Plywood Siding: A Guide to Installation, Comparison, and Cost

Plywood siding is a cladding made from thin sheets of wood veneer glued together to form a panel. The panels are 4 feet wide and 8-10 feet long. They come in various thicknesses ranging from ⅜ inch to ¾ inch.

Exterior siding serves as a barrier against rain, snow, and wind. Siding also enhances a building’s appearance and curb appeal.

Pros and Cons of Plywood Siding

Pros:

• Affordable and cost-effective: Compared to brick, stone, or stucco sidings, plywood is less expensive to buy and install.
• Easy to install: Plywood is lightweight and easy to cut using a circular saw or jigsaw.
• Versatile design options: Plywood siding has various joint styles, including shiplap, tongue and groove, and butt joint.
• Can be painted or stained for customization: You can paint or stain plywood siding to complement your home’s exterior.
• Available in various textures and patterns: Plywood siding can be smooth or textured. Lap, bevel, and shiplap are some common siding patterns.
• Durable and long-lasting: With proper maintenance, plywood siding lasts for 35 years.

Cons:

• Susceptible to moisture damage and rot: Untreated plywood absorbs moisture, leading to discoloration and decay. Applying an epoxy sealer before installation prevents rotting and delamination.
• Requires regular maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection extend the lifespan of plywood siding. Re-painting or restaining is necessary every 5-10 years.
• Can be prone to insect infestations: Termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can tunnel through plywood gaps or cracks. They cause structural damage to the siding.
• Less environmentally friendly: Plywood production contributes to deforestation and negative impacts due to chemical treatments.

How to Install Exterior Plywood Siding

With the right tools and steps, installing exterior plywood siding isn’t challenging.

Tools and Materials Required

• Siding panels
• Flashing
• Primer or wood sealer
• A roll of house wrap
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Nail gun
• Circular saw/ Jigsaw
• Stainless steel/ galvanized nails
• Level
• Caulking gun
• Exterior caulk
• Exterior stain
• Utility knife
• 1” x 4” wood trim

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Prepare the walls: Inspect the walls for any damage or rot. Repair any damaged areas before installing the new siding. Cover the walls with a layer of house wrap or building paper. Add flashing around windows, doors, and other openings. Seal the backs of the panels using a primer or wood sealer.
2. Measure and cut the panels: Measure the height and width of each wall, and mark the measurements on the siding panels. Cut the panels to size and prime the edges.
3. Install the corner trim: Nail the first panel to the corner of the house, across the top, on the center studs, and the bottom. Leave the joining side free. Using a level, ensure that the panel is plumb.
4. Install the remaining panels: Overlap the previous panel by 1/2 inch to 1 inch, and secure using nails. Use a chalk line to ensure that the panels align. Leave a gap of about ¼-inch at the corners to allow for expansion and contraction.
5. Install wood trim: Add a 1” x 4” board at the joint between the siding and roof soffit and along the bottom to cover the ledger. Add wood trim around all walls and windows.
6. Apply caulk or sealant between each panel: Caulk around windows, doors, and corners to prevent water from getting behind the siding. Then, apply stain and sealant using a staining pad or rag.

Safety Precautions and Best Practices

• Install the exterior plywood siding in dry weather conditions.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves.
• Have an assistant to help hold the panels in place and assist with installation.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper siding installation and maintenance.
• Hire a professional if inexperienced or lacking the necessary tools and materials.

Cost of Plywood Siding

Plywood siding costs between $1 to $3.5 per square foot. Other charges include installation fees, paint or stain, and trim or accessories.

While plywood siding is affordable compared to other types of wood siding, the total costs may vary. The final cost depends on the grade of the plywood, siding style, home size, and design.

Factors Affecting the Overall Cost

• Type of plywood siding: T1-11 plywood siding is less expensive than other types due to its simple design.
• Quality and thickness of plywood: ¾-inch thick panels are more durable, heavy, and expensive.
• Local labor costs: Depending on the location, plywood siding installation costs range from $1.5 to $3.5.
• Size of the project: A large house will cost more in materials and installation fees.
• Additional materials required: Besides the siding plywood sheets, installation requires fasteners, trim, insulation, and more.
• The complexity of the installation: Complex house designs take more time to install the siding. The number of windows, doors, and unique architectural features impact the complexity of the installation.
• Surface preparation and repairs: Repairing holes, cracks, or signs of rot add $50- $70 per hour to the final cost. Removal of old siding costs $1- $4 per square foot.
• Finishing and painting or staining: Painting or staining protects the siding from weather damage and adds visual appeal. It adds to the materials cost and labor charges.
• Geographic location and regional price differences: Local wage rates vary with every location. The cost of materials and shipping may be high or low depending on availability in a specific region.
• Potential permits and fees: There may be fees associated with obtaining permits for your projects. Depending on your area’s building codes and regulations, you may incur $150- $700.

Comparison of Plywood Siding With Other Siding Options

There are various types of siding options for houses, including vinyl, metal, fiber cement, and more.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding consists of a plastic material. Vinyl siding is generally less expensive than plywood siding.

Both products are durable and withstand different weather conditions. Vinyl siding is more resistant to moisture and insect damage than plywood siding. But plywood is biodegradable and recyclable, unlike vinyl siding.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding consists of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement siding is more expensive to install than plywood siding but lasts up to 50 years. Both siding options need repainting after a few years for curb appeal.

Metal Siding

Copper, aluminum, and steel make metal sidings. Copper is the most expensive option, at $7 to $9 per square foot. Aluminum and steel sidings cost between $3 to $5 per square foot. Metal siding has a modern, industrial look, while plywood siding has a more natural, textured look.

Shingle Siding

Traditional shingle siding is made from cedar shakes. They resemble roof shingles and have an overlapping design. Modern shingle siding comprises vinyl and fiber cement.

Shingle siding costs range from $1.50 to $10 per square foot for materials only. Installation costs add an extra $4- $8 per square foot to the final cost.

Common Plywood Siding Material

Plywood siding is available in smooth or textured finishes.

T1-11 Plywood

Also known as rough-sawn or texture 1-11 plywood, this is a type of siding with a vertical groove pattern. It’s popular for its rustic or traditional appearance and affordability. T1-11 plywood needs priming and painting to prevent water damage. It’s also stained to achieve a natural wood look.

Smooth Plywood

Smooth plywood siding comprises a high-quality grade of plywood. It’s sanded and finished to create an even surface. The plywood is often pre-primed or pre-painted to prevent weathering and moisture damage.

Smooth plywood siding is ideal for modern and contemporary style homes. It offers a clean, streamlined look that complements various architectural styles.

Uses and Applications of Plywood Siding

Plywood siding has several indoor and outdoor applications.

Residential Construction

Exterior plywood siding is inexpensive and easy to install DIY. It’s available in smooth or rough-hewn varieties, depending on the desired finish.

Plywood siding is also used as sheathing and subflooring for residential buildings. It provides a strong and stable base for other construction materials.

Commercial Buildings

MDO plywood is ideal for outdoor signage and displays in commercial buildings. It has high resistance to moisture damage and a smooth surface for painting. The plywood creates custom signs, billboards, and exterior siding.

Sheds and Outbuildings

Most builders use exterior-grade plywood as a roofing material for sheds and outbuildings. Adding roofing felt or other waterproofing materials creates a durable and weather-resistant roof. It’s also used for exterior shed siding and creating shed doors and windows.

Interior and Exterior Applications

Plywood siding is used for interior wall and ceiling paneling to add warmth and texture to a space. Depending on the desired look, it can be painted, stained, or left unfinished. Plywood siding is a popular choice for new construction and renovation projects.

FAQs

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