DON'T USE 3/4" PLYWOOD If You Don't Need It...TRY THIS! (1/2" Plywood Vs. 3/4" Plywood--When to Use)

Many new woodworkers and DIYers rush to use 3/4" plywood for any small project. But, in many cases, 3/4" plywood is overkill! This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show you a better alternative for many DIY projects--1/2" plywood!

1/2" plywood comes in nearly every variety that 3/4" plywood does. It's extremely strong and stable.

Many people seem to avoid 1/2" plywood on the assumption that it's weak. But, it has many of the same properties as 3/4" plywood.

(3/4" is a much more common measurement for wood in general--this may be one of the reasons that people assume that they need to purchase 3/4" plywood.)

BENEFITS OF 1/2" PLYWOOD:
--It's lighter (by almost 20 lbs. per sheet)
--It's cheaper (by $10-12 on overage per sheet)
--It's easier on tools
--It produces less sawdust
--It is easier to handle and manipulate
--It has an edge just wide enough to be hit with brads and trim nails

SITUATIONS WHERE 3/4" PLYWOOD IS PREFERRED:
--Anything that will be walked on
--Anything that will be hit hard with tools
--Anything that will be roughly handled.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH 1/2" PLYWOOD:
--Try not to span it more than 24" unsupported in any direction
--Get support directly beneath the edges
--Use glue when bonding pieces
--Use face frames for additional support on trim projects

Thanks for watching! Be sure to check us out at The Honest Carpenter Website:
www.thehonestcarpenter.com