Buy plywood too thin and your shelf sags; too thick and you waste money and weight. Here's how the common Indian thicknesses map to real jobs.
Common thicknesses
| Thickness | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| 4–6 mm | Back panels, drawer bottoms, flush-door skin, panelling |
| 9 mm | Light partitions, small shutters, box backs |
| 12 mm | Shutters, light shelves, false ceilings, shoe racks |
| 16–18 mm | Furniture carcass, kitchen units, wardrobes, beds, tops |
| 19 mm | Heavy tabletops, work surfaces, load-bearing shelves |
The workhorse: 18 mm
If you remember one number, make it 18 mm — standard for carcasses, shutters and wardrobes. Pair it with the right grade: BWR for dry, BWP/marine for wet.
A genuine 18 mm board with a gap-free core beats a thicker board with hollow patches — always check the edge. See Gattani plywood.
Need the right board for your project?
Talk to Gattani Plywood — premium plywood, WPC, doors, shuttering ply & laminates, with dealers across India.
Get a quote / find a dealerFrequently asked questions
What thickness is best for furniture?
18 mm for carcasses, wardrobes and kitchen units; 12 mm for lighter shutters; 6 mm for back panels.
Is 19 mm better than 18 mm?
19 mm is marginally stronger for heavy tops; for most furniture, 18 mm is the practical standard.
Does thickness matter more than grade?
No — both matter. A certified board with a solid core at the right thickness beats a thicker board with a poor core.