Plywood cases are tougher, lighter and longer-lasting than most crates, and they are priced on how they are built. Here is what moves the price.
By Matthew Bowes, APS Packaging Ltd. Last reviewed 30 October 2026
A plywood case is a box made from plywood panels, either riveted at the corners with steel edging or built on timber frames. It is chosen for small to medium items that need protection from knocks and weather, and for cases that will be used again. The price depends on the size and thickness of the ply, how it is put together, and what goes inside and on the outside.
| Factor | Why it matters | How to keep it down |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Ply comes in 2440 x 1220 mm sheets, so the price steps up when a panel needs a second sheet | Check whether a small change in size keeps each panel within a sheet |
| Ply thickness and grade | Thicker ply costs more, and pine and birch grades cost more than budget poplar ply | Use the thinnest, plainest grade that carries the load |
| Riveted or framed | Riveted cases are quick to build within one sheet; larger cases need timber frames | Keep panels within a sheet if you want a riveted case |
| Lining | Foam on every face is cut for the case | Line only the faces that need it, or use blocking instead |
| Fittings | Handles, catches, hinges and lid stays are bought in and fitted | Specify only the fittings the case needs to do its job |
| Base | Skids or a pallet base for forklift handling add timber | Use a skid base only if the case is too heavy to carry |
| Quantity | Design and set-up are shared across the batch | Order the year’s cases in one or two batches |
Our riveted plywood cases are built from single panels joined with riveted steel edging. Because each wall is one piece of ply, every panel has to fit within a 2440 x 1220 mm sheet. Larger cases are built on timber frames, like a crate, which costs more but has no size limit. If your item is close to the limit, ask us to check before you fix the size.
A case that will be used once can be built as lightly as the journey allows. A returnable case needs thicker ply, tougher corners and fittings that survive being opened and closed many times. It costs more to make, but over a few trips the cost per journey is usually lower than buying a new crate each time.
Tell us too whether the case will come back, and whether it needs handles, a hinged lid or catches.
APS Packaging Ltd
Designs our shock pallet and crate specifications, from the isolator count to the bolt pattern, and wrote our guides on shock protection and ISPM 15.
Riveted ply cases for smaller, reusable loads.
Plywood-clad crates for impact and weather.
Which board to choose, side by side.
The eight things that move a crate price, and how to keep it down.
It depends on the size, ply thickness, construction, lining, fittings and quantity, so each case is priced from its design. Send the size, weight and how often it will be used.
Each panel of a riveted case must fit within a standard 2440 x 1220 mm sheet. Larger cases are built on timber frames instead.
For smaller, high-value or reusable loads, often yes: they are tougher and more weather resistant. For large or heavy items, a framed crate is usually more economical.
Plywood on its own is exempt, but any solid timber in the case, such as frames or skids, is not. We build export cases from heat-treated timber and stamp them FC0542.
Yes. Returnable cases are built with thicker ply, protected corners and durable fittings so they last many trips.
Send the size, weight and use and we will design and price it.
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