The Continuing Appeal of Plywood

13 Mar

The growing popularity of plywood in interior design shows no signs of abating. Although this material has been around since the 19th century, it has suffered from having the reputation of being a product that is cheap and “can be used, but shouldn’t be seen”. However, I am delighted that plywood has grown in popularity over the past few years, largely because of its versatility, strength and competitive price.

Plywood is a high-quality engineered wood product available in different grades and finishes, with ‘A’ grade being the best. It can be made in various sizes and thicknesses and is one of the strongest engineered woods. It is constructed from multiple veneer layers, bonded with resin, and cured with heat and pressure. The sheets are placed so the grain has a 90-degree rotation on each layer, which helps add strength.

This strength and structure of veneers mean that plywood holds screws, nails and fixings well, whereas other woods can often have issues with splitting when nailed. Certain plywood types can be bent, making it useful in constructing ramps and curved items.

It is also lighter than MDF and is affordable in comparison with timber. I always look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified plywood from sustainable sources.

Blog Header Image Photo credit: Maxiply.

Ply as furniture

High-grade ply is becoming a popular alternative choice for furnishings and finishings. The strength and attractive grain of high-quality plywood allows it to be used in everything; tables, chairs, storage units, display cases, even bedframes.

For inspiration and ideas on how to use plywood in your interior design projects, take a look at the following companies:

Made in Plyhttps://www.madeinply.co.uk/

Made Ply Hand bespoke plywood furniture, based in Cornwall https://www.madeplyhand.co.uk/

Wood and Wirehttps://woodandwire.co.uk/ based in Hebden Bridge, North Yorkshire

Photo credit: Made in Ply

Ply for cabinets

Pure View are bespoke furniture makers based in London, specialising in high-end kitchens, wardrobes and storage solutions. I particularly like the pale calming sense you get with this cabinetry in the example below where the units have been made using Scandinavian birch plywood.

Photo Credit: Pure View

In the project below, London-based company Uncommon Projects, specialists in plywood kitchens and cabinetry, have used plywood to construct fitted wardrobes. I particularly like the elegance of the recessed handles.

Uncommon project CE recessed handles.jpg

Photo credit: Uncommon Projects

Ply in your kitchen

Pluckhas firmly established its reputation for colourful ply kitchens by creating its own, instantly recognisable palette of colours, creating a very strong brand.

Photo credit: Pluck Kitchens

I particularly like ‘chilli’, as shown below.

Photo credit: Pluck Kitchens

Founders Malcolm Weir and Tom Jarvis, of West and Reid based in Brixton, London, use a lot of natural timber veneers for the final finish on their kitchens. In the example below, I particularly like that the kitchen has been crafted from a mixture of solid and veneered iroko, to match the courtyard windows.

Photo credit: West and Reid

I recently used Tunbridge Wells-based companyBoffe Design for clients who were keen to have fun with colour in the kitchen and liked the playfulness of the idea of using different coloured finishes and textures, such as ply edging, on cabinet carcasses.

Photo credit: Boffe Design

For a cost-effective option, consider using ply doors with IKEA kitchen carcasses. These are very good value, stylish and on trend. I did this in a recent project.

The example below, from Plykeadescribed on their website:

“Arpa Bloom Rosa Bourbon and Verde Celadon fronts with birch ply semi-recessed handles and a soft Fenix Bianco Male worktop. Birch plywood spacer panels sit between each IKEA unit, giving the aesthetic of a bespoke manufactured plywood cabinet.”

Photo credit: Plykea

In an interwar bungalow in the seaside town of Whitstable, Kent, Uncommon Projectsused maple veneered birch ply in the units and incorporated a bespoke wall-mounted ply bench and flush, wall-length plywood shelf for open storage under the pitched ceiling

Photo credit: Uncommon Projects

If you are looking for something different, ply is an option which is always worth considering. It is a cheap and sustainable building material with uses beyond furniture and the kitchen, including flooring, walls, headboards and more. In my opinion, ply has versatility and strength and a simple retro nostalgia that can appeal to a broad range of tastes.

Want to know how it will work in your home?

Then give me a call on 07773 372 158 or send me an email via nicky@nickypercival.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.

Nicky