Built to Last: Why Plywood Closets Outshine the Rest
- May 27, 2025
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- by Columbia Forest Products
When you think of dependable interior construction materials, hardwood plywood should always come to mind. It’s a mainstay in kitchens, built-ins, vanities, case goods and furniture for good reason. Plywood is strong, stable and incredibly versatile. Yet despite its popularity in other areas of the home, it’s surprisingly underused in closet systems.
Even in newer homes or recently renovated closets, you’ll often find melamine or particleboard behind the synthetic finishes. These materials have dominated the closet world thanks to their affordability and ease of assembly. But when it comes to lightweight construction, load-bearing strength and resistance to warping, they fall short.
If you’re investing in a closet system that you’d like to last as long as your home, plywood is the clear winner. It combines structural integrity with a natural wood aesthetic, all while holding up to daily wear and tear.
| Material | Cost | Strength | Susceptible to Warping | Finishing Options | Weight |
| Melamine | XX | XX | X | X | XXX |
| Particleboard | X | X | X | XX | XXX |
| Lumber (Solid Wood) | XXXX | XXXX | X | XXXX | XX |
| Plywood | XXX | XXXX | X | XXXX | XX |
Case Study: Ashley Basnight (@smashingdiy)’s Amazing Closet Renovation
DIY expert and designer Ashley Basnight (@smashingdiy) has spent years sharing home projects and tutorials with her online community. So, when it came time to renovate her own master closet, she approached it with a clear vision — and high standards.
Rather than opting for a pre-built system, Ashley teamed up with The Home Depot and built the closet from scratch, choosing Columbia Forest Products’ ¾-inch plywood as her material of choice.
“Many people asked why not use the IKEA Pax closet system, but I wanted to build my closet custom; it was a lot cheaper, and I knew the wood I was using was better than the pre-fabbed cabinets,” Basnight said.
With plywood, Ashley was able to craft a one-of-a-kind space that perfectly suited her needs. The material’s strength made it ideal for supporting heavy items like folded clothes and storage bins, while its smooth surface allowed for a high-end finish. Best of all, plywood’s lightweight nature made it easier to work with — especially important for solo builders or weekend DIYers.
The versatility of plywood also meant Ashley could stain, paint, and refinish the closet over time, keeping it aligned with evolving styles and preferences.