Are Solid Wood Cabinets Better than Plywood?
Why Cabinet Boxes Are Made with Plywood—Not Hardwood (And Why That’s Exactly Right)
If you’ve ever peeked inside a high-quality cabinet and thought, “Wait, this isn’t solid hardwood?” — you’re not alone. A lot of people assume that great cabinets should be made entirely from hardwood, including the inside box (called the “case”). After all, hardwood is strong, beautiful, and expensive — so why not use it everywhere?
Here’s the truth: when it comes to cabinet cases, plywood is not just a cheaper alternative — it’s the right material for the job. Let’s break it down.
First, What Are We Actually Talking About?
A cabinet is made up of several components:
Doors and drawer fronts: the visible parts — these are typically hardwood.
Drawer boxes: often hardwood or solid wood with dovetail joinery.
Cabinet cases (a.k.a. boxes): the structure that holds everything together — this is where plywood comes in.
This article focuses on that cabinet case — the part you don’t always see, but that does a lot of the heavy lifting.
Strength Where It Matters — Directionally
Wood moves. It expands and contracts with humidity — across the grain more than along it. That’s one reason solid hardwood is great for smaller, decorative pieces (like doors) but problematic when used in large panels like cabinet sides, tops, and bottoms.
Plywood, on the other hand, is engineered for stability. It’s made by layering thin sheets of wood with alternating grain directions. This cross-grain structure gives it:
Superior strength in all directions
Less warping or cupping over time
Better screw-holding power than particle board or MDF
In a kitchen or bathroom, where temperature and moisture levels rise and fall, plywood holds its shape and keeps your cabinets square. Solid hardwood? Not so much — it would twist, crack, or split over time.
The Right Tool for the Job
Think of it like this:
A metal dashboard in your car would be durable, sure — but it would also be cold, uncomfortable, and impractical.
A plastic engine block? Lightweight, maybe. But not nearly strong enough for the job.
Each material has its purpose. Hardwood is fantastic for surfaces you touch and see — it stains beautifully and brings natural elegance to doors and trim. But the inside structure needs something dimensionally stable, strong, and efficient to build with. That’s plywood.
Cost Isn’t the Only Factor (But It Matters)
Yes, hardwood is more expensive than plywood. But using plywood for the cabinet boxes isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about making a better-performing cabinet.
In fact, premium cabinets typically use furniture-grade plywood for the cases — not MDF or particle board. It’s strong, light enough to hang on a wall, and can hold screws for decades. It’s more resistant to moisture than particle board and doesn't swell or disintegrate if it gets wet.
What About Solid Wood Cabinets?
When someone says they want “solid wood cabinets,” they usually mean hardwood doors — and that’s exactly what they should get. It’s where hardwood shines: it can be carved, profiled, sanded, and stained to perfection.
But for the interior box? Trust the pros. Plywood is the smart choice.
Bottom Line
The best cabinets are a mix of form and function:
Hardwood for beauty and detail
Plywood for strength, stability, and longevity
Choosing the right material for the right purpose is what separates professional cabinetmakers from amateurs. And while you may not see the plywood behind the doors, it’s quietly doing its job — keeping your cabinets square, strong, and built to last.
Want help deciding what cabinet build is right for your project? Contact us — we’ll show you how real craftsmanship means making smart material choices from the inside out.