Plywood and laminates — price, types and what to check
Wardrobes, beds, panelling and their finishes.
Plywood and engineered boards form wardrobes, beds, TV units and kitchens. The grade must match the moisture the furniture will face.
The basics
- MR grade for dry interiors, BWR for occasional moisture, BWP/Marine (IS 710) for kitchens and bathrooms.
- HDHMR and MDF suit shutters and CNC-cut designs.
- Laminates (0.8–1 mm) and veneers give the visible finish.
Plywood and laminates types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR plywood | IS 303, 18 mm | Wardrobes and beds | ₹60–100 |
| BWP / marine plywood | IS 710 | Kitchens and vanities | ₹95–170 |
| Block board | Pine / hardwood core | Long shelves and doors | ₹70–120 |
| HDHMR board | High density | Shutters and CNC work | ₹80–140 |
| MDF | Interior grade | Painted furniture and panels | ₹45–90 |
| Pre-laminated particle board | Factory finish | Budget modular furniture | ₹35–70 |
| Laminate sheet | 0.8–1 mm, 8×4 ft | Surface finish | ₹900–4,500 |
| Veneer | Natural wood | Premium wood look | ₹90–400 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Brand stamp, IS grade and batch on every sheet.
- Tap test — a dull sound means voids inside.
- Real 18 mm ply should measure at least 17.5 mm.
- Ask for a borer and termite warranty.
- Check cut edges for gaps in the core layers.
- Face veneer should be free of patches and cracks.
- Verify the brand's hologram or QR code.
Pro tips
- Always use BWP in kitchen base units and near sinks.
- Laminate both faces of a panel to prevent warping.
- Edge-band every exposed edge with 2 mm PVC to seal out moisture.
- 18 mm for carcass and shutters, 6–8 mm for backs.
- Seal cut edges before laminating.
- Store sheets flat and off the floor.
- Pre-drill near edges to prevent splitting.
Mistakes to avoid
- MR ply under kitchen sinks.
- Unbranded ply that gets borers.
- Skipping edge banding.
- Unbranded MDF in humid areas.
- Laminating over dusty surfaces.
Where you can save
- Pre-laminated boards for wardrobe interiors.
- Calibrated ply gives fewer laminate defects.
How much you need
A 7-ft sliding wardrobe uses about 5–6 sheets of 8×4 ft ply.
Brands to know
Century Ply, Greenply, Kitply, Archidply, Merino, Greenlam, Royale Touche, Action Tesa
Related materials
Doors and windowsFrames, shutters, uPVC and aluminium windows.Hardware and fastenersLocks, hinges, channels, screws and anchors.Grills, railings and shedsWindow grills, stair railings, MS sheds and general metalwork.Shutters and gatesShop shutters, rolling shutters, collapsible and main gates, automation.