Why Are Plywood Panels Unavailable in Certain Wood Types?
Discover why some wood types don’t have plywood panels and what to consider before your next cabinet door project.
You’re here because your cabinet door supplier has just told you that plywood panels aren’t available for your order. Why is this the case? Suddenly, your project budget just ballooned, and now you’re scrambling for alternatives. You may be asking yourself: Why don’t they make plywood panels in every wood type? Is this a supply issue or related to the wood itself? How can I predict which wood types will cause problems in the future?
At Cutting Edge, we’ve built custom cabinet doors for over 20 years. Each year, we produce thousands of cabinet doors with plywood panels. We’ve seen firsthand why some wood types aren’t available in a plywood format, and we know how frustrating it can be when that impacts your job. We’ve worked with countless contractors to navigate these challenges without missing install deadlines.
By the end of this article, you’ll know why some wood types lack plywood options and how to spot these issues before they derail your project.
Plywood Panels Aren’t Available in All Wood Types
Plywood panels are the go-to choice in cabinetry for a reason. They’re more stable than solid wood, less prone to warping, and often more cost-effective. But despite their popularity, not every wood species is available in a plywood format.
So why is this a problem for you? If you’ve already committed to a specific wood for a client and find out mid-project that there’s no plywood option, you’re facing two choices:
- Switching to solid panels in the same wood
- Changing the wood type entirely
By understanding the factors that limit plywood availability, you can predict these problems before you quote the job and avoid budget blowouts or missed deadlines.
There are three main reasons a wood type may not have plywood panels:
Unpopular Wood Types Are Less Likely to Have Plywood Panels
In plywood production, demand drives the availability. Mills and suppliers focus on the species that sell the most, such as Maple, Hickory, and Red Oak, because those orders keep the machines running.
- Low demand = no production. If a wood type is rarely used for cabinetry or furniture, there’s no financial incentive for suppliers to produce plywood from it.
- Storage costs. Stocking less common species ties up valuable warehouse space and cash flow.
- Changing trends: A wood that was popular a decade ago may no longer justify production today.
For example, Birch plywood is harder to find in some markets because while it’s attractive, it’s not a top seller for most cabinet applications.
Contractor takeaway: If your client wants an unusual wood, ask about plywood availability before finalizing your estimate.
Rare Wood Types Rarely Have Plywood Panels
Some species are so scarce that plywood production isn’t practical. Exotic or protected woods often fall into this category.
- Sourcing issues. Woods like Zebrawood or Wenge are only available from specific regions, making supply unreliable.
- Legal restrictions. Certain species are subject to CITES regulations or other trade laws that limit export.
- Price barriers. Even if you can source veneer sheets, the cost of producing a small batch of plywood is often prohibitive.
Contractor takeaway: Rare woods almost always mean solid panels. Set this expectation early with your clients to avoid sticker shock.
Brittle or Inflexible Wood Types May Not Have Plywood Panels
Plywood is made by slicing wood into thin veneers and gluing them to a low-cost core under heat and pressure. Some wood types can’t handle this process.
- Splintering risk. Brittle species often crack or chip during slicing.
- Bonding challenges: Oily or resinous woods may resist adhesives, leading to delamination.
Contractor takeaway: If you’re working with brittle, oily or inflexible wood, expect to order solid panels instead of plywood.
How to Avoid Surprises If Plywood Panels Aren’t Available
Preventing plywood panel problems comes down to knowing what’s available before you commit. A few proactive steps can keep your projects on track and your clients happy.
1. Confirm Availability and Lead Times Before You Quote
Check with your supplier to confirm plywood availability for the exact species you’re quoting. Ask about lead times and pricing at the same time. Some options may exist but require long waits or higher costs.
2. Have Backup Options Ready
If a wood type isn’t available in plywood, suggest similar species or veneers that can achieve the same look. Present these early so clients can make an informed choice without delays.
3. Work with Proactive Suppliers and Set Expectations Early
Choose suppliers who flag plywood limitations up-front and help you find alternatives. Build this conversation into your sales process so clients understand that not all woods have plywood options. This positions you as the expert and avoids last-minute changes.
When you take these steps, plywood panel surprises stop being a project-ending problem and start becoming just another part of the planning process. With the right supplier and the right prep work, you can navigate these limitations smoothly and keep your jobs on time, on budget, and stress-free.
But if you’re already facing this issue on a current project, you need more than prevention. You need clear answers and quick solutions to keep your schedule and your client’s trust intact.
So, What Are Your Options If Plywood Panels Aren’t Available?
You came here because your supplier told you plywood panels weren’t available, and now your project feels like it’s on shaky ground. Deadlines are closing in, budgets are tightening, and your client still expects the result you promised. That’s the reality when certain wood types can’t be made into plywood. Low demand, rarity, brittleness, and production limits can turn a simple order into a stressful scramble for alternatives.
The good news is, you don’t have to stay stuck. There are practical ways to keep your project on track without sacrificing quality or client satisfaction, but the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and design needs. Learn what your options are when plywood panels are unavailable so you can choose the solution that works best for your next project.
