If you do not know the weight of a sheet of plywood, it can lead to several potential issues, such as difficulty in transportation and safety hazards.
So how much does a sheet of plywood weigh? To save you hours of research, I will share everything you need to know about plywood weights.
Importance of Identifying the Weight of Plywood
Not all plywood sheets weigh the same, so understanding how much ply sheets weigh is useful for moving the material to the job site or from the ground to the roof.
One lesson I’ve picked up is that calculating the weight of plywood you’re going to carry can save you a lot of hassle, especially if you’re planning to transport it in your pickup truck. It’s also useful for figuring out how much weight you’ll carry if you want to use a ladder for transporting plywood to the roof.
Sheathing for the roof and subfloors are both commonly made of ply sheets. Both of these buildings have framing that can only carry so much weight. Overloading a frame’s bearing capacity can result in catastrophic structural failure.
If you know how much plywood weighs, you can figure out how much that sheathing or flooring weighs, which can help you figure out the weight your framing can support.
Factors Affecting Plywood Weight
Size
Since not all plywood is the same, the size of a piece is the best predictor of its weight. Plywood is often sold in sheets 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, but smaller sizes are also available.
You can easily find the weight of plywood online, but you may need to figure out the weight of an irregularly shaped sheet occasionally.
Depending on the plywood’s thickness and type, the best method of pricing this project is by the square foot. Listed below are hardwood and softwood plywood densities, expressed in pounds per square foot.
Use the weights per square foot to figure out the overall weight.
Thickness
Plywood’s overall thickness is determined by the number of plies used to construct it.
Keep in mind that not all plywoods with the same thickness have the same amount of plies. For instance, the number of plies in a 3/4-inch sheet might range from 6 to 12, depending on its grade.
Plywood with the same measurements and wood type will weigh roughly the same regardless of the number of plies.
Half an inch of softwood plywood sheet, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet, will weigh around 40 pounds, while the same breadth of hardwood sheet, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet, will weigh around 45 pounds.
Also popular is a thickness of 3/4 inches, which results in a sheet of softwood plywood weighing around 60 pounds and a sheet of hardwood plywood weighing around 68 pounds. Sheets of thin 1/4-inch softwood plywood typically weigh 22 pounds, and thick hardwood ply sheets from 25 pounds.
You can also determine the weight of plywood by using the standard equation used by the American Plywood Association. The APA recommends that a softwood plywood sheet weigh roughly 3 pounds per square foot for every inch of thickness.
It’s important to remember that this formula considers actual thickness. In most cases, I’ve observed that a sheet may lose approximately 1/64 of an inch if it undergoes a sanding process.
Density
Hardwood and softwood, for example, don’t only have a significant weight difference but also distinct weights. Even though two sheets have the same total weight, the density of the wood might vary greatly from species to species.
Selecting the correct plywood is not as simple as it may first appear. However, even if the measurements of two sheets of plywood are identical, their densities may vary, leading to significant differences in the actual weight.
| Wood Species | Density (Metric) | Density (Imperial) |
| Softwood plywood | 500-650 kg/m3 | 16.02 lb/ft3 |
| Hardwood Plywood | 700 kg/m3 | lb/ft3 |
| Baltic Birch | 670 kg/m3 | 41.8 lb/ft3 |
| Marine Plywood | 560 kg/m3 | 34.96 lb/ft3 |
| Pressure-Treated wood | 722 kg/m3 | 45.07 lb/ft3 |
Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood
Determining how much a sheet of plywood weighs depend on more than just its dimensions and thickness. If you’ve ever hauled plywood for a roofing or subflooring project, then you know what I’m talking about.
Roofing sheathing and subflooring are two of the most prevalent structural uses for wood, and both of them are best accomplished with softwood, the most common form of hardwood.
Hardwood plywood is typically used for furniture making and other high-finish carpentry projects.
A softwood sheet is less dense than hardwood, making it lighter than hardwoods like birch and oak plywood. Softwood includes coniferous trees like spruce, pine, and fir. Spruce plywood weighs approximately 18 kg.
Hardwood sheets typically weigh 10 to 11% more than softwood sheets.
However, the weight of plywood varies widely according to the type and quantity of hardwood utilized in the plywood. Some hardwood plywoods are lighter because they contain more softwood filler than others.
Baltic ply, consisting of many birch sheets, weighs about 55 pounds per linear foot.
See Also: Weight Per Cord of Wood
Hardwoods range in density and weight, making direct comparisons difficult. The density of hardwood plywood created with a birch core is much higher than that of hardwood plywood created with a poplar plywood core, which might have a major effect on the final weight of plywood sheets.
A 4-by-8-inch sheet of 1/2-inch Baltic Plywood sheet will weigh roughly 3 or 4 pounds heavier than an equivalent hardwood plywood sheet made with softwood filler.
Treated and Untreated Wood
Most pressure-treated plywood is typically utilized in outdoor settings where it will be subjected to the weather. It is much denser than untreated lumber because of the chemical preservatives employed to prevent rot, rotting, and insect damage.
Take Southern Yellow Pine, for example, a common choice for pressure-treated plywood. It’s denser and sturdier than other softwoods, which makes it a heavy material to work with.
For comparison’s sake, a 4-by-8-foot piece of regular ply sheet weighs roughly 40 pounds, whereas a treated sheet of the same breadth would be about 60 pounds.
It’s not just about the initial weight, though. The weight of untreated wood changes as it dries out. And if you’re dealing with unseasoned or “green” pressure-treated lumber, it can be significantly heavier than wood that’s had time to cure.
How Does Plywood Weight Impact its Value?
Here’s something that’s always bugged me: people equating the weight of plywood with its quality. Sure, thickness and weight matter in construction projects, but they’re not the be-all and end-all of plywood quality.
Think of plywood in two broad categories: construction quality and finish quality. If you’re crafting an interior cabinet, you’re probably more concerned with finish quality, which isn’t necessarily tied to how heavy the plywood is.
Sheets with a construction-grade sound quality are more appealing than sheets with a project-grade sound quality due to their longer lifespan. Durability and strength are more important in determining the durability of construction-grade plywood.
Weight of Common Plywood Sheet Sizes
1/8″ Thick
Lauan, a tropical hardwood panel, is frequently used to create a 1/8-inch stained or paintable veneer for built-ins, furniture, wood paneling for doors, and so on. Lauan plywood weighs bout 15 pounds.
1/4″ Thickness
Since it bends so easily under pressure, 1/4-inch plywood is best used for projects that don’t put much weight on them. This class includes more manageable DIY projects, including installing cabinet or shelf backing. About 22 pounds can be expected to be weighed per square foot of 1/4 inch plywood.
1/2″ Thickness
The thickness of plywood is an important consideration. For example, plywood with a 1/2-inch thickness is not as sturdy as those with a 3/4-inch thickness.
A sheet that doesn’t carry much weight is useful for fixing a broken window, replacing a damaged soffit under the eave, or refinishing furniture. A 1/2-inch thick sheet has a density of around 4 pounds per cubic foot or about 40 lbs/sq ft.
3/4-inch Thickness
Sidewalls, roof sheathing, finished furniture, and subflooring are just some of the structural uses for sheets with a thickness of 3/4 inches. A standard 4-by-8-foot board of softwood plywood in most hardware stores will weigh around 60 pounds.
1-inch Plywood
The weight of a 1-inch sheet will depend on the different wood species used and the type of adhesive used to bind the plies together. On average, this plywood’s weight is between 2 and 2.5 pounds per square foot.
Like other thicknesses, the weight can vary depending on the species of wood used. For example, a 1-inch sheet made from hardwoods, such as oak or cherry, will be heavier and denser than those made from softwoods, such as pine or cedar.
1 ⅛-inch Plywood
Subflooring is the intended application for extra-sturdy plywood. Easy panel assembly is achieved using the tongue and groove finish. Because of its thickness, this plywood’s weight is around 85 pounds.
Pressure-Treated Plywood
The weight of a weatherproof sheet is greatly increased by the liquid chemicals employed in its treatment. Naturally, treated sheets dry and lose weight like any other treated lumber.
Green pressure-treated lumber, just milled from the forest, can be over 50% heavier than an ordinary board of untreated lumber. When finished, a full sheet with a thickness of 1/2 inch can add another 20 pounds to its 40-pound overall weight, which makes it heavy plywood.
Baltic Birch Plywood
This Russian plywood is of the highest grade and is known for its durability. Because it contains no fillers, Baltic is exceptionally sturdy even when milled to a narrower thickness.
I’ve used it for furniture that’s stood the test of time and even for skateboard decks. It’s heavier than a standard sheet since it’s denser. How much does plywood weigh if it is made of Baltic birch? With a thickness of 1/2 inch, it often tips the scales at 55 pounds.
Marine-Grade Plywood
Although the outside plies of marine plywood are not waterproof, they shield the wood from moisture and decay.
The glue utilized in damp coastal locations produces conventional sheets that can easily fall apart. Better quality glue is used in marine-grade plywood and is more resistant to moisture.
Marine-grade plywood is heavier than regular sheets because of the better quality material used to make it. How much does plywood weigh if it’s marine-grade? About 50 pounds.
OSB
OSB is a common alternative to ply sheets for building sheathing and subflooring. The main reason is that OSB is far more affordable than plywood.
Instead of using thin plies of wood glued together, as is done with plywood, OSB uses thin slices of wood that are bonded together using an adhesive and wax.
OSB is less expensive but more difficult to deal with because it’s much heavier. While a complete sheet of plywood weighs around 40 pounds, an OSB sheet of the same thickness comes at close to 55 pounds.
MDF
Panels of MDF are constructed from tiny wood fibers derived from scrap wood, wax, and adhesives.
Despite being significantly denser than regular ply or OSB, these panels are nonetheless easily damaged by moisture.
When MDF becomes wet, it expands and becomes permanently damaged. Compared to lighter materials, MDF panels are among the heaviest due to their high resin content. Almost 70 pounds can be attributed to a single MDF sheet 4 feet by 8 feet and 1/2 inches in thickness.
Plywood Weight Per Square Foot
Knowing the plywood’s density per one square foot will allow you to calculate plywood weight.
Half an inch of plywood weighs around 1.3 pounds per square foot. The total weight can be multiplied by the plywood’s area. A whole sheet that is 1/2-inch thick is around 41 pounds (32 x 1.3).
Planing the weight of bigger sections you intend to layer with plywood, such as a floor or roof, may necessitate you to calculate weight, but they may not be required when working with full sheets of plywood.
Calculator for Plywood Weight
Look, not everyone’s a numbers person, and that’s perfectly fine. I’ve got good news: there are plenty of free online tools that can do the heavy lifting—well, the math at least—for you. Just plug in the plywood’s thickness, length, and width, and boom, you’ve got an estimate of how much it weighs.
If you still have difficulty calculating how much a sheet of plywood weighs, you can simply use a plywood weight calculator. However, this can also depend on the quantity of moisture in the wood particles, making it impossible to calculate the weight of plywood accurately.
Weight of a 4×8 ¾-inch Thick Plywood
Plywood with a thickness of 4 inches by 8 inches by 3/4 of an inch weighs 60 pounds and is more durable than standard plywood sheets sold at home improvement stores.
This type is sturdy because it has a higher depth per inch than its surface area would suggest. The amount of adhesive used and the type of wood used affect the plywood’s final weight.
Buying Guide for a 4×8 3/4 Thick Plywood
Understand its Contents
You can’t assume that ply sheets have the same structural integrity. You can judge the plywood’s strength by their different thicknesses or by how many sheets were used, but its real durability comes from the materials used to construct its depth.
Instead of using cedar plywood, you should use dense hardwood with strong adhesiveness.
Buy the Right Type of Plywood
Ensure you’re getting the correct sheet for the job; a 4×8 3/4 thick type is too thick and has too much weight to be used as lamination, flooring, or paper overlay.
Sheets with a thickness of three-quarters of an inch are not as adaptable as thinner plywood, but you can use it if flexibility is not an issue.
Evenness
When purchasing sheets from a home improvement store, you risk receiving sheets of different thicknesses and odd-shaped sheets. I can’t emphasize enough how problematic this can be, especially when uniformity is crucial for your project.
To avoid this pitfall, I’d suggest measuring the sheet at various points to ensure consistent thickness. Trust me, a few extra minutes spent on this can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Where to Use
This is great for building storage, shelving, and even wall sheathing. It is less expensive than a 1/4-inch ply sheet per inch and works well when structural strength and an attractive finish are required.
If the width of the panel is more than 24 inches and the load is being carried horizontally, the panel must be at least 3/4 inches thick.
One and a half inches sheet is an acceptable thickness for boat flooring.
Weight of a ¼-inch 4×8 Plywood
Typically, a sheet of 14-inch by 4-foot-by-8-inch will weigh 25 pounds, while a sheet with a high filler percentage will weigh just 20 pounds.
The 14-inch type is denser than the 34-inch variety, although being a third the thickness, and is thus well suited for construction projects that necessitate non-brittle yet sturdy building blocks.
Buying Guide for a ¼ inch 4×8 Plywood
Ask for Quotes
Since a 1/4-inch sheet is so widely accessible, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. But if you stop looking into options once you get the first quotation, you won’t get the benefits of said competition.
Know the Material Durability
Red walnut, melamine, and Sapele are all viable options for producing 1/4″ plywood, and each has advantages and disadvantages. When considering durability, it’s important to evaluate each piece of 1/4-inch plywood.
Purchase from a Reputable Supplier
The ubiquity of 1/4-inch plywood might make you think you can pick it up from just about anywhere. But let me tell you, going with a reputable supplier can save you a world of trouble. Exercise caution and do your due diligence to ensure you’re not stuck with substandard or, worse, rotten plywood.
Buy the Right Type of Plywood
Here’s something to watch out for: thin plywood is often confused with other sheet goods like particleboard or MDF. Whether it’s a dishonest merchant trying to pull a fast one or an uninformed sales associate making an honest mistake, it’s not uncommon for people to go shopping for 1/4-inch plywood and come back with something entirely different. Always double-check what you’re buying to make sure it’s the real deal.
Where to Use
Because of their vertical orientation and lack of weight-bearing requirements, drawer backs are an ideal application for this plywood.
The reduced breadth and length that come with the thinner surface make the panel strong, even if it’s quite narrow. However, in my experience, it’s not always worth the extra cost it would take to stack thicker plywood. I’d recommend reserving it for partitions in projects that don’t require significant structural support or for purely aesthetic purposes.
Weight Of A 4×8 Sheet ⅝-inch Plywood
The sheathing version of a 4′ x 8′ 5/8″ plywood weighs 53 lb, while the surface version is 48 lb.
Sheathing plywood is often constructed from softwood, although it can be thicker per sheet than surface plywood. Surface plywood is a thinner variant of a construction-grade sheet made of hardwood.
Buying Guide for a 4×8 ⅝- inch Plywood
Know its limits
Despite being more substantial than a thin sheet of plywood, a 5/8 sheet is still too thin to be employed as weather-resistant external sheathing.
If you’re considering purchasing a sheet this size, make sure it’s what you really need. More often than not, softcore fiberboard can serve as an efficient alternative to a 5′ by 8′ piece for certain applications.
Purchase from a Mainstream Retailer
Since it is of a good thickness, you can find this wood at any standard hardware store. The need to purchase materials from unknown sources is eliminated.
Where to Use
In my experience, 5/8″ sheet is typically used as floor underlayment [1]. Since it is reinforced by the flooring below and protected by the surface atop, it doesn’t need to be particularly sturdy.
If the 5/8″ sheet has obvious pores and a couple of knots, you can utilize the sheets to give the appearance of a handcrafted item made in a workshop. Ply sheets are occasionally used in unconventional ways, such as just being slapped on different materials.
Weight of a 1/2-inch sheet of Plywood
Half-an-inch thick hardwood plywood weighs 45 pounds, but soft fiber sheet weighs only 40.5 pounds
The weight can change based on board size (bigger or smaller than the usual 4′ x 8′) or density (more or less lightweight).
Buying Guide for a ½ inch of Plywood
Check the Flatness
Since a 1/2-inch sheet is so thick, it is simple to disguise the flatness of the plank. Having perfectly flat boards is not necessary, but you should make it a priority.
Thus, it is crucial to take a step back and verify the flatness of the wood before purchasing to ensure that you are purchasing a package that you are happy with.
Buy in Bulk
Since there are so many applications for 1/2-inch plywood, scraps are less likely to be thrown away. So here’s a savvy tip: consider buying in bulk. Not only does it cut down on shipping costs, but you’ll also find it convenient to have extra 1/2-inch plywood sheets on hand for future projects.
Inspect the Veneers
I’ve been stung by this before: sheets that looked perfect at first, but ended up having overlapping veneers that created bumps and undulations when I least expected it. So, learn from my mistakes. Take the time to inspect the veneer layers at the edges of each sheet. If you spot any overlapping, steer clear.
Where to Use
Use this wherever a 3/4-inch panel normally goes in a closet, typically in smaller cabinets. If your project’s length or breadth is less than 25 inches, you can get away with using a panel of half an inch thickness.
However, if your project’s length or width is greater than 25 inches, you should only use the half-inch sheet vertically and not for any load-bearing purposes.
Depending on your project’s size, I suggest using thinner plywood, such as 1/4 inch, as a separator instead.
Plywood Weight Chart Guide
Standard Plywood Size and Weight
| Type | Thickness | |||||
| 1/4″ | 3/8″ | 1/2″ | 5/8″ | 3/4″ | 1-1/8″ | |
| Hardwood | 24.5 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 45 lbs | 53 lbs | 67.5 lbs | 94 lbs |
| Softwood | 22 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 40.5 lbs | 48 lbs | 61 lbs | 84.5 lbs |
| Baltic Birch | 26 lbs | 33.5 lbs | 48 lbs | 56.5 lbs | 71.5 lbs | 99.5 lbs |
| Marine Plywood | 27 lbs | 35 lbs | 50 lbs | 59 lbs | 75 lbs | 104 lbs |
| MDF | 36 lbs | 46.5 lbs | 66.7 lbs | 78.5 lbs | 99.5 lbs | 138.5 lbs |
| Particle Board | 33 lbs | 43 lbs | 61 lbs | 72 lbs | 91 lbs | 127 lbs |
| OSB | 25.5 lbs | 33 lbs | 47 lbs | 55.5 lbs | 70.5 lbs | 98 lbs |
| MDO | 20 lbs | 26 lbs | 37.5 lbs | 44 lbs | 56 lbs | 77.5 lbs |
Metric Plywood Size and Weight
| Type | Thickness | |||||
| 6mm | 9.5mm | 12.5mm | 15.5mm | 18.5mm | 28.5mm | |
| Hardwood | 11.11 kg | 14.29 kg | 20.41 kg | 24.04 kg | 30.62 kg | 42.64 kg |
| Softwood | 9.98 kg | 12.93 kg | 18.37 kg | 21.77 kg | 27.67 kg | 38.33 kg |
| Baltic Birch | 11.79 kg | 15.2 kg | 21.77 kg | 25.63 kg | 32.43 kg | 45.13 kg |
| Marine Plywood | 12.25 kg | 15.88 kg | 22.68 kg | 26.76 kg | 34.02 kg | 47.17 kg |
| MDF | 16.33 kg | 21.09 kg | 30.25 kg | 35.61 kg | 45.13 kg | 62.82 kg |
| Particle Board | 14.97 kg | 19.5 kg | 27.67 kg | 32.66 kg | 41.28 kg | 57.61 kg |
| OSB | 11.57 kg | 14.97 kg | 21.32 kg | 25.17 kg | 31.98 kg | 44.45 kg |
| MDO | 9.07 kg | 11.79 kg | 17.01 kg | 19.96 kg | 25.4 kg | 35.15 kg |
Hardboard Panel Weight
| Panel Thickness | Weight |
| 1/4” | 32 lbs |
| 3/16“ | 28 lbs |
| 1/8“ | 21 lbs |
OSB vs Plywood Weight
*Approx. weight is for a 4×8 feet (1220mm x 2440mm) sheet with 1/2-inch (12.7mm) thickness
| Panel Type | Approx. Weight |
| OSB | 47 lb / 21.32 kg |
| MDO | 48 lb / 17.01 kg |
| MDF | 69 lb / 30.25 kg |
| Softwood | 43 lb / 18.37 kg |
| Hardwood | 48 lb / 20.41 kg |
| Baltic Birch | 55 lb / 21.77 kg |
| Marine | 51 lb / 22.68 kg |
| Pressure Treated | 60 lb / 27.22 kg |
MDF vs Plywood Weight
*Approx. weight is for a 4×8 feet (1220mm x 2440mm) sheet with 1/2-inch (12.7mm) thickness.
| Panel Type | Approx. Weight |
| MDF | 69 lb / 30.25 kg |
| OSB | 47 lb / 21.32 kg |
| MDO | 48 lb / 17.01 kg |
| Softwood | 43 lb / 18.37 kg |
| Hardwood | 48 lb / 20.41 kg |
| Baltic Birch | 55 lb / 21.77 kg |
| Marine | 51 lb / 22.68 kg |
| Pressure Treated | 60 lb / 27.22 kg |
What is the Weight of a Plywood Bundle?
The average weight of a bundle is roughly 2,300 pounds, though this number can fluctuate widely based on factors, including the type of plywood and glue used during production.
The weight of the bundle is a good predictor of longevity but not quality.
How Many Plywood Sheets Can An F150 Accommodate?
The tray of a Ford F-150 can hold up to 23 sheets of 3/4-inch-thick 4×8 hardwood plywood without exceeding the truck’s weight capacity of 1500 pounds. Ply sheet quality and the F150 truck’s maximum payload determine the specifics of each data sheet.
The F150’s tray can accommodate a 4×8 (1200x2400mm) sheet of plywood. Considering that your F-150 has a safe load limit of 1500 pounds, this is how many sheets it can hold:
| Size | Type | Thickness | No. Sheets It Can Carry |
| 4×8 (1200x2400mm) | Marine | 3/4″ (19mm) | 20 |
| 4×8 (1200x2400mm) | Baltic Birch | 3/4″ (19mm) | 21 |
| 4×8 (1200x2400mm) | Hardwood | 3/4″ (19mm) | 23 |
| 4×8 (1200x2400mm) | Softwood | 3/4″ (19mm) | 25 |
How Can I Reduce the Weight of Plywood?
There are several ways to reduce the weight of plywood, such as using thinner plywood, using a lower density wood, using a hollow core construction, using a composite material, or using marine grade plywood.
Now, let me be clear: while cutting weight is possible, it often comes at the expense of structural integrity. So, it’s important to consider its intended use and ensure that it is still suitable for the intended purpose after weight reduction.
Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your specific requirements and the intended application of the plywood.
Speaking of weight, you might want to check out the following posts:
Conclusion
So, how much does a sheet of plywood weigh? The answer can vary depending on the thickness, wood species, and manufacturing process.
Calculating plywood weight might seem like a chore, but armed with the insights and plywood weight chart I’ve provided, you’ll find it much easier to make accurate estimations.
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.
