Plywood or HDMR – Which is Better and Why?

(For normal people who don’t want fancy words)

Confused what to use? You are not alone

Lot of customers who come to our shop in Ashapur ask – “Should I go for HDMR board or plywood?” Some say carpenter told them HDMR is better. Some say plywood is strong. Truth is – both are used for making furniture and panels, but it depends where you are using and how long you want it to last.

Let’s break it in simple words. No technical headache.

First – What is plywood?

Plywood is made by pressing thin wood sheets (called veneers) one above other. Then glue is applied and pressed under heat. That’s why it's strong in all directions. There are many types – MR (Moisture Resistant), BWR (Boiling Water Resistant), Marine, and so on.

You can use plywood for: (Basically everthing)

• Kitchen cabinet

• Wardrobe

• Bed frame

• Sofa frame

• Flush door

• TV unit

Plywood is strong, lasts long, and carpenters trust it more. But it needs edge banding, polishing, or laminate on top.

Now – What is HDMR?

HDMR stands for High Density Moisture Resistant board. It is made by crushing wood into powder (fibre) basically a byproduct while making plywood, mixing with glue and other stuff, and making into one big solid board. It looks flat and smooth. It’s like MDF but stronger and can handle some moisture also.

You can use HDMR for:

• Modular kitchen panels

• Ready-made wardrobes

• CNC cutting designs

• Painted finish furniture

HDMR is used more in modular furniture factories. It is easy to cut with machine and gives smooth paint finish. But it's not as strong as plywood in heavy load use.

So which is better?

Let’s talk point by point. You decide what fits you.

Feature Plywood HDMR Strength Very strong Medium strong Water Resistance Good (BWR/Marine) Okay (only MR level) Termite Safety Yes, if branded Yes, but depends on make Screw Holding Strong Weak if over-used Painting Finish Needs laminate Paint direct on HDMR possible Machine Cut Finish Not so smooth Very smooth Cost Little high Cheaper than plywood Weight Light Heavier Where to Use Kitchen, sofa, bed, door Wall panels, wardrobe shutter, painted units

What we see in Varanasi customers

In Ashapur, Pandeypur, Sarnath side, most home owners still go for plywood, especially Motion Ply and Black Horse, because:

• Carpenters recommend it

• It handles weather change

• If door slams or kids jump, no crack

• Easy to put screw and hinges

But for office furniture, modular wardrobe, or CNC cut panels, people ask for HDMR board. Looks neat, less work in finishing. Many factory-made cupboards now come in HDMR.

Big problem with HDMR

Many people don’t know, HDMR is not good for heavy water. If there’s leakage or bathroom moisture, HDMR can swell. It’s better than MDF, yes, but not like marine plywood. Also, once HDMR breaks from inside, repair is not easy.

In one case, a family in Shivpur made kitchen with HDMR, and tap was leaking inside cabinet. After 3 months, board got puffy and soft. They had to replace 2 full shutters.

So always check where you using.

Is price difference big?

Yes and no. HDMR board price is lower than branded plywood. But good HDMR (Greenpanel, Century) is almost same as medium quality ply.

But remember – HDMR needs less finishing work. No edge tape sometimes. No laminate if painting. So labour cost comes down.

Our Opinion (as seller)

We are plywood and HDMR seller in Varanasi. We keep both. But still, we tell customers truth:

• For long-term, go for plywood

• For neat paint finish, use HDMR

• For kitchen under-sink or near washbasin, never use HDMR

• For TV panel or wardrobe shutter, HDMR works fine

Many times people buy HDMR thinking it's better than plywood – not true. They both have different purpose.

Final Words

Before you buy, keep in mind carpenter mostly suggest HDMR because of simple reaason that they are soft to cu and then dnt require lamination on one side atleast, so although they take contract of fixed sum but they want to ease there work

We are here at Pashupati Trading Agency, Ashapur. If you want to see both, we will show you side by side.

Still confused between plywood or HDMR?
Just visit once. You'll see difference with your own eyes.