Can you use 3/8 plywood wall sheathing?

The International Residential Code specifies 3/8-inch plywood for sheathing walls with a standard stud spacing of 16 inches, if the siding is nailed to the studs through the sheathing. If the nails penetrate the sheathing, but not the studs, the minimum plywood thickness that the IRC designates is 1/2 inch.

Can you use 3/8 plywood wall sheathing?

For residential construction, the building code requirement typically is for a rated sheathing panel of either OSB or plywood of 0.95 cm (3/8 in) thickness when sheathing is required, as for shear wall sections; however, the common practice is to use sheathing thicknesses greater than code, which is referred to as “ ...

What is the minimum thickness of wall sheathing?

The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that 7/16-inch sheathing is the minimum appropriate thickness for structural wall sheathing with an exception for gable end walls, where the minimum thickness is 3/8 inch.

What kind of plywood do you use for wall sheathing?

3. Structural Fiberboard. Plywood and OSB are largely considered the best wall sheathing choices because of their overall abilities to hold fasteners well, create a strong bond between studs, and provide some thermal advantages.

What size plywood should I use for walls?

Using ½” thick plywood for walls is standard, although the International Residential Code specifies only 3/8” wall sheathing when studs are spaced 16” apart and the siding is attached to the studs and not just the plywood. For buildings with siding attached only to the sheathing, the IRC requires ½” plywood.

3/8 Plywood, Span Codes, and Fall Protection System

How thick should interior plywood walls be?

Plywood and fiberboard can be used for interior wall coverings; however, plywood is most commonly used. It comes in 4-feet-wide and 5-to 8-feet-long sheets, 1/4 to 3/4 inch thick. It is usually applied vertically from the floor to the ceiling.

What is code for exterior wall sheathing?

1304.13 EXTERIOR WALL SHEATHING. (a) Wooden structural sheathing panels shall be installed on all exterior frame walls.

What can I use for wall sheathing?

There are many exterior wall sheathing options available, with wood sheathing being one of the most commonly used materials. Wood sheathing materials include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and waferboard. Plywood is made of whole sheets of wood that are cross-laminated.

What can I use instead of OSB?

In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool OSB user, it might be time to consider some of the available alternatives to OSB.

Is plywood or OSB better for sheathing?

Industry voices from panel manufacturers or their main trade group—APA – The Engineered Wood Association—say that there's no real difference between the two panels: OSB's and plywood's structural characteristics are equivalent, and they can be used interchangeably.

What is standard wall sheathing?

For covering existing siding, 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch thicknesses are commonly used. Standard panels are 2 by 8, 4 by 8, and 4 by 9 feet, although some can be purchased in fan-folded panels that run up to 50 feet long.

How thick does plywood need to be for a shed wall?

On the shed walls use exterior rated 1/2 inch plywood for a waterproof finished look, and 3/4 inch CDX plywood on the roof for strength.

What size OSB should be on exterior wall?

Exterior walls

Minimum thickness of wall sheathing for use on walls; 3/8" plywood or 5/16" OSB. If you use fibre cement siding, go with 1/2" plywood or 7/16" OSB for the exterior walls.

What type of wood is used for exterior walls?

Cedar, Cypress, and Redwood are extremely weather-resistant compared to other woods. Because of this and the fact that they are relatively easy to find, these three are the most commonly used woods on the exterior of a home.

Is 7/16 OSB good for exterior walls?

Wood frame exterior walls must be fully sheathed, including areas above or below wall openings, with minimum 7/16-in. wood structural panels. Interior shear walls must be fully sheathed including areas above or below wall openings with minimum 7/16-in.

What is the difference between sheathing and plywood?

Use hardwood plywood for furniture and anything that requires a strong load-bearing frame. Plywood sheathing or structural plywood is designed for permanent structures. It is strong and inexpensive, but unfinished, and therefore not suitable for places where it will show.

Is OSB cheaper than plywood?

OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood. OSB is considered by many to be a “green” building material because it can be made from smaller-diameter trees, such as poplars, that are often farmed.

Why is OSB sheathing so expensive?

Increasing OSB prices are due to demand over supply, increasing construction starts, and several natural disasters. As contractors, architects, and building owners struggle to offset the high OSB prices, an excellent alternative sheathing product to consider is Barricade Thermo-Brace.

What are 4 types of exterior wall sheathing?

Five common structural exterior sheathing options include wood-based, gypsum, glass mat, cement board, and Barricade® Thermo-Brace®. Plywood sheathing is made from whole sheets of wood that are cross-laminated, which give the boards strength and stiffness.

Can plywood be used for interior walls?

Plywood is a viable alternative to drywall for walls and ceilings. If you are planning on redoing your walls or ceilings, the typical materials you'll use include Sheetrock or finished plywood. Each has its benefits as a building material and in some cases, finished plywood is the better alternative.

What is best for exterior walls?

Should exterior walls be 2x4 or 2x6?

Modern conventional home building normally makes use of 2x4 lumber (top line above, second from left) in constructing exterior walls. But 2x6 framing, which is a little more than 1.5 times wider, is a common upgrade and is required by some local building codes.