Plywood is the quiet powerhouse of every workshop and home renovation. Its strength is unassuming, its versatility limitless, and its potential is only limited by your imagination. From sleek kitchen cabinets to sunlit garden benches, it transforms spaces with ease and style. Smooth enough to take any finish and tough enough to hold up under real use, plywood is where practicality meets possibility. Affordable, reliable, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the material that lets ideas take shape, and keeps them standing tall.

At BUCO, you will find a wide range of plywood sheet sizes and finishes to match your budget and your build.

Plywood is a type of board made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together at alternating grain angles for added strength. This is different from solid timber, which comes from a single cut of wood, and from other board materials like MDF or particle board, which are made from compressed wood fibres.

Its uses are almost endless. You will find plywood in cabinetry, shelving, flooring, wall cladding, shopfitting, and even outdoor furniture when the right grade is chosen. Compared to MDF or plyboard, plywood offers better strength-to-weight ratio and holds screws more securely, which is why many builders and renovators prefer it.

In South Africa, the most common plywood sheet size is 2440mm x 1220mm. Thicknesses typically range from 3mm for lightweight paneling, to 6mm and 9mm for mid-strength applications, and 12mm or 18mm for heavy-duty builds. Choosing the right thickness depends on what you are making. For example, 18mm plywood is ideal for sturdy workbenches, while 6mm is perfect for lightweight cupboard backs.

Plywood prices vary based on thickness, size, grade, and wood type. Hardwood plywood, such as birch or oak-faced sheets, tends to cost more than softwood varieties like pine. Marine-grade plywood, designed for moisture resistance, is on the higher end but essential for outdoor or wet-area projects. At BUCO, thinner sheets can start under R300, making them a budget-friendly option for smaller jobs, while thicker, higher-grade sheets are competitively priced for their durability.

To get the most value for money:

●        Buy only the thickness you need

●        Compare grades to balance cost and appearance

●        Ask about off-cut availability for small projects

When compared to MDF or plyboard, plywood can be slightly more expensive upfront, but it usually outlasts both in terms of durability and structural strength. MDF offers a smoother surface for painting but is more prone to swelling if it gets wet. Solid timber, while beautiful, is significantly more expensive and less dimensionally stable.

For most furniture, cabinetry, and DIY builds, plywood delivers the best balance of cost and performance.

Match the grade to your project needs. A high-grade face veneer looks great for visible surfaces, while lower-grade plywood is perfect for hidden structural work. For outdoor projects, choose marine or exterior-grade plywood to prevent rot. Environmentally conscious buyers should also look for plywood that comes from sustainably managed forests.

Shopping for plywood at BUCO means you get quality materials and a wide selection of sheet sizes and grades. You can buy in-store or online, use BUCO’s store locator to find the nearest branch, or contact the team for advice on which type suits your project. Delivery and cutting services are also available to save you time and hassle.

 
Plywood’s affordability, versatility, and strength make it an essential material for home upgrades, furniture builds, and renovation work. Whether you are after a single sheet for a quick project or bulk quantities for a major build, BUCO has the range, advice, and prices to help you get it done.

●     What sizes does plywood come in? 
Plywood in South Africa is most commonly available in 2440mm x 1220mm sheets, with thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 18mm.

●     What is the average price of a plywood sheet?
Prices vary based on thickness, grade, and finish, starting from under R300 for thinner sheets.

●     Which is cheaper, plywood or plyboard?
Plywood can cost slightly more, but it offers better durability and screw-holding strength than plyboard.

●     Can plywood be used outdoors?
Yes, but marine or exterior-grade plywood is recommended for outdoor use to handle moisture and weather conditions.

●     Where can I buy affordable plywood in South Africa?
BUCO offers a wide range of plywood sheet sizes and grades at competitive prices, available both in-store and online.