How Much Does Plywood Weigh?
Complete guide to plywood weight by thickness and type. Find out how much a 4x8 sheet weighs for softwood, hardwood, Baltic birch, marine plywood, and OSB.
Quick Answer
A standard 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood weighs approximately 60 pounds (27 kg). Weight varies by thickness and type:
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
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Table of Contents
Plywood Weight Charts
Softwood Plywood (CDX, Sheathing)
| Thickness | Weight per 4×8 Sheet | Weight per Sq Ft | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 22 lbs | 0.69 lbs | 10 kg |
| 3/8" | 28 lbs | 0.88 lbs | 12.7 kg |
| 1/2" | 40 lbs | 1.25 lbs | 18.1 kg |
| 5/8" | 48 lbs | 1.5 lbs | 21.8 kg |
| 3/4" | 60 lbs | 1.88 lbs | 27.2 kg |
| 1" | 75 lbs | 2.34 lbs | 34 kg |
| 1-1/8" | 85 lbs | 2.66 lbs | 38.6 kg |
Factors Affecting Plywood Weight
Plywood weight varies based on several factors. Understanding these will help you estimate the weight of your specific plywood:
1. Thickness
The most significant factor. Each 1/4" of thickness adds approximately 20 pounds to a 4×8 sheet. The relationship is roughly linear.
2. Wood Species
Hardwood plywood (birch, oak) is denser and heavier than softwood (pine, fir). Tropical hardwoods like luan can be lighter than domestic hardwoods.
3. Number of Plies
More plies generally mean more adhesive and slightly higher weight. Baltic birch (many thin plies) is often heavier than equivalent-thickness standard plywood.
4. Moisture Content
Plywood stored outdoors or in humid conditions will be heavier due to absorbed moisture. Typical moisture content is 6-12%.
5. Adhesive Type
Exterior-grade plywood uses phenolic adhesives which are slightly heavier. Marine plywood uses waterproof adhesives adding minimal weight.
6. Core Material
Some plywood uses MDF or particleboard cores instead of veneer. These are typically heavier than all-veneer construction.
Understanding Plywood Types
CDX Plywood
The most common construction plywood. "C" and "D" refer to face grades, "X" means exterior glue. Used for sheathing, subfloors, and roof decking. Moderate weight with good strength.
Baltic Birch Plywood
Premium plywood with many thin birch plies. Heavier than standard plywood but offers superior strength, flatness, and edge quality. Ideal for cabinetry and furniture.
Marine Plywood
Made with waterproof adhesive and void-free cores. Slightly heavier than standard plywood. Essential for boat building and outdoor applications where water exposure is constant.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
Engineered wood made from strands. 10-15% heavier than equivalent plywood. Used for sheathing, subfloors, and structural applications. More affordable than plywood.
MDO (Medium Density Overlay)
Plywood with paper-resin overlay for smooth painting surface. Slightly heavier due to overlay material. Used for signs and painted projects.
Calculating Plywood Weight
To calculate the weight of a custom-sized plywood piece, use the per-square-foot weight:
Weight Formula
Plywood Weight = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Weight per Sq Ft
Example: A 2ft × 4ft piece of 3/4" CDX plywood weighs: 2 × 4 × 1.88 = 15 lbs
| Thickness | Weight/SqFt (CDX) | 2×4 ft Piece | 4×4 ft Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.69 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 11 lbs |
| 1/2" | 1.25 lbs | 10 lbs | 20 lbs |
| 3/4" | 1.88 lbs | 15 lbs | 30 lbs |
Tips for Handling Heavy Plywood
Use a Panel Carrier
A plywood carrier or gripper clamps to the sheet edge, letting you carry it at your side. Makes single-person transport much easier.
Lift with Two People
For 3/4" sheets, always use two people. Position yourselves at diagonal corners and lift together. Bend at the knees, not the waist.
Store Flat or Vertical
Store plywood flat on supports or vertically leaning against a wall. Never store at an angle - it will warp. Support large stacks every 2 feet.
Request Store Cuts
Most home improvement stores will make cuts for a small fee or free. Having sheets cut in half makes transport and handling much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 4×8 sheet of 3/4 plywood weigh?
A standard 4×8 sheet of 3/4" softwood plywood weighs approximately 60 pounds (27 kg). Hardwood plywood of the same thickness weighs about 75 pounds due to higher density. Baltic birch can weigh up to 80 pounds.
How much does 1/2 inch plywood weigh?
A 4×8 sheet of 1/2" softwood plywood weighs approximately 40 pounds (18 kg). This equals about 1.25 pounds per square foot. Hardwood and Baltic birch will be heavier.
What is the weight of plywood per square foot?
Plywood weight per square foot depends on thickness: 1/4" = 0.69 lbs/sqft, 1/2" = 1.25 lbs/sqft, 3/4" = 1.88 lbs/sqft for softwood plywood. Hardwood is approximately 25% heavier per thickness.
Is OSB heavier than plywood?
Yes, OSB is typically 10-15% heavier than softwood plywood of the same thickness. A 3/4" OSB sheet weighs about 70 pounds compared to 60 pounds for CDX plywood. This is due to the higher density of resin-bonded strands.
How much does a sheet of MDF weigh?
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is significantly heavier than plywood. A 4×8 sheet of 3/4" MDF weighs approximately 96 pounds (44 kg), about 60% more than equivalent plywood.
Why does my plywood weigh more than expected?
Plywood can absorb moisture from humid storage conditions, adding significant weight. It may also be hardwood-faced, have an MDF core, or be denser species like luan. Measure thickness to confirm it matches your expectation.
Related Resources
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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