Robert Linder A crockery unit may have trouble if the wooden shelves are not made from the correct kind of plywood. Plates and dishes are heavier than they look, and putting pressure on the shelves often results in sagging of thin shelves, especially in the case of improperly supported shelf edges. Moreover, loose hinges, weak joints, and water damage can add further troubles.
Selecting the proper kind of plywood means evaluating three issues simultaneously: plywood grade, thickness of each element, and the expected load of the unit.
Which Plywood Grade Is Suitable for the Crockery Unit?
The plywood grade choice should depend on the place where the unit is expected to be located.
BWP Plywood for Long-lasting Furniture
BWP plywood sheets can be the best choice for crockery units intended for long-term use. BWP plywood is stated to have excellent moisture-resistance properties, good bonding capabilities, a low possibility of delaminating and high durability.
Thus, BWP plywood is perfect for the construction of crockery units that have a large potential.
Marine Plywood for Difficult Situations
High quality Marine plywood can also be chosen for making crockery units requiring strength and moisture resistance. Marine plywood is produced with the use of special hardwood face veneers and waterproof adhesives.
MR Plywood for Normal Dry Environments
Moisture-resistant plywood is suitable for the normal indoor environment where moisture exposure is limited. As per the provided source, MR plywood is appropriate for living room furnishings and moderate loads on furniture.
If a crockery unit is designed with heavier shelves and higher storage needs, using a higher specification plywood may be a better option.
What Plywood Thickness Should Be Used for the Crockery Unit?
There is no specific required thickness for the crockery unit. Each part of the unit has its own needs.
As per the mentioned guidelines regarding the type of plywood to use:
- 12mm plywood is used in shelving and some regular furniture
- 16mm plywood is used for units with storage, office and modular furniture
- 19mm plywood is used for heavy-duty furniture
- 25mm plywood is used for structural furniture as well as tabletops
For an average crockery unit, a thickness of 16mm would be suitable for the shelves and storage but shall be increased to 19mm for the main structure or heavier weight-bearing components.
Thicker plywood provides increased rigidity, but a final recommendation depends upon the number of support points and the load involved.
What Is the Appropriate Thickness of the Shelf for the Crockery Unit?
The thickness of the shelf has a direct impact on its performance under the load. Long shelves with limited support are prone to sagging compared to shorter shelves built using proper supports.
For Crockery Storage
12mm Shelves
12 mm plywood can be considered suitable for a light-duty shelf with limited span. The given source has noted shelving units among the uses of 12mm plywood.
16mm Shelving
When using shelves that bear heavier crockery, one can opt for 16mm plywood, which creates a sturdier build. 16mm plywood is commonly seen in furniture such as structural furniture, cabinets and storage units.
19mm for Heavier Options
19mm plywood should be used when dealing with larger plates, bigger shelves or larger amounts of crockery. 19mm plywood is commonly seen in the making of heavy-duty items of furniture.
Care should be taken not to confuse thickness with proper support.
Choosing the Right Plywood for a Crockery Unit
The quality and thickness of plywood are key factors. However, the quality of the construction has to be looked into too.
Core Construction
Well-made plywood has a solid core that ensures its strength and good screw-holding capacity of the screws. Ensure that the plywood core is well-defined in its layers without excessive spaces or voids.
Calibrated Plywood
Calibrated plywood allows for the best uniformity of thickness within the entire panel. Calibrated plywood is mainly utilised in various applications, whereby it presents higher adhesion of its lamination layers, smoother surfaces, accurate size, and more.
It becomes especially important when building crockery units with more than one opening or other elements.
Resistance to Moisture and Pests
Although the crockery unit is placed in a dry environment, it is exposed to moisture during washing and cleaning processes. The construction has to be moisture-resistant to prevent the wood from swelling and twisting.
It is also important to use the moisture-resistant type of plywood that provides resistance against insects.
In the case of crockery units, you can choose from various kinds of plywood from Royale Touche that suit different applications.
Conclusion
All in all, the choice of the right plywood for a crockery unit relies on the amount of the weight of the items to be stored, the span of the shelf, the environment, and the construction.
BWP plywood is a good general choice for kitchens and other areas with a high risk of water exposure. MR plywood is used in cases where the interior is dry, while marine plywood is recommended for high-resistance situations.
Depending on the thickness, plywood with a thickness of 16mm is good for many shelves of different units, while plywood with a thickness of 19 mm is best for structural elements that support the weight.
In other words, the secret of a good crockery unit lies in the compliance of the plywood grade, thickness, and quality of the construction method used with the actual load weight.
