In current research the optimum cross section configurations leading to best weight versus stiffness ratio`s have been evaluated for plywood sandwich panels. Mechanical behaviour of plywood sandwich panels with corrugated and rib stiffened cores has been modelled using parametrical finite element code ANSYS. Initially the numerical model has been verified against experimental bending tests. Good agreement between experimental and numerical deflection results was found. Employing metamodelling technique a significant improvement in weight efficiency of the the initial prototypes has been achieved. It has been demonstrated that at certain configurations of variables a volume of the panel has been reduced up to 50 %, at the same time ensuring the initial stiffness of conventional plywood board. Based on Pareto optimality principle a general methodology for assessment of efficient design for plywood sandwich panels has been developed.