Plywood Box Orientation

[kclark]

I need to build a plywood box that will be stained and not painted. Should the grain pattern on the box sides be vertical or horizontal? I can see it going either way so I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong here.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

If you were building it out of hardwood, where you had to glue several boards together to make a wide panel, which way would the grain be running? That should answer your question.

 

[Charles Lent]

I prefer that the grain runs the long way in the box dimension. If tall and slender, the grain should run vertical. If wider than tall, the grain should run horizontal. I would make all four (or more) sides with the grain running in the same direction. The top and bottom are of less importance, but I prefer the grain running in the longest dimension.

Charley

 

[Mike Davis]

In plywood the grain runs at ninety degrees to each layer so as far a strength it doesn't matter.

For asthetics just make sure all four sides run the same direction.

 

[Jeff]

I can see it going either way so I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong here.

Correct! It's your preference and your call.