Plywood, three-layer panels and solid wood

In short

1. 01Plywood is built up from layers of veneer with the grain crossing. It is strong and stable, lighter than MDF, and holds a screw well.
2. 02It is used where you need strength at low weight, or where the layered edge is part of the look, and it costs more than particleboard.
3. 03A three-layer panel is made of solid wood lamellas in three layers. The middle layer runs across and reduces wood movement.
4. 04Solid wood keeps taking in and giving off moisture from the air, so it swells and shrinks, most of all across the grain.
5. 05So a wide solid wood top must never be glued or screwed down firmly across its whole width; it is given room to move.
6. 06This academy is about panel furniture, so solid wood is only an overview here.