Wood Thickness

[Tommy TBones]

I'm building a TV/Entertainment Stand which will double as an indoor Greenhouse and its 85% complete. I need to add a back and I'm going to use sanded plywood instead of Oak, no big deal although I have a question to the thickness of the back panel. Most of the stand is made up of 3/4" Oak and the pocket holes will be in the 3/4" and the question I have can I use 1/4" if that is the wood that I'm screwing in to? and if the answer is yes what length screw should I use?

TBones

[KregRep]

The typical rule is as follows: Set your Kreg Jig® for the thickness of material you are drilling the pocket hole in. Then, choose screw size based on thickness of the mating piece the screw will be entering in to. For 3/4" material, we recommend using 1 1/4" screws. Be sure to set your jig and drill bit for 3/4" material as well. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Technical Support directly at 800-447-8638 or [e-mail]

[Ronda McElroy]

I use 1/4" sanded ply for the backs of things quite often.  Generally I will leave a rabbet edge 1/4" around where it will go and use glue and nails. This way you can "sink it in" to be flush with the back of the "real wood" and won't have an ugly edge of plywood hanging out the back.

If you are set on screws, I use 3/4" #8 cabinet screws by pre-drilling through the ply and into the frame.