Hi J,
Of ply you can get 'Poplar' and 'Birch' in lightweight...I think the Poplar being lightest.
Personally I really like the look of ply end grain when worked neatly
My units are all mainly birch carcasses, for the weight benefit (with a combination of Oak and Ice white Formica veneer)
Not sure if that's of any use but felt the need to post
Stay cool bud
Lx