This is one of those questions that seems simple, but the answer really depends on what you’re building and which scale you’re working in. Here’s a practical breakdown that works well for most dollhouse projects.
Most commonly used plywood thicknesses for dollhouses
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3 mm (1/8 inch)
Ideal for walls, floors, roofs, and lightweight room boxes.
Easy to cut and very popular for 1:12 dollhouses and laser-cut kits. -
5–6 mm (3/16–1/4 inch)
Best for structural parts: bases, load-bearing walls, stair supports.
Stronger, less warping, but slightly heavier. -
9–12 mm (3/8–1/2 inch)
Mostly used for bases or large display platforms.
Usually too thick for visible walls unless you’re building very large houses.
For miniature furniture
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1.5–3 mm plywood works well for cabinets, tables, beds, and shelving.
Thinner plywood keeps furniture looking more in scale.
Scale matters
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1:12 scale → 3 mm is the sweet spot for walls
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1:24 or smaller → 1.5–2 mm looks more realistic
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Large or play-scale houses → 5–6 mm for durability
Practical tip
If you’re unsure, combine thicknesses:
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thinner plywood for visible walls and details
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thicker plywood underneath for strength and stability
Happy crafting!
Lizzy
