[wilschroter]

Working on a large master closet for a luxury home and debating using Plywood vs. Poplar for the carcass construction.

Both will achieve about the same look after an espresso stain and clear coat, so it's not an aesthetic decision. But plywood seems to be more stable and consistent. I've built closets out of poplar and enjoy working with it, but it's also 4x the price when finished from my supplier.

I don't intend on doing any sanding so the veneer is not an issue.

Any good reasons to use one or the other?

 

[Lazyman]

If you are going to be gluing up panels, you probably need to consider your time in the cost equation as well. Not just the glue up but also any glue clean up and possibly dealing with any joints that do not quite line up as well. If it takes you a day to prep any panels for example does the price tag on the plywood really look so bad.

I guess another thing to consider is the grain pattern and appearance. Plywood veneer will have a different look than boards depending upon how the veneer is cut (peeled vs sliced for example) and the stain may accentuate the difference.

 

[jayseedub]

I'd do plywood. Stability (shrinkage/expansion) isn't a big deal in your scenario, but it's entirely a non-issue with plywood, your costs will be lower, your labor will be lower (except for edge-banding the plywood) and it' just the "right" thing to do (probably even ecologically, if that matters). No risk of glue-joints failing in the middle of a closet panel, too. The biggest issue could be selling "plywood" to a luxury client. I usually frame this in terms of calling it "engineered" materials and the ecological lower-impact and people appreciate that.

You'll have lots of nice grain choices in plywood (which could jack up price, but....) even if you're painting it--some clients like to see a certain grain pattern even under the paint/stain.