Although I will always favor solid wood (I'm currently in my home office, admiring the DIY solid walnut desk), plywood has a special place in my heart. It's affordable, versatile and comes in gorgeous veneers ranging from walnut to knotty pine. If you're looking for inspiration, here's a list of 15 modern plywood DIY projects - including some of our favorite plywood projects, from the Dans le Lakehouse archives.
Easy DIY Plywood Counter Top
How gorgeous is this plywood counter top? It's such a perfect choice for a laundry room, where not everyone can - or wants to - drop major coin on a solid surface counter. It was made for under $100! Seeing this project makes me really antsy to renovate our laundry room (not that hiding it with a curtain didn't do the trick for now!) In the meantime, I did pick up a little inspiration from this boho laundry room and add a wicker laundry basket to mine.
Quirky DIY Plywood Wall Art
This unusual wall art is the perfect way to put plywood scraps to good use! The different shapes and stains add a lot of interest and warmth to an otherwise minimalist white wall.
Clever DIY Plywood Day Bed with Storage
How cute is this plywood day bed? I love that it boasts hidden storage inside - that's so practical for smaller spaces and guest rooms.
Our Gorgeous DIY Walnut Plywood Bed
You knew I'd include our recent DIY bed on this list! Even though not everyone can whip up those welded legs (you can buy some that are kind of similar), the frame is SO easy. Imagine it with mid-century modern legs...these sturdy hairpin legs might work.
Inexpensive DIY Plywood Credenza Top
Our plywood topped fauxdenza is still going strong even though the whole credenza was fairly inexpensive. I would have loved to have splurged on a slab of live edge, exotic purpleheart wood that I spotted while we were shopping for supplies, but plywood fit into our budget so much easier!
Practical DIY Plywood Storage Bench
An unused wall was packed with function thanks to this DIY storage cubby meets bench. What a great multi-function project.
Turquoise Painted DIY Plywood Magazine Storage
A white wash finish really brought out the grain on our DIY magazine holders - but the turquoise interior is really what makes me smile! This was such a practical project and they still have pride of place on my Expedit in the office.
Versatile DIY Plywood Desk on Hairpin Legs
This DIY plywood desk has a secret: it's transformable and can adapt to different tasks. Such a great idea for a hardworking space. Plus I'm drooling over the idea of mint hairpin legs! Why do hairpin legs just look SO GOOD with plywood projects?
Handy DIY Walnut Plywood Storage Bins with Lid
I am still so smitten with these walnut plywood storage bins build we made - they are great for stashing stuff in our otherwise storage-less bedside tables. Plus now they complement our walnut bed!
Minimalist DIY Plywood Side Table
This plywood side table on - you guessed it: black hairpin legs - is such an easy beginner project. It's simple and straightforward to make but looks so modern and chic. I'm also loving those casual eucalyptus branches. I tried to grow a eucalyptus plant inside during the fall, but it withered and died - dried eucalyptus might be more my speed.
Mid Century Modern Inspired DIY Plywood Bench
Check out how slick this DIY plywood bench looks - but it's such a simple project as well. The glam gold legs are the perfect finishing touch - these mini hairpin legs or these walnut ones would be cute too.
DIY Plywood Outdoor Sofa
This plywood project takes the cake! Hubby and I have wanted an outdoor sofa for the deck but outdoor furniture is pricey. I don't know if we'll have time this summer, but I love the idea of just making something. I already found the perfect turquoise sunbrella outdoor pillows, so I'm extra motivated!
Simple DIY Plywood Dog Bowl Stand
Both of Szuka's raised dog bowl stands were made with leftover plywood and hairpin legs. Those hairpin legs make a simple design look so retro.
DIY Plywood Necklace Display
Another great beginner woodworking project - or the perfect way to use up scraps - this triangle jewelry stand beautifully displays necklaces. Why not turn those pretty baubles into art?
DIY Plywood Peg Wall
The plywood peg wall featured below was shared on Apartment Therapy and it got me thinking that a plywood peg wall might be a fun project for the "fish room" (what I hope to turn into my craft room - see the house tour for photos). Here's a great tutorial, if you're thinking you could use a pretty peg wall somewhere too.
If you're going to try any of these DIY plywood projects, skip the home improvement stores. I hate seeing a great DIY project marred by construction grade plywood. Head to a local lumber yard instead, where you will find a bevy of gorgeous wood grains. My local Windsor Plywood stocks so many gorgeous veneered plywood varieties, including teak, walnut, maple, oak, and cherry. If you absolutely cannot find any locally, you can always order sheets of specialty plywoods like walnut online, which certainly adds to the price but sometimes it's the best option! For the edges, I prefer to edge band my plywood with matching edge band but I think these examples demonstrate that it can look good raw, too.
Have I missed a favorite plywood project? Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Check out my Pinterest board devoted to DIY furniture for more ideas and inspiration!