How much does a sheet of plywood cost?

A standard 4×8 sheet of plywood costs $30–$80 in 2026, depending on grade, thickness, and type. Basic CDX sheathing plywood runs $30–$50 per sheet, while sanded BC or AC plywood runs $50–$80. Specialty sheets (Baltic birch, marine-grade, hardwood-faced) range from $80 to $200+ per sheet. Prices fluctuate with lumber market conditions and vary by region — call your local supplier for current rates before finalizing your estimate.

What's the difference between plywood and OSB?

Plywood is made from cross-laminated wood veneers; OSB (oriented strand board) is made from compressed wood strands and adhesive. OSB is typically 10–20% cheaper than plywood and works well for sheathing, subfloors, and roof decking. Plywood holds up better to moisture, is lighter, and accepts fasteners more reliably near edges. Most contractors use OSB for budget-driven sheathing and plywood where moisture exposure, finish quality, or fastener strength matters.

How much does a 4x8 sheet of plywood weigh?

A 4×8 sheet of 1/2-inch plywood weighs about 40–48 pounds. 3/4-inch plywood weighs 60–70 pounds per sheet, and 1/4-inch weighs roughly 22 pounds. Hardwood plywoods (oak, maple, birch) weigh more than softwood plywoods (pine, fir) at the same thickness. Pressure-treated plywood is heavier still — 60–80 pounds for a 3/4-inch sheet — because it retains moisture from the treatment process.

What is CDX plywood used for?

CDX plywood is used for structural applications where appearance doesn’t matter, including roof decking, wall sheathing, and subflooring. The “C” and “D” refer to the veneer grades on each face (one C-grade side, one D-grade side), and the “X” indicates exterior-grade glue that withstands moisture during construction. CDX is not rated for permanent exterior exposure — it’s designed to handle weather during the build, not afterward.

Can plywood be used outdoors?

Only exterior-grade and marine-grade plywoods are suitable for outdoor use. Interior plywood will delaminate within months of weather exposure because the glue isn’t waterproof. Pressure-treated plywood resists rot and insects for ground-contact and exterior applications. Marine-grade plywood is the most water-resistant option but costs 3–4x more than standard exterior plywood — overkill for most projects unless you’re building boats or docks.

How do you cut plywood without splintering?

To minimize splintering, score the cut line with a utility knife first, use a fine-tooth blade (40+ teeth on a circular saw, 60+ on a miter saw), and cut with the good side down when using a circular saw or with the good side up when using a table saw. Apply painter’s tape over the cut line for an extra clean edge on visible surfaces. A plywood-specific blade or zero-clearance insert produces the cleanest cuts on finish-grade sheets.

What thickness of plywood do I need for subflooring?

Standard subfloor thickness is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood for joists spaced 16 inches on-center, or 7/8-inch to 1-1/8-inch for 24-inch on-center joist spacing. Tile and stone floors typically require an additional 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch underlayment over the subfloor. Always verify against the IRC and your local code — minimum thickness depends on joist spacing, span, and the finish flooring being installed above.

Construction Measurements

Plywood Calculator

Quickly determine the quantity of plywood sheets and the total cost required for a project.

This plywood calculator is designed to help general contractors, home builders, and remodelers quickly calculate how many sheets of plywood are needed based on square footage and a set percentage of waste. The calculator also helps determine a total cost based on a specified price per sheet and sheets required. Download a copy of our free plywood calculator for contractors and use it on the go!

What is Plywood

Plywood is a wood product created by gluing together several thin layers, or “plies,” of wood veneer. The layers are put together with their grain running perpendicular to the layers it’s combined with, significantly increasing the strength and durability of the finished sheet. This process makes plywood a great material for a wide range of projects, from walls and flooring to furniture and general construction projects. Plywood is know for its ability to withstand bending, cracking, splitting, and warping making it a popular material for general contractors, home builders, and remodelers.

What are the different grades of plywood and how is it determined?

Plywood is graded on a range from A (the highest quality) to D (the lowest quality), based on the plywood’s veneer quality. `Grade A` plywood is smooth and free from defects, making it most suitable for higher end projects, such as furniture and cabinets. In contrast, `Grade D` plywood could be very rough, have visible imperfections or knots, making it better for projects where appearance is not important, such as a flooring base. The grading is based on the top and bottom layers of the plywood sheet. Some plywood, such as CDX plywood, is made intentionally with different grades on each side. The top may have a C grade, while the bottom would have a D grade, designed with the intent to be used in construction projects (and to be less expensive).

What are the standard sizes and thicknesses of plywood?

The most common sheet size for plywood is 4 x 8 (4 feet by 8 feet). This is a common size for construction materials in general due to its surface area and ease of transporting. While that’s the standard size, plywood sheets can be found in other sizes as well based on its intended use. For example, you may find a higher grade sheet that’s 5 x 5 that’s intended to be used for cabinetry and furniture.

The thickness of plywood sheets can vary as well depending on the intended application. Some examples include:

For Roofing: 3/8” to 5/8” plywood is commonly used.
For Flooring: 1/2″ to 3/4″ to support load-bearing applications.
For Walls: 1/4″ to 1/2″ provides adequate support.

Plywood calculation formula

To determine how many plywood sheets your project requires, follow these simple steps:

1. Measure the Project Area

Measure the length and width (in feet) of the area where the plywood will be installed.

Multiply these dimensions to calculate the total square footage.

Square Footage= Length × Width

2. Calculate Base Number of Sheets

Divide the total square footage by the size of one plywood sheet.

A standard 4′ × 8′ sheet covers:

4 × 8 = 32 square feet

Sheets Needed = Total Square Footage/32

This gives you the minimum number of sheets required without accounting for waste.

3. Add a Waste Percentage

It’s recommended to include extra material for cuts, mistakes, or unusable scraps.

A 10% waste factor is common for many projects.

To calculate waste:

Waste Area = Total Square Footage × Waste Percentage

Add this to your original square footage:

Adjusted Square Footage = Original Area + Waste Area

Example Calculation:

Project Area = 300 sq ft

Waste Percentage = 10%

300 × 0.10 = 30 sq ft (waste)

300 + 30 = 330 sq ft (adjusted)

330/32 = 10.31 sheets ≈ 11 sheets

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