--- title: Is Plywood or Particle Board a Better Option For Kitchen Cabinets in Chicago description: Plywood vs. particle board. There are pros and cons to both when it comes to choosing the right kitchen cabinets in Chicago that are right for you. image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-41414575-jpg/images/homebanner1.jpg --- [![KBU-brighter-blue](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/logos/KBU-brighter-blue.png "KBU-brighter-blue")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f) ![Portfolio](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portfolio.png?width=1920&name=Portfolio.png "Portfolio") Blog # Is Plywood or Particle Board a Better Option For Kitchen Cabinets in Chicago [Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Thu, Aug 29, 2013 | [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) ![Kitchen Cabinets in Chicago](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-41414575-jpg/images/homebanner1.jpg?width=355&height=202&name=homebanner1.jpg "Kitchen Cabinets in Chicago")If you are planning on remodeling your kitchen, you are probably considering all the available options for your new kitchen cabinets. Plywood and particle board are the two major choices available for kitchen cabinets in Chicago and the surrounding area. ## Defining Plywood and Particle Board for Kitchen Cabinets Neither plywood nor particle board are solid planks of wood. Plywood is actually [constructed from wood veneers](http://www.monarchkitchenbathdesign.com/2010/01/cabinets-plywood-or-particle-board-which-is-better/), which are joined crosswise to create a sheet of wood. The cross grain pattern of the wood veneers creates optimum sturdiness in plywood, which makes it a first choice for many cabinet manufacturers and remodelers. Of course, particle board also has its merits. This cabinet building material consists of a composite sheet constructed from wood fibers pressed together. Particle board is another popular choice, and is definitely the [most economical ](http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=how_to_choose_right_engineered_wood_for_your_project_HT_BG_LC&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053)choice for remodeling kitchen cabinets in the Chicago area. ## Which is Better? As with many remodeling projects, the [answer is up to the homeowner](http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/cabinet-box-options-does-plywood-beat-particleboard.shtml). As a homeowner undertaking a kitchen remodeling project, you definitely want your kitchen cabinets to be strong and sturdy. For this reason, higher end modeling contractors often recommend plywood, which is stronger and more durable than particle board, and tends to last much longer. Nevertheless, the more affordable option of particle board is not without its merits when it comes to constructing exceptional kitchen cabinets for Chicago homeowners. One such advantage of particle board is its tendency to hold its shape, while plywood can sometimes warp. Particle board is also smoother and more even in shape. On the downside, however, particle board is far less resistant to water, and can swell in case of excess moisture. If a buyer is wondering which option is more eco-friendly, both have their virtues. Particle board makes use of less desirable cuts in wood, while plywood can be made from certain farmed woods, such as bamboo, to cut down on adverse effects on the environment. Ultimately, it is up to the homeowner to figure out what best fits their budget and needs. Both materials have their merits as well as their disadvantages, and as always, the professionals at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited are always available for [consultation](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/request-a-consultation/) and expert advice. ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Kitchen Remodeling (284)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) - [Bathroom Remodeling (197)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodeling) - [Home Remodeling (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-remodeling) - [Quality Custom Cabinets (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/quality-custom-cabinets) - [Kitchen Design (23)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-design) - [laundry room remodel (9)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/laundry-room-remodel) - [choosing appliances (6)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-appliances) - [Kitchen Countertops (5)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-countertops) - [Basement Remodeling (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/basement-remodeling) - [Kosher Kitchen Design (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kosher-kitchen-design) - [Powder room design ideas (3)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/powder-room-design-ideas) - [Home Office (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-office) - [Steam Shower (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/steam-shower) - [Tubs (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tubs) - [Granite countertop prices (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/granite-countertop-prices) - [Heated Flooring (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/heated-flooring) - [Tile Showrooms (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tile-showrooms) - [Walk-In Closet (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/walk-in-closet) - [Wine Storage (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/wine-storage) - [choosing the right kitchen faucet and sink (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-the-right-kitchen-faucet-and-sink) - [formaldehyde in cabinets (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/formaldehyde-in-cabinets) - [juice bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/juice-bar) - [kids rooms design ideas (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kids-rooms-design-ideas) - [metal accents (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/metal-accents) - [morning bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/morning-bar) [See all](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/330866/Is-Plywood-or-Particle-Board-a-Better-Option-For-Kitchen-Cabinets-in-Chicago#) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/kitchensandbathsunlimited/) - [** ](https://twitter.com/kitchensnbaths) - [** ](http://www.houzz.com/pro/kitchens4/kitchens-baths-unlimited) ![phone-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/phone-icon.png "phone-icon") #### [847-729-1212](tel:8477291212) ![location-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/location-icon.png "location-icon") #### [1232 Waukegan Road Glenview, IL 60025](https://goo.gl/maps/AiZv8cwiKDNMbujH6) [![email-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/email-icon.png "email-icon")](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com) #### [info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com)   2026 All rights reserved by Kitchens & Baths Unlimited, Inc.