Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneer. These layers are then glued together in alternating right angles (90 degrees) to create a cross-grain pattern. The surface of high-grade plywood is always smooth and it doesn’t have any knots holes or ups and downs. Unlike MDF though, it does more closely resemble wood with visible grains and patterns.

Solid wood is considered stronger than plywood because it’s a uniform material, however, timber is prone to shrinkage across the grain and plywood isn’t. Plywood can also be made to bend or curve, and it doesn’t split at the edges when nailed or screwed.