DIY ware boards & wedging board

Total newbie here.

I'd like to make my own ware boards and a wedging board.

I've got all the materials in the garage already - I plan to make the wedging board from plywood and canvas. Should I do the same for my ware boards (just smaller, obviously), or is it better to use drywall? Drywall would be easier, since I don't need canvas. But the local studio I take classes at uses plywood with canvas for their ware boards. Maybe this is just for durability.

Thoughts?