Talking Shop
Birch Plywood: A brilliant material, sometimes.
Birch plywood has become one of the most sought-after materials in contemporary furniture design. Known for its strength, lightweight properties, and clean, modern finish, it’s a favorite among designers and customers alike. But while it’s a remarkable material, it also has some drawbacks that are often overlooked.
A Brief History of Birch Plywood
Plywood manufacturing gained traction in the 1800s with the invention of rotary veneer cutting machines, though birch wasn’t the dominant timber at the time. Birch plywood started gaining popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, where its fine grain, strength, and stability made it highly valued.
During World War II, birch plywood became essential for military projects, shipbuilding, and aircraft construction due to its lightweight yet durable nature. After the war, its use expanded into furniture and architectural millwork, with designers like Finland’s Alvar Aalto embracing it for its minimalist, functional qualities. Today, birch plywood remains closely tied to Nordic design trends, valued for its clean aesthetic, simplicity and strength.
Using Birch Plywood
Having worked with birch plywood throughout my career, I’ve found it to be the ideal material for balancing strength and lightness. It’s been central to our Stornish range of storage boxes, where durability, a clean aesthetic and ease of handling were desirable. We also use it as the top choice for the cabinetry in our bespoke kitchens at JonathanMaker. Its strength and durability allow us to create high-quality, functional cabinetry.
Limitations
Despite its advantages, birch plywood has limitations that experienced makers are all too familiar with. It splinters easily, especially across the grain, and working with it requires specialist tools and expertise. Improper storage can lead to warping, creating issues with alignment and door closure in cabinetry—particularly with large pieces like wardrobes. This can significantly increase project costs, especially when precise grain matching is required for a seamless finish.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has also had a profound impact on the industry. Trade restrictions and sanctions on Russian birch plywood—once the dominant global supplier—have caused supply chain disruptions and steep price increases. Since the conflict began, the price of an 18mm sheet of birch plywood has doubled, making it more of a luxury option.
Specify carefully
The internet has revolutionised how people approach interior design, offering easy access to style trends and material options. As birch plywood’s popularity grows, it’s often misused in large furniture projects, selected for its appearance without fully leveraging its other qualities. In many cases, more affordable alternatives can achieve the same look.
Alongside warping and quality issues, sun exposure is another hidden pitfall. Birch plywood naturally darkens over time, even with UV-protective finishes. Uneven light exposure, such as from loft windows or open-plan kitchens, can cause inconsistent color shifts, detracting from the overall finish.
Alternatives
The supply chain disruptions have forced many furniture makers to explore alternative materials. Canadian maple-faced plywood and Spanish poplar plywood have emerged as viable substitutes, offering similar strength and finish quality.
One promising alternative is bamboo sheet material. Available in various colors and thicknesses, bamboo’s rapid growth cycle and minimal resource requirements make it highly sustainable. Bamboo is a renewable, fast growing plant with a low environmental footprint. Making it a smart choice for eco-conscious designs. While bamboo doesn’t fully replicate the aesthetic of birch, it offers a comparable balance of strength and workability.
Birch plywood remains one of the most versatile and valued materials in contemporary design. Its strength, lightness, and clean aesthetic make it ideal for a range of applications—from cabinetry to furniture and architectural millwork. However, its rising cost and sensitivity to handling, storage, and environmental exposure mean that it’s no longer the affordable utility material it once was. Successful use of birch plywood requires professional expertise and careful planning, but when handled correctly, it delivers exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Discover our full range of products crafted from high-quality birch plywood. Explore the collection here and see how this versatile material can elevate your space.