Mar 11, 2026
The thickness of plywood can quietly determine the success of a project. A slimmer board may suit panelling and light applications, while a thicker sheet provides the strength required for wardrobes, cabinets and structural furniture. The price difference between 6mm and 19mm plywood reflects more than material volume; it reflects performance, stability and load bearing capacity.

Understanding this relationship between thickness and cost allows you to plan more precisely. At Greenply, we present clear options across 6mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm and 19mm plywood so that you can assess both price and purpose together. With the right thickness, you avoid unnecessary expense while ensuring your interiors remain durable and dependable for years to come.
Before you compare prices, you should know what factors affect the price of plywood. Value is not just based on thickness. The end amount is also affected by the grade, the core material and the bonding technology.
Important Details That Affect Prices
Type (MR, BWR, BWP)
MR grade works well in dry places.
BWR can handle some moisture.
BWP protects against water in every way.
Core Composition
Cores made of hardwood are stronger and last longer. Mixed bases are cheaper, but they might not last as long.
Thickness Options
6mm for lightweight panels and walls.
12mm is good for closets and shelves.
16mm and 18mm for shelves and furniture that hold weight.
19mm is used for strong construction.
The price of 6mm plywood will, of course, be less than the price of 19mm plywood but how well it works for your needs is just as important.
This part helps buyers compare price differences in a way that makes sense.
Thickness-Wise Cost Comparison
6mm plywood price: It's cheap and great for making decorative pieces.
12mm plywood price: Mid-range plywood is often used to make cabinets.
16 mm plywood price: Hardwood makes it a stronger choice for cabinets.
18mm plywood price: It is the highest quality for building furniture.
19mm plywood price: Highest strength and durability category.
As thickness goes up, the cost of raw materials and pressing technology goes up, which has a direct effect on price.
BWP vs BWR Cost
Because it is waterproof, BWP grade costs more.
BWR has a slightly lower rate of resistance to water.
At Greenply, we make Greenply Gold 2.0 Plywood and Greenply Platinum Plywood in BWP grade for better performance, which means you'll save money in the long run even though it costs more up front.
Plywood vs. MDF
Plywood is stronger and can hold more weight. The surface of MDF is smoother and can be used for decorations.
For certain internal uses, at Greenply, we have the Greenply MDF Boil Pro 500 and the Greenply MDF 710 HDMR. It might look like MDF is cheaper than 18mm plywood, but plywood is more durable and can hold screws better.
Branded vs Unbranded Alternatives
The price of 12 mm or 16 mm plywood on unbranded boards may be cheaper, but they usually don't come with any certifications or warranties.
We make sure that the quality of our 19mm plywood is very high at Greenply. This means that the price reflects how well it works and how long it lasts.
When you compare prices, you should always look at the return on investment. At Greenply, we make Platinum Plywood, Greenply Club 700 Plywood, and Greenply Gold Plywood to deliver the following:
Construction with a high-density wooden core
E0 standards for low emissions
Certification from FSC
New tool for bonding
This means that even though 18mm plywood costs a little more than other options in the area, it will pay for itself in the long run because it is durable and strong.
We focus on moisture protection and durability at Greenply, so the quality of our 6mm plywood price to 19mm plywood price range is the same across all thicknesses.
Buyers should look at the total cost of the job instead of just the sheet price.
Cost of Materials: The amount that can be seen, like the price of 12 mm plywood or 16 mm plywood per sheet.
The cost of installation: The cost of labour is the same for all sizes, but the strength of the structure may change how much framing is needed.
Maintenance over time: Plywood that isn't very good might crack or come apart. Repair costs go down when you buy boards that you can count on.
As an example:
It might cost more at first to buy a strong 18mm board instead of a cheaper 16mm sheet but better bonding stops replacements from happening as often.
The right thickness to choose relies on your budget and the purpose of the product.
Easy on the Wallet Projects
For walls or back panels, use 6mm.
For rooms with low moisture, choose MR-grade 12mm sheets.
When you need to make furniture for daily use, Greenply Club 500 Plywood is a good choice.
Interiors in the Middle Price Range
12 mm for closets.
16mm for shelves in the kitchen.
At Greenply, we suggest Greenply Gold Plywood because it is a good balance between price and performance.
Heavy-Duty and Premium Projects
18mm or 19mm for cabinetry that is built to last and movable kitchens. At Greenply, we recommend Greenply Platinum Plywood for heavy-duty uses where longevity is important.
Choosing a thickness based only on the lowest price for 6mm hardwood without taking into account how much weight it needs to hold.
Not taking into account how exposed the plywood is to water when comparing the prices of 12 mm and 16 mm plywood.
When figuring out how much 18mm plywood costs, forgetting to look at the warranty information.
Assuming that all 19mm sheets work the same, even if the core quality is different.
Making well-informed choices keeps repair costs from going up for no reason.
Conclusion
If you only look at price when choosing plywood, you might end up compromising in the long run. When you compare the prices of 6mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, and 19mm plywood along with their grades and how long they last, you can make better investment choices. The choice of thickness should always be based on the needs of the product and the conditions of the environment.
At Greenply, we are known for our reliable production standards and long-lasting performance in all thickness categories.For those considering a plywood purchase, the product guide offers a helpful starting point, while authorised dealers can provide personalised assistance. The catalogue is also available for download, allowing you to review detailed specifications and confidently choose the plywood best suited to your project requirements.
FAQs
1. Why does the price of board go up as it gets thicker?
The cost of making thicker boards goes up because they need more raw materials and pressing power.
2. Does 18 mm plywood work better than 16 mm?
18mm has a higher load-bearing strength, making it good for use with heavy furniture.
3. What is a popular place to use 6mm plywood?
6mm sheets work great for walls, panel backs, and light internal parts.
4. Can I expect 19mm plywood to last longer?
When 19mm sheets are made with a high-quality core and glue, they last a long time.
5. Should buyers put grade or width first?
Both are important. Thickness makes sure that the structure is strong, and grade decides how well it resists water and how long it lasts.

PROD IQ Neo Tech, Greenply delivers MDF boards with unmatched quality & long-lasting performance.
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