If you’re new to the world of DIY, choosing the right materials for your project can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to even start.
One of the most versatile and beginner-friendly materials that you can work with is plywood. Attractive, durable, and cost-effective, it can be used for a wide variety of different DIY projects.
While some other materials may seem quite difficult, or maybe even intimidating, for beginners to use in their first projects, plywood’s qualities make it the ideal material for first-time DIYers. Here’s a closer look at why you should consider plywood for your first DIY project.
What is plywood?
Plywood is a type of engineered wood made by layering thin sheets of wood, called veneers, together in a cross-grain pattern. These layers are then glued on top of each other at 90 degree angles using strong adhesives. This process is called laminating and it helps to make the plywood stronger, resulting in a more durable product that is less likely than solid wood to warp or bend over time.
So, why is plywood such a good beginner material for people starting their DIY journeys?
Versatility & appearance
One of the main highlights of using plywood for DIY projects is that it’s an incredibly versatile material. As it comes in a range of different thicknesses and grades, plywood can be used in a wide variety of different ways to help you achieve your desired look and function. For instance, thicker plywood can be a great option for projects like cabinets or shelving, where the material’s strength is important. Thinner plywood, on the other hand, is more suited to decorative or smaller projects.
Another great feature of plywood is that you can customise it according to your needs. It can be cut into different curves, angles, and shapes. It can be bent to create stunning decorative elements on tables and chairs, and you can use its striped exposed edges to create a stylish look. You can also stain the plywood to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. Overall, it’s a highly versatile material that can be used in many different ways to create the perfect look for your finished project.
Affordability & accessibility
Compared to solid wood, plywood is relatively more affordable which makes it a great option for those who are just starting out with DIY projects and are working on a limited budget. Because plywood is made from thin layers of wood that are glued together, it is a more affordable material to produce than solid timber, which requires bigger and older trees to be cut down. This also means you’ll be able to find high-quality plywood at a lower cost than other types of wood.
Plywood is also readily available at most hardware and woodworking supply shops, including Cworkshop. You won’t have to waste time hunting down the right materials for your project, simply click through their website and pop the perfect material into your cart and start focusing on the more creative (and fun!) parts of your project. You can even order your plywood cut to size for your project, ensuring that you get the best value for money.
Ease of Use
Another great benefit of plywood is that it’s very easy to use, even for the greenest of beginners. Unlike solid wood, plywood is less prone to warping or splitting which makes it much easier to work with. It’s also a much more forgiving material, due to how it’s produced. If you do find yourself slipping up and making a mistake when cutting or drilling into plywood, you won’t have to worry about compromising its integrity. Plywood is also usually sold in large sheets which may be cut to size by your supplier, which makes it an even easier material to work with for beginners.
Strength & durability
While you may think a material this affordable might not be that durable, plywood’s strength is sure to prove you wrong. The layers of wood in plywood are arranged in a way that can often make it as strong as, if not stronger than, solid wood. While knots and imperfections in the grain of solid wood can reduce its structural integrity, this is not a problem with plywood because the rotated veneers avoid this issue.
You’ll also be able to find different types of plywood, such as marine plywood, that are moisture-resistant and chemical-resistant, making these a great option for projects that will be used in wet or humid environments or will be exposed to chemicals. Overall, plywood’s proven strength and durability make it a solid choice for DIY projects of all types and skill levels.
Buying plywood for your next project
All in all, plywood’s versatility, low cost, ease of use, and strength make it a great choice for all sorts of different DIY projects. So whether you’re just starting out in the DIY world or you’re already a seasoned pro, plywood is a reliable and accessible material that can help you bring your creative vision to life.
