Parents often ask us about the difference between plywood, solid rubberwood, and particle board when choosing furniture for their child. Here are the most common questions, explained simply to help you decide what suits your home.
1. Is plywood strong enough for kids’ furniture?
Yes. Good-quality plywood is very strong because each layer is glued in a cross-grain pattern.
This makes the panel stable, durable, and able to hold weight from different directions - perfect for shelves, beds, and play furniture.
2. Is solid rubberwood better than plywood?
Both are strong and reliable, but in different ways:
- Solid rubberwood is very strong along the grain and gives a premium natural-wood look.
- Plywood is strong in all directions.
For kids’ furniture, both perform extremely well. The choice depends on whether you prefer a natural solid-wood appearance or a plywood finish, where you will be able to see the layers of the wood at the side.
3. Why do some brands use particle board?
Particle board is the cheapest to produce. It is fine for decorative or temporary furniture but not recommended for pieces kids will climb, push, or use daily.
It is weaker, absorbs moisture easily, and has a shorter lifespan.
At Unicraft & Decor, we do not use particle board for our kids’ furniture due to safety and durability concerns.
4. Which material lasts the longest?
- Solid rubberwood: Very long lifespan, can be sanded or refinished.
- Plywood: Long lifespan and very stable structure.
- Particle board: Short lifespan; screws loosen over time.
Plywood and rubberwood are both excellent for long-term use, especially in Malaysian and Singaporean humidity.
5. What about safety? Which one is safest?
Safety depends on construction quality, not just the material.
However, plywood and solid rubberwood are both strong, stable, and suitable for children’s furniture when properly designed.
Particle board is the least safe for heavy loads or climbing due to its lower structural strength.
6. Which material is easier to maintain?
Both plywood and solid rubberwood require only simple dusting and wiping.
7. So which should I choose for my child’s room?
Choose solid rubberwood if you love the feel of natural timber and premium finishing.
Choose plywood if you want strong, stable panels and can accept the layers of wood at the side.
Both are excellent, long-lasting choices.
