WOOD VS. PLYWOOD--What's The Difference?! Which Is Better? (Plywood/Dimensional Lumber--Comparison)

Check Out Our FREE GUIDE: 25 Must-Have Carpentry Tools...Under $25 Each!
www.thehonestcarpenter.com/
I've been asked many times by viewers which material is better--NATURAL WOOD or PLYWOOD? But this is one of the most difficult material comparisons to make! In this short video I'll explain what differentiates these types of lumber, and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
BE SURE TO VISIT US AT THE HONEST CARPENTER WEBSITE:
www.thehonestcarpenter.com
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER MATERIALS VIDEOS:
Is OSB Bad?:
• Is OSB Bad?! (Oriented...
3/4" Plywood Vs. 1/2" Plywood:
• DON'T USE 3/4" PLYWOOD...
MDF Vs. Plywood:
• MDF VS. PLYWOOD (Which...
WOOD VS. PLYWOOD--What's The Difference?! Which Is Better? (Plywood/Dimensional Lumber--Comparison)
WOOD or NATURAL WOOD should really be called DIMENSIONAL LUMBER!
This is wood that has been milled and seasoned straight from a tree. Timbered logs are carefully dried and cut into wide, flat boards. These boards tend to be of very uniform lengths, widths and thicknesses.
PLYWOOD is an engineered wood product that first showed up in the 1800s, but was not mass-produced until about the 1950s.
Plywood is made in mills by peeling trees like apples, from the outer edge inward, to produce long, thin layers of wood. These layers are stacked and glued together under tremendous pressure to form wide, flat panels.
Plywood was manufactured to solve the problem of LIMITED BOARD WIDTH. Before plywood production, boards could only be as wide as the trees that were timbered (roughly). Wider panels had to be formed by edge-joining boards, which is difficult and laborious.
Really wide slabs can be cut from large trees, but they're dimensionally unstable, very heavy, and hard to season and finish.
Plywood, on the other hand, comes in 4x8 sheets that can be broken down into any size you like! They're very flat, and tend to have attractive veneers.
Plywood is also strong and stable. It's not prone to splitting, like dimensional lumber, because the various layers are cross-laid in alternating patterns to counteract weaknesses between layers.
Ply panels are also much lighter and easier to work than wide slabs!
BUT, from my experience, plywood is not quite as strong as dimensional lumber across spans.
Also, plywood tends to be thin--just 3/4" or less. It does not generally come in framing-lumber thicknesses.
Dimensional lumber is often the best choice for structural jobs. THOUGH, there do exist large-scale ply products called LVLs (Laminate Veneer Lumber) which can serve as structural beams, often stronger than dimensional lumber counterparts.
I'll do more videos on the complexities of these topics soon--but I hope this basic primer helps!
Thanks!
The Honest Carpenter

[@jimaronson2323]

I really like videos like this. They're informative and interesting. I knew a lot of this already but every video has more things to learn. I look forward to seeing your other videos on this subject. Thanks

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Jim!

[@Buffaloc]

I fully agree. This guy is great.

[@BarbaraInspires17]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Thank you, for your channel! My husband just died suddenly September 19th of 2021. We moved into our home in the East coast of Carolinas after discharge from delivering by c section for our first baby finally together. He had the opportunity to spend two months with him before he suddenly passed away in front of us all at our new home. Just overwhelmed and frustrated with contractors breaking contracts and taking to court but also waiting my turn because others are ahead of me with two of the contractors on two different projects. It's mostly the elderly, disabled and single women these guys have taken advantage over from what the attorney has informed me on both businesses within this year for both of them. Have been working with social media and editing for others, nurse milk to baby, homeschool and my step son is going to public school. This doesn't include other things most single parents face. The two older boys have two different special needs so it's challenging to have them help me and trying not to have my baby get hurt but keep a close eye in the process of trying to get things set up. Almost done with second adoption of middle son! You're channel has helped me in so many ways! Thank you, and please know you're making a difference! May the Lord continue to bless the work of your hands! Thank you, Jesus for Mr. Ethan James!

[@NivBetsalel]

My biggest question regarding plywood is about longevity. If I want to make a piece of furniture that will last someone their lifetime, is plywood a viable option or will it delaminate over the years?

[@jamescooley7849]

Sometimes they can be used together to make a wooden " sandwich " which can lead to greater strength and stability than either one used alone. Example in almost every door and window header.Two pieces of dimensional, one on either side of a piece of half inch plywood ,makes a beam with much greater strength because the plywood is on edge. And it adds up to the same width as your studs 3and one half inches!

[@chrisbrayley6271]

Can't wait for part 2. We have just gone through a lumber shortage and we need to look at other forms of timber.

[@Tzrnutt]

As always, perfect amount of detail and explanation. Thanks!

[@pattymiller2160]

Ethan, this channel has to be one of the best available on YT. Just the right length and blend of information dumbed down to be understandable for the average DIYer. Keep cranking them out.

[@SinnisjInsulator]

Great video, especially the alternative pattern on the grain. Thanks for the info.

[@profcah]

Great video Ethan, and really spot on. Can’t wait for more! I learned a lot in 6 minutes here!

[@David.M.]

Thank you Honest Carpenter! I always learn something from you.

[@markchesterfield6118]

Thanks so much Ethan. As always, concise, clear and informative. Really looking forward to your follow ups on this subject.

[@kevindowd7769]

Excellent… never thought of something so simple at width being a major difference between the different types of wood! Thank You!@

[@richardstrada212]

Great job, as usual. I am looking forward to the rest of this series. It is the first time that I learned how plywood sheets are manufactured.

[@jimadams6159]

Great, straight forward explanation. I find your videos to be very helpful. Thanks Ethan.

[@bernadettepesce773]

Helpful, thx. Happy Holidays!

[@HRouge]

You are honest about sharing all these for us 💓👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Tenoken]

Very informative! Love your content.

[@hasanisik5962]

Helpful! Thank you for the information!

[@elizabethbeers9274]

Please keep these videos coming! So helpful to the DYIer.

[@worstuserever]

Ethan, your materials guides are excellent, so helpful for those of us starting out as that's the most difficult stage. With very little free time my workshop progress is slow but I soon discovered I love working with plywood. It's so well-behaved and versatile. Several sheets are waiting in my hallway right now for an opportunity to build a french cleat wall. Thanks for your work!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Khakoo! Good luck with the build 🙂

[@johnkelley9877]

This was very helpful in explaining the process and use of plywood. Thanks for sharing this.

[@lyudmilalogvin3331]

Thank you so much. Clear, Direct, Knowledgeable and Informative. The BEST Intelligent explanation without any nonsense.

[@peehandshihtzu]

I think you did a great job explaining the similarities and differences. For me I use both, each for different reasons and sometimes those reasons do overlap. I will say my favorite thing about plywood is it doesn't split on you while my least favorite things are transporting it and price. Meanwhile my favorite thing about dimensional lumber is it's rigidity while my least favorite things are it's ability to split unpredictably, and like mentioned, lack of widths available. All in all I find myself realizing that often I can't use one without the other, I'd say they compliment each other for the Win Win. :)

[@JackKirbyFan]

Ethan, great video. I never knew the history so thanks for taking the time to do that. I remember building a desk for my younger daughter along with storage space in her closets. She really wanted the desk to be all plywood along with the cabinet drawers and i was nudging towards at least hardwood fronts - nope. She loved the look of plywood and those plywood edges so that's what we did. It came out nice but it wasn't my personal preference but there you go - some people do like it :)

[@JahiTaylorLiveWire73]

Awesome, thank you for this. I'm looking forward to follow-up videos on this topic.

[@viewer-of-content]

It'd be really great if you could compaire properties of lvl vs nail laminated timber vs mass timber vs dimensional lumber too. Explaining which uses you can or should substitute your own diy option using clamps, nails , and/or glue, or buy factory/mill made lvl or dimensional lumber. A classic example of diy mass timber is butchers block or workbench top, and nail lamination has all sorts of classical construction uses.

[@scottmen7]

Great video. Very informative and helpful. Thanks.

[@stevenmoss6043]

Cool vid! I learned something, and now have better know how. Thanks Ethan!

[@dianedo8314]

Helpful tips to when to use for purpose we need. Always so thorough and informative! Always appreciate u sharing your knowledge and expertise! Wishing u the very best and continued success in all that u do Ethan-Merry Christmas🎄

[@wolfman75]

Great info!!! Thank you Ethan!!! 👍😎

[@TheTfrancesconi2007]

Excellent videos! Thank you

[@slimdawgwoof]

Very helpful - thanks for sharing. I would have never have learned about this otherwise.

[@danieljones2183]

Good explanation. Liked the pros and cons of each.

[@LLOR]

Very well explained. Thank you

[@Print-Productivity]

Wow! Another great and super informative video! I love your videos, they always put me in a good mood while I learn something new, or just learn more about a given topic. Could you please make a video about hand sanding please? Have a wonderful and awesome day and a Merry Christmas! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@chrism9037]

These are great videos, very informative thank you

[@davidterrero2200]

Great video. Very digestible, concise and such effective prioritizing of information. It's great that you mention how much more there is left to discuss, too. An excellent way to share specialist knowledge of any kind. No time wasted. Well done!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, David!

[@EarlWallaceNYC]

Very helpful. Looking forward to more.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Earl!

[@JoseMartinez-tt1ky]

Great information!

[@RH-ms5ui]

very informative! thanks for sharing

[@ErokowXiyze]

I am so excited for your next few videos! Your stuff is soooo good!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Noel!

[@Tlfundsr]

Thank you. Very informative!

[@Outwars1]

Really liked your video. Can't wait to see the actual breakdown on the specific types. Fairly new to the channel, so would really like to see all the other material comparisons you may have done.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, K3! I’m definitely gonna get to more plywood stuff soon!

[@jons2447]

Thank you, Ethan!

[@seanhiscock]

Another good video Ethan. Good explanation. Merry Christmas to you & your family.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Sean! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@anshulsinha]

You explained very well.

[@fayny872]

I stumbled across this channel and found myself enjoying the videos. The explanations are easy to understand to a novice DIYer.

[@valdius85]

It's good content. I'm happy to listen to your explanation in more details, as you've hinted in this video. :)

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Ethan, well explained. Stay safe as always from South Africa

[@sotitofanschop]

Great video, thank you.

[@robertlevy4613]

Great informative video

[@corylohanlon]

Thanks for the help. I was a DIYer and stay at home dad getting into the trade... with help from channels like yours. Really... thanks to you and yours this holiday season.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Cory! Happy holidays, work safe 🙂

[@johnandjuliegrant3661]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@victoriouspauper8495]

Thanks for the good info. I learned a couple things that i just never considered GREAT VIDEOS and VERY WORTH WHILE !!!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Victorious!

[@craigbuckley4832]

Very knowledgeable video thankyou 👍👍

[@shanksjeffcott8598]

That was very helpful cheers

[@jscook54]

I learn something from videos always. So well presented.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Janet!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

I learnt a lot, many thanks for the video. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@zb9795]

Good explanation. I was hoping you would cover plywood's disadvantage of being quite prone to splitting at the layers if screwed directly into the edges, making it a bad candidate for certain applications.

[@chefspenser1480]

Holy Crap!?! Who Knew!?! Thank you!!! Once again, excellent1

[@funpupps]

Mr Honest Carpenter, you are gifted with excellent communication skills besides your carpentry skills. I love watching all your videos and always learn something even when I thought I knew it all on a particular subject.

[@KulandhaivelKandasamy]

Informative.. 👌👍👍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 THANKS ETHAN 👍VERY GOOD EXPLANATION FOR A NEW GENERATION I’m GLAD YOU ARE ABLE TO DO THIS….WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE BACK IN MY DAY 😉 KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB 😍😍😍

[@jcking6785]

I’m older chick woodworker wanna be and I really enjoy your channel. You provide information without any extemporaneous blah blah blah. Even if I don’t have the equipment or the skills, your channel educates me on the proper way projects should be done as well as the proper materials that should be used. I find that extremely helpful when I need to hire someone to complete a project for me. Thanks!!! ♥️

[@glg3945]

Great information 👍 Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family. Happy Holidays! 😃 🎄🎊🎉

[@karazhan]

Great explanation. Would love a video on particle board at some point too.

[@sascani333]

Liked the video. You are correct, so much more to know. Most of the time I feel out of my depth. 🙂

[@andrec7440]

Good day and thanks

[@freddapelter8332]

Love you channel ❤

[@kennethbezanson4266]

Thanks for the info. I've never really liked plywood, it's always seemed a weak substitute. I look forward to your deeper dives

[@jeboccuzzi10]

It’s the perfect sheathing. When nailed properly it provides great diaphragm strength.

[@VNaik713]

Super helpful

[@devinjennings1120]

I absolutely love your videos! I will say that I have never met a person that cuts apples that way, and I pray that I never do.

[@Saorsa1126]

Can you do a video of how to use structural hardware to reinforce joints like corner braces, mending plates, etc

[@anyfoolknowthat]

yeah. 2nd that

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I def want to cover it soon, Saorsa! Let me get teamed up with some good framers.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Is it stronger using the Strong tie type metal hangers than traditional methods? Are there any disadvantages to them aside from cost?

[@mariaaparecidacarvalho6530]

Very good explanation. Thank you. From Sao Paulo, Brazil. 💚💛🇧🇷

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Maria!

[@freightshayker]

Good stuff

[@miguelromero1]

Love your videos

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Miguel!

[@Mike-H_UK]

Very interesting. A video on plywood vs OSB would also be interesting...

[@jobacuda4472]

I think Ethan has already done that one.

[@dutchleussink156]

Thank You Sir

[@vincentwesolowski459]

May You Have A Merry Christmas And A Happy and Healthy New Year

[@zifnab]

this comes at the right time considering I need to build a big ass wall mounted desk in my new house :D

[@PaulWarrenEaton]

I was wondering when LVL would be mentioned. I just can’t help myself and have used LVL in my home renovation for framing, beams and my DIY staircase. The perfectionist in me loves the straightness of the manufactured wood.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

They really solve so many problems, PWE!

[@nighthowell]

You rock dude

[@MBMCincy63]

12/19/21, newbie still, made my first cabinets this last summer. I couldn't afford plywood, so I used particle board. These videos help me, a newbie DIYER.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

OSB was the economy boards, then was jacked up with the crazy lumber short squeeze

[@miguelruiz4613]

Now I want to know about inter-dimensional lumber

[@natehoover5266]

They were making plywood in the early 1800s? Wow that's crazy!

[@mohammedlabeeb]

WOW, very helpful video. I can tell you know your stuff. I have been watching other youtubers for my current project that I have been trying to figure out for a while. You touched on it in your video: Dimensional wood has more strength (deflection) than plywood. I have been looking for a hand-truck dolly with 4 wheels (horizontal configuration) but the ones that are on budget are less than 40" long, and the ones I like are $400. SO I thought about adding wood as a bed on top of the dolly. Since I need 20" added to the dolly, I thought if I buy 60" piece of plywood, 40" sitting on the dolly and 20" hanging in the air, WILL THE 20" HANGING PLYWOOD SURVIVE 200 to 300 LB load?

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Ethan Thank you for another Great Video. You my friend are a very good teacher. This video was very clear and informative. Which plywood would you recommend for a tool box top? I need something strong and won't warp. I'm not looking for pretty but useful. Again thank you

[@jobacuda4472]

Maybe sanderply?

[@lilcs3011]

I need to get my garage that organized.

[@lorencing]

Thanks for the video! Would like to ask your opinion on the thickness and type of plywood I should use for 2" thick (because of the stone wool panel thickness) acoustic panels. They would be 40" high and 20" wide and would be screwed and glued together without any fancy joints or reinforcements, take the two sides and put the 20" upper and lower piece between them, fix with nail from the sides, drill leading hole for screw, glue and screw them together. Would it be better to use metal angle joints or a different type of plywood like pine, birch, ...? The panels will be stationary on walls and a few hanging from the ceiling. I was thinking of 1"x2" poplar frames.

[@careyjohnston4176]

You have been so helpful with lots of problems around my home and made things easy for me to understand. Would still rather have you here to solve the problems. Thank you 💋

[@rickhoupt6933]

Good video, I’m going to be doing a stain grade, Wainscoting job, three-quarter inch styles and rails with offset panel molding and was going to use pocket holes for joinery how well do pocket hole screws hold in plywood end grain? With today’s lumber prices plywood is a much cheaper option and edges will not be seen.

[@arnoldolorenzo3474]

You should do a strength test!

[@konamanstudio2447]

I hope you and yours have a wonderful freaking Christmas 🤙🏼🎄🎁🍻🍺🤣

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Happy Christmas, KONAMAN!

[@kentyler966]

I was hoping for some more information on the types of glues used in plywood and how waterproof the product is.

[@nitinbhuva6672]

Thanks for the details of plywood and wood . Kindly explain to contractors why they should use 3/4 inch plywood and not 1/2 inch while building flooring on top of the basement. Some of them use D grate plywood in a million dollar house

[@ferdinandsoriano5180]

Hi Ethan, hope you're well. I'm planning a bed frame but my wife suggest to use plywood, will It be sturdy enough to last long?

[@markvasiloff2217]

🙏Thank you.

[@klubstompers]

I scarfed up some amazing plywood that i built a table out of. I scored about 40 pieces that were 4' x 18" and 2" thick, roughly 25 ply. This stuff is incredibly strong, and wish i could source this locally. I was given this material from someone who worked for a world wide shipping company, and was told they use it for certain containers when shipping. So, someone is making extremely thick plywood, i just dont know where it initially comes from, and how to source more.

[@MarioRodriguez-zi1xl]

What about Expansion and contracción due to humidity?

[@MrAquilesatlas]

Please follow up with more.

[@TheVideoGameVault]

Another thing to note for beginners is that you'll need a planer and jointer for working with dimensional lumber and don't need those for plywood.