FreeBlockboard and Solid Wood Panels
Blockboard has a core of solid wood strips between veneers, which makes it very stiff for long shelves. Solid wood panels are glued from narrow boards and give furniture the look of solid timber.
Blockboard and solid wood panels sold for furniture
| Board | Thicknesses | Common sheet sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Blockboard (wood grain) | 16 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm | 2440 × 1220, 2500 × 1830 |
| Beech solid panel (wood grain) | 18 mm, 20 mm, 26 mm, 40 mm | 2000 × 600, 2500 × 600, 3000 × 600 |
| Oak solid panel (wood grain) | 20 mm, 26 mm, 40 mm | 2000 × 600, 3000 × 600 |
| Pine solid panel (wood grain) | 18 mm, 28 mm | 2000 × 600, 2400 × 600 |
Blockboard and solid wood panels thicknesses
Blockboard and solid wood panels is sold in 16 mm (5/8"), 18 mm (11/16"), 20 mm (13/16"), 25 mm (1"), 26 mm (1"), 28 mm (1 1/8"), 40 mm (1 9/16"). For furniture carcasses and doors, 16–19 mm is standard; thin sheets are for backs and drawer bottoms.
Blockboard and solid wood panels sheet sizes
- 2440 × 1220 mm (96 1/16" × 48 1/16")
- 2500 × 1830 mm (98 7/16" × 72 1/16")
- 2000 × 600 mm (78 3/4" × 23 5/8")
- 2500 × 600 mm (98 7/16" × 23 5/8")
- 3000 × 600 mm (118 1/8" × 23 5/8")
- 2400 × 600 mm (94 1/2" × 23 5/8")
Weight of a 2440 × 1220 mm sheet
At a typical density of 450–700 kg/m³:
| Thickness | Weight per sheet |
|---|---|
| 16 mm | 21–33 kg (46–73 lb) |
| 18 mm | 24–38 kg (53–84 lb) |
| 20 mm | 27–42 kg (60–93 lb) |
| 25 mm | 33–52 kg (73–115 lb) |
| 26 mm | 35–54 kg (77–119 lb) |
| 28 mm | 38–58 kg (84–128 lb) |
| 40 mm | 54–83 kg (119–183 lb) |
Advantages
- Very stiff over long spans
- Real wood look (solid panels)
- Holds screws well
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Solid panels move with humidity
- Fewer sheet sizes
What it is used for
- Long shelves and desk tops
- Tabletops and benches
- Visible solid-wood furniture
Tips for working with Blockboard and solid wood panels
- Leave room for solid wood to move: fix tops with slotted holes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between blockboard and plywood?
Blockboard has a core of solid strips, plywood a core of thin veneers. Blockboard is stiffer lengthwise and lighter.
