What general rule applies to the thickness of plywood and particleboard in cabinet construction?

In cabinet construction, a general rule is that variations in the thickness of plywood and particleboard will not exceed the stated dimensions of a sheet. This means that while there can be slight variations due to manufacturing processes, the thickness should remain within a designated tolerance that does not surpass the dimensions that are marketed. This guideline ensures that builders and carpenters can reliably use these materials, as exceeding the predetermined thickness could lead to significant difficulties in construction and assembly, affecting the overall fit and aesthetics of the cabinetry. The manufacturing standards typically aim for consistency, and providing clear dimensional guidelines helps maintain quality across products.

While it's true that there can be variability in thickness due to factors like production methods or material behavior, the expectation is that these variations remain contained within specified limits, allowing for a smoother construction process and reducing the chance of issues arising during cabinetry assembly or installation.