Expert: maura macaluso - 10/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm trying to build an entertainment center. I recently enrolled in a woodshop class and we have to build a project. I went to a lumber store and found:
Arauco 15/32 enhanced AC plywood
Blondewood 3/4 ply
Birch 3/4 Cabinet grade ply
Oak 3/4 Cabinet grade ply

The project is going to house a 55" tv, about 300-400 dvd/vhs, and about 8 components. I'm open to painting it black though I got some looks from my woodshop instructor, he prefers I stain it. I need something strong that will last and look good.

ANSWER: Unless the plywood is something the instructor is requesting you use, I would wonder why plywood and not real wood.  But plywood furniture is artsy these days, no?  First understand plywood.  It is wood scraps and resin and veneer all pressed and bonded together in layers which are cross layered. second piece grain will run 90 degrees to the first piece.  this is heavily pressed and left to dry.  This process leads to great  stability and strength. Technically there must be at least 3 layers to be considered plywood, the more layers, the more strength. Plywood comes in many grades  Select, #1 or A are all ratings which mean the best plywood. This is graded best because it has very minor imperfections. When being told you are buying oak or birch ply, be advised that this is usually the type of veneer that is used on the outside layers, and gives no guarantee that it is totally composed of those woods.

From the choices you give, i would choose the oak ply.  I have made a TV stand and separate cd cabinet both from oak ply.  It is a fairly light colored wood and finishes nicely. It came out beautifully.  Birch is also a nice light colored wood, used often in Scandinavian furniture(Ikea). Either choice would be fine and will take stain nicely.  You will want to hand select your pieces checking for knots, checking(cracks) or warping.  Keep in mind that your surface is actually a very thin layer of veneer and can be sanded through accidently so start with the best piece possible to eliminate excess sanding later.
The downfalls of using plywood is that sometimes there are voids inside the layers and you may be lucky enough to have some voids right where you don't want them, on the exposed edges of your furniture. These voids also make it harder to get a real clean cut.  If the voids do cause you any real problem, use a good wood filler to fill them.  Good luck on your project and thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt reply. I would like to ask you where I would be able to find "real wood" I went to my local Home Depot and Lowes and that is all I found. So my options are limited. All these places have is pine 2x's, plywood and MDF. Do they sell 1"x40" pieces of oak? and is it more affordable than plywood? Thank you again for your assistance... btw, I live in San Antonio, TX

Answer
First, in my home depot and lowes, the furniture grade wood is one aisle over from the plywood and 2x4 aisle. The mouldings are with the good wood. If yours does not have this aisle, then look in your phone book for a lumberyard.
no, you will not find solid wood in 40" wide.  you have to glue up panels, make straight edges, glue and clamp to get the sizes you need.  wood prices are different in different areas of the country. though pine is reasonable as far as price goes.  Pine is decent to use, just have to pick out the nicest boards but honestly, it will be cheaper to use the plywood. If you do not have a good workshop, perhaps it would be better for you to use the plywood.  I have seen some really cool things made with plywood. do a search for "plywood furniture" and you will see what I mean.