Materials
Plywood, pine, beech and what each is for
Most wooden puzzles are plywood. The exceptions are worth knowing.
Plywood
Birch or basswood plywood is the default for flat puzzles: stable, light, printable and consistent in thickness. It does not warp like solid timber when a room changes humidity, which matters for a board that lives on a shelf.
Solid timber
Pine and beech are used for chunky pieces, knobs, stands and 3D sets where a solid section is needed. Beech is harder and takes a cleaner thread or pin; pine is lighter and cheaper.
Finish
Water-based paint and UV-cured print. Both are tested to EN71-3 migration limits. We do not use solvent-based lacquer on children's puzzles.