If you’re gearing up for a woodworking project and money’s tight, you’re probably wondering how much a sheet of plywood is going to set you back. Don’t worry—I’ve done the legwork and gathered some pricing info to help you pick the right plywood sheet for your budget.
What is the Average Cost of Plywood?
Plywood prices might vary greatly due to factors. Plywood is available in various grades and thicknesses, from heavy planks to thin sheets.
Depending on the size you require, the price will vary. But on average, a plywood sheet can cost anywhere from $12 to $55, while thicker kinds of plywood can cost up to $120.
Standard Sizes of Plywood and Their Average Cost
4x8
A 4×8 sheet with 1/4-inch thickness can cost anything between $6 to $45. A sheet with an 11/32-inch thickness might cost somewhere between $15 to $120.
2x2
A 2×2 sheet of plywood with 1/4-inch thickness costs around $5 to $31 but may cost more depending on the wood and thickness.
2x4
The average cost of a 2×4 plywood sheet with a common thickness of 1/4 inch is between $17 to $36.
See Also: How Many 2×4 in a Bundle?
4x4
Depending on the wood and thickness, a 4×4 plywood sheet may cost around $11 to $39.
Price Estimates of Different Plywood Sizes
Type | Size | Thickness (Inches) | Price |
Oak Plywood | 4×8 | 1/4 | $26 |
Sanded BC Pine | 4×8 | 1/4 | $13.50 |
Birch 3 ply | 4×8 | 1/2 | $42 |
Sanded Maple | 4×8 | 3/4 | $70 |
Sanded Cherry | 4×8 | 3/4 | $75 |
Thickness (Inches) | Estimated Price (4×8 sheets) |
1/2 | $6 to $11 |
1/4 | $6 to $25 |
23/32 | $15 to $40 |
19/32 | $10 to $20 |
15/32 | $15 to $35 |
11/32 | $7 to $14 |
7/16 | $5 to $10 |
19/32 | $7 to $14 |
15/32 | $10 to $18 |
More About Plywood
If you’re into woodworking, you’ll appreciate that plywood is crafted by bonding thin layers of veneers together. One of its perks is the medium density, which means you’re less likely to see it split when you’re nailing along the edges.
And let me tell you, compared to other options out there, plywood does a great job at resisting expansion and contraction. That makes it a stable and long-lasting choice for various projects.
Plywood is a long-lasting product used in various applications, including interior design, packaging, and furniture manufacturing. Depending on its intended function, you can use plywood for various things, such as woodworking, construction, or even aviation [1].
Contributing Factors to the Price of Plywood
Sheet Size
The price of a 2 × 4-foot sheet of plywood is nearly double that of a 4 × 8-foot sheet. In general, the more you buy, the more it costs. Thus, the sheet size you need will significantly impact the price of the plywood you want to buy. The price of the plywood sheet increases linearly with its size.
Thickness
Generally, thicker plywood is of a greater grade and more durable than thin types of plywood sheets. In this case, the more expensive it is, the better the quality.
Plywood sheets range from 11/32 inch thin to 1/2 inch thick and beyond. Plywood with a greater thickness contains more components, so the price will naturally rise.
Grade
In my opinion, the A-grade sheet is undoubtedly the top choice for construction projects. Not only does it boast exceptional durability, but it also showcases a remarkably polished appearance, making it ideal for both interior and exterior design applications.
Moreover, its smooth surface readily accepts paint, allowing for versatile customization options.
Plywood sheets of a lower grade would likely have several knots or holes, rendering them practically unsafe and visually unattractive. Better quality plywood has a uniform composition, meaning it is free of these holes and knots and is stronger and more attractive.
Plywood grade is another important determinant of a plywood sheet’s value. There are several different quality levels or grades, and the density is one of the most noticeable distinctions between them.
Type and Wood Species
There are several plywood varieties available in the market. It’s estimated that over 20 distinct types are constructed from softwood or hardwood. Aircraft plywood, for example, is by far the most costly and long-lasting type available.
Understanding the differences between softwood sheets and hardwood sheets is also important.
Hardwood is naturally superior because it is water-resistant, dense, and more durable than softwood. Hardwood sheets, in contrast to their softwood counterpart, is much more expensive.
Supplier and Order Quantity
I don’t recommend buying plywood from the first store you discover selling it. It’s wise to gather multiple price quotes to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective option available.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to inquire about potential volume discounts if you’re planning to buy in larger quantities. This approach can help you make a more informed and economical decision.
Quantity discounts make it worthwhile to consider making bulk purchases rather than smaller increments.
Plywood prices might vary widely depending on where you make your purchase. For example, the price of plywood sheets purchased from a posh urban hardware shop will be far higher than if purchased from a rural mill or factory.
Market
The demand and supply, as well as the level of competition, will always impact pricing. In addition, the pace at which a tree grows, the weather condition, and the amount of lumber that can be harvested will have to affect the price.
Plywood prices may also be impacted by other variables that are unrelated to the material itself, like the state of the industry or economy.
Additional Costs
Sanded plywood made from alternative wood sources typically comes at a premium, costing approximately 30% more than raw plywood sheets. For example, wood varieties such as Birch, Fir, and Oak often carry a higher price tag compared to standard plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
This price difference reflects the quality and unique characteristics of these wood types, which can be important factors to consider when selecting the right material for your project.
Retailers often stock between 3 and 5 kinds of plywood, so if you need a certain kind of sheet and your retail outlet doesn’t have it in stock, they may have you pay more to have it specially ordered.
Furthermore, most retailers can bring the sheets to your worksite for an additional fee if you don’t have your means of transportation.
Tips on Saving When Buying Plywood
Plywood comes in such wide varieties that it might be difficult to choose. When shopping for sheets of plywood, it’s important to know how you’ll use it for indoor or outdoor projects.
Plan your projects carefully to minimize waste and optimize the usage of plywood sheets. Accurate measurements, efficient cutting layouts, and careful consideration of project requirements can help reduce the number of sheets needed, saving you money.
Since many local staff may not have all the necessary information, I highly recommend conducting as much research as possible online before contacting them is best.
If you think your budget won’t be enough for the costs, you might want to check out these cheap alternatives to plywood that you can use.
Conclusion
Now that you know how much is a sheet of plywood, you can start looking what your project needs and if your budget allows it. Since not all plywood is the same, selecting the right kind, thickness, and dimension for the task at hand is important rather than focusing on just the cost.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
