Which wood panel is the strongest?

Solid wood remains the strongest type of panel, followed by plywood, multilayer panels, and OSB. The strength mainly depends on the wood species used and the panel's thickness.

Solid wood panels offer the best mechanical strength due to their uniform structure. Among the most robust wood species:

  • Oak: excellent resistance to impact and wear
  • Beech: very dense, ideal for heavy loads
  • Ash: high flexibility and strength

Plywood and multilayer panels also provide good strength thanks to their cross-laminated plies that distribute stress. OSB is an economical alternative with decent resistance for interior projects.

Strength directly affects the price, which varies depending on the species, thickness, dimensions, and chosen finish. For interior use, choose a thickness suited to your application: shelves, countertops, or partitions.