is a single piece, or particle board which is sawdust glued together, plywood is an engineering marvel.

How It's Made: Thin layers of wood veneer are peeled from logs (usually Birch or Maple for cabinets). These layers are stacked with the wood grain rotating 90 degrees for each layer. They are then bonded under high heat and pressure.

2. Plywood vs. Particle Board: The Kitchen Showdown

This is the most critical comparison for any homeowner. Why should you pay a little more for plywood?

A. Moisture Resistance (Crucial for Kitchens)

Kitchens are wet zones. Steam from the dishwasher, spills near the sink, and humidity are constant threats.

• Particle Board: Acts like a sponge. Once it gets wet, it swells and bubbles. This damage is irreversible.
• Plywood: Highly resistant to moisture. While no wood is waterproof, plywood maintains its structural integrity even in humid Georgia summers.

B. Screw Holding Power

Kitchen cabinets are heavy. They hold hundreds of pounds of dishes and granite countertops.

• Particle Board: Screws can strip out easily over time, causing doors to sag or hinges to loosen.
• Plywood: The solid layers grip screws tightly. Your cabinet doors will stay level and secure for decades.

3. Not All Plywood is Created Equal

Just because it's plywood doesn't mean it's perfect. For kitchen cabinets, you need "Cabinet Grade" or "Hardwood Plywood."

At CNT Cabinetry, we use premium standards:

• Multi-Ply Core: We typically use 7-ply to 11-ply construction for maximum strength.
• Furniture Grade Veneers: Our plywood is often faced with Birch, giving it a smooth, beautiful finish that looks great even inside the cabinet.
• No Formaldehyde Risks: We strictly adhere to CARB2 and TSCA Title VI standards. This means our plywood is safe for indoor air quality and free from harmful emission levels.

4. Why CNT Cabinetry Uses Only Plywood

Many competitors offer "Standard" cabinets made of particle board and charge you extra for a "Plywood Upgrade."

We don't play that game.

We believe quality shouldn't be an upgrade. That’s why our RTA and Assembled cabinets come standard with:

• ✅ ½” or ¾” Plywood Boxes
• ✅ Solid Wood Face Frames
• ✅ Plywood Shelves (They don't sag under the weight of heavy plates!)

Conclusion: Invest in Longevity

Your kitchen is an investment. Saving a few dollars on particle board boxes might seem smart today, but replacing swollen, sagging cabinets in 5 years is expensive.

Choose the material that lasts. Choose Plywood.