Sheet goods reference
Compare 3/4 plywood, MDF, OSB, melamine, particle board, and Baltic birch by weight, cost tier, thickness, standard size, and best uses before building a cut list.
Quick table
Use these as planning ranges, then verify the actual sheet label and supplier data before buying or cutting.
| Material | Typical weight | Cost tier | Common thickness | Standard size | Best uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 plywood | 60-75 lb per 4x8 | Medium | 23/32 in actual is common | 4x8 ft | Cabinet boxes, shelves, built-ins, shop furniture |
| MDF | 85-100 lb per 4x8 | Low to medium | 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 in | 4x8 ft | Painted panels, templates, flat doors, speaker boxes |
| OSB | 50-70 lb per 4x8 | Low | 7/16, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 in | 4x8 ft | Sheathing, subfloor, rough shop fixtures |
| Melamine | 90-110 lb per 4x8 | Medium | 5/8, 3/4 in | 4x8 ft | Closets, cabinet interiors, utility shelving |
| Particle board | 80-95 lb per 4x8 | Low | 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 in | 4x8 ft | Laminate substrate, low-cost furniture, dry interiors |
| Baltic birch | 50-65 lb per 5x5 | High | 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 mm | 5x5 ft is common | Drawer boxes, jigs, exposed edges, precision parts |
Library cards
A general-purpose sheet good for cabinet boxes, shelving, shop fixtures, and built-ins. Actual thickness is often slightly under the nominal 3/4 inch.
A dense, smooth, engineered panel that paints well and stays flat, but it is heavy and weak around edges and moisture.
A structural strand panel that works well for hidden construction surfaces and utility shop work, not finished cabinet faces.
A resin-coated panel, often over particle board, that gives a wipeable finished surface for closets and cabinet interiors.
A low-cost composite panel used as a substrate for laminate and furniture parts in dry, low-abuse locations.
A multi-ply birch panel valued for stable cores, clean edges, strong screw holding, and precision work.
Disclaimer
Sheet weights, actual thickness, stock sizes, grades, prices, and availability vary by supplier, region, moisture content, core type, face grade, and manufacturer. Always check the label, measure the real sheet, and confirm current supplier pricing before ordering, lifting, cutting, or quoting a project.