Materials Guide · Lati Bazar Since 1980
Blockboard Thickness Guide
Which thickness to use for shelves, wardrobes, doors and partitions — a quick reference so you don't over- or under-buy. Explained by Ahmedabad's plywood dealer since 1980.
Matching Thickness to the Job
Blockboard is made in just two standard thicknesses: 19 mm and 25 mm. Its solid wood-strip core needs that depth, so thinner blockboard is not made for furniture work; for anything under 19 mm, use plywood instead (see our plywood thickness guide). Picking between 19 and 25 mm still matters: too thin on a long or heavy part flexes, while 25 mm on a light panel adds cost and weight for no benefit. This page is a quick reference; see our broader blockboard properties guide for the full technical picture. Current rates are on our blockboard price list.
Which Thickness for Which Application
Where 19 mm and 25 mm blockboard are used, and when plywood is the better choice.
Wardrobe Shutters, Panels & Shelves
The everyday blockboard thickness for tall wardrobe shutters, carcass panels, loft bases and shelves up to about 4 ft. Available in MR and BWP pine. See our blockboard for wardrobe guide.
Doors, Long Shelves & Partitions
For door shutters, partition panels, bed bases, study tables and long unsupported shelves that carry heavy loads. Available in MR pine, MR double core and BWP pine. See blockboard for shelves.
Use Plywood Instead
Blockboard is not made in 6, 9, 12 or 16 mm for furniture use. For drawer boxes, back panels, shelves and carcass sides, use 6 mm to 18 mm plywood. See our plywood sizes and thickness chart.
Choose BWP Grade
For kitchens, bathrooms and ground floors, pick BWP blockboard in 19 or 25 mm and seal every edge. Rates: blockboard price list.
Why Thicker Isn't Always Better
It's tempting to default to the thickest available blockboard "to be safe," but this wastes money on parts that don't need it and adds unnecessary weight — a real concern for wardrobe shutters, where extra weight strains hinges over time. Match the thickness to the actual load and span of each specific panel, the same principle covered in our how to choose plywood for interiors framework, which applies equally well to blockboard selection.
More Buying Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of blockboard should be used for a wardrobe?
19mm blockboard is standard for wardrobe shutters, carcass panels and loft bases. It keeps tall shutters straight while staying lighter than 25mm.
What thickness of blockboard is used for doors and partitions?
25mm blockboard is the standard for doors and partition panels, since these carry more structural load and need the extra rigidity of the thicker sheet.
Can thin blockboard be used for shelving?
Blockboard is only made in 19mm and 25mm. 19mm suits normal shelves up to about 4 feet, and 25mm suits long or heavily loaded shelves. For thinner shelves, use 12mm or 18mm plywood with a support every 2 to 3 feet.
What is the thinnest blockboard available?
19mm is the thinnest standard blockboard. Blockboard comes in two thicknesses, 19mm and 25mm; for anything thinner, use plywood.
Does thicker blockboard always mean better quality?
No. Thickness should match the load, not be maximised. 25mm blockboard on a light wardrobe shutter only adds weight and cost, while 19mm on a long, heavily loaded shelf or a main door can flex over time.
Not Sure Which Thickness You Need?
WhatsApp us your application and we'll recommend the right blockboard thickness.