Sports lockers- what’s the difference between plywood and MDF?

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing sports lockers. Sports lockers come in a bunch of different materials- metal, wood, plywood, particle board and many others. The two most common materials for wood lockers are particle board and cabinet grade plywood. Both are made from different types of wood, but the way they are constructed and the materials used in the process can have a significant impact on their quality and durability.

The main difference between the two is their structure. Plywood is made from layers of wood veneers that are glued together with adhesives, while particle board is made from wood particles that are mixed with a strong glue. Plywood has a stronger and more durable structure and is less prone to chipping and breaking compared to particle board. Another consideration is plywood does not require the use of harmful adhesives like formaldehyde, which is often found in particle board construction.

In terms of strength, plywood is the clear winner. Because of its layered design and the adhesives used to bond the veneers together, it is able to withstand more weight and pressure than particle board. Also, plywood is not as susceptible to damage from direct damage, while particle board is more prone to chipping and breaking. Particle board sports lockers are almost impossible to repair while plywood can easily be repaired.

Another important factor to consider is weight. Particle board is way heavier than plywood, which can make it more difficult to handle and move around. The weight of the wood can impact where and how it can be mounted or installed. Plywood is surprisingly lightweight for its strength, and it is only two-thirds the weight of particle board. For environments such a locker room, the moisture will also warp the particle board while the plywood will resist warping.

PlayerStall creates high value, cheap locker that will stand the test of time. Our wooden lockers are made of full 3/4″ cabinet grade plywood and is the perfect addition to any locker room.

Cabinet grade plywood