The Hidden Costs of Blockboard vs Plywood: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When choosing materials for furniture or home improvement projects, blockboard and plywood are two popular options. Both have their own benefits, but the decision should not be based on price alone. While the price of a blockboard is often lower than that of plywood, there are hidden costs that may affect your budget in the long run.

In this blog, we will dissect the differences between blockboard vs plywood, their durability, uses, and maintenance requirements, so you can make an informed decision.

 

Understanding Blockboard and Plywood

Before we compare prices, let's first know what each material is composed of.

What is a Blockboard?

The blockboard has a core composed of strips of softwood glued together and sandwiched between thin veneers of wood. This gives the block board ply its lightness and resistance to bending. It is widely employed for furniture, doors, and partitions.

What is Plywood?

Plywood is produced by bonding several thin layers of wood veneer on top of one another. They are stacked so that their grains are in opposing directions, hence the strength of plywood. Plywood comes in various types, including commercial, marine, and structural plywood, each used for a particular purpose.

Both materials might look the same, but they act differently, and this can influence their total cost in the long term.

 

Cost Comparison: Blockboard vs Plywood

Initial Price

When you compare the blockboard price to plywood, blockboard tends to be cheaper. The reason is that it employs a softwood core, which is less costly than the hardwood veneers employed in plywood.

Yet, the blockboard price is only half the cost. In the long run, considerations such as durability, maintenance, and repair can make a significant impact.

Durability and Longevity

Plywood possesses a cross-layered structure, and this provides it with greater strength and stability. Plywood is less prone to warping or cracking, even in moist conditions. Plywood is therefore an ideal option for long-term usage, particularly for areas subject to moisture.

The blockboard, however, contains a softwood core, which causes it to warp when it comes into contact with water. In wet conditions, you might be forced to replace it earlier than plywood, and this will result in additional costs in the long run.

Maintenance and Repairs

Since plywood is more durable and resistant to wear and tear, it needs less maintenance. It can retain screws and nails and is suitable for furniture and buildings that must endure weight and movement.

The blockboard is lighter but less durable. If used as shelves or heavy furniture, it will sag or warp over time and need to be reinforced or replaced.

 

Which One Lasts Longer?

If well taken care of, plywood can last decades, whereas blockboard will need to be replaced much earlier, particularly in moist environments. This implies that although blockboard is less expensive initially, plywood is more valuable in the long term.

 

Applications: Where to Use Blockboard vs Plywood?

When to Choose Blockboard

• Interior Doors: Blockboard is usually applied to bedroom and interior doors since it is light in weight and resistant to bending.

• Shelves and Partitions: Suitable for non-bearing shelves and partition walls.

• Tables and Light Furniture: Blockboard is a convenient option for furniture that doesn't need to be strong.

When to Choose Plywood

• Kitchen Cabinets and Wardrobes: Plywood is resistant to moisture and can grip screws tighter, which makes it suitable for kitchen and wardrobe use.

• Wall Paneling and Flooring: Plywood can have a smooth finish and is sufficiently hardy for decorative wall panels and flooring.

• Outdoor and Structural Work: Due to its toughness, plywood is also used for exterior uses and construction work.

Having the wrong material for an application results in higher repairs and replacement costs.

 

Hidden Costs to Consider

 1. Durability and Replacement Costs

Once the blockboard warps or curves over time, you might have to replace it earlier than plywood. Although the blockboard price is cheaper initially, several replacements can make it more expensive in the long term.

 2. Finishing and Aesthetic Costs

Blockboard usually needs additional finishing, like laminates or veneers, to enhance appearance. Plywood, particularly high-quality grades, has a superior natural finish, minimizing finishing costs.

 3. Moisture Resistance

Plywood comes in moisture-resistant and waterproof forms, which are more suitable for humid environments. When a blockboard is employed in such conditions, extra waterproofing will be required, adding to expenses.

 4. Strength and Performance

If the furniture made of blockboard begins to deteriorate, reinforcement may be required. This can involve the addition of additional supports or the replacement of panels, both of which contribute to the total cost.

 

Selecting the Right Size and Type

Both plywood and blockboard are found in standard blockboard sizes such as 8x4 feet sheets. Plywood, however, is offered in various thicknesses and grades to provide greater versatility for use. 

When choosing between a material, always look at the specifications and see whether it meets the needs of the project. In case of uncertainty, go with the plywood since it will offer better performance in the long run.

 

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

When blockboard vs plywood is compared, keep the following points in mind:

• If you require a budget-friendly material for non-structural furniture, blockboard is a good choice.

• If strength, moisture resistance, and durability are important, plywood is the better option.

• Plywood is longer-lasting, less maintenance-intensive, and can support more weight than blockboard.

Although the block board cost is lesser in the first place, plywood tends to be more economical over time because it is stronger and lasts longer. 

 

Conclusion

The decision between blockboard and plywood goes beyond cost. The appropriate material is a matter of durability, upkeep, and project type. Although blockboard is perfect for light furniture and interior doors, plywood provides higher strength, adaptability, and longevity.

If you desire top-quality plywood that guarantees long-term performance, check out Greenply's collection of premium plywood products. Investing in the right material now can save you money and effort later on.

Find the best plywood for your home or office at Greenply!