How long does plywood last outside?

There are a few averages you can expect, but they are dependent on these factors. Plywood siding, such as T-111 should give at least a 35 year life expectancy, if finished properly; but there are many cases of it lasting over 50 years. Roof sheathing should last 30 to 40 years or to put it another way, two roofs.

How long does untreated plywood last outside?

Untreated redwood, depending on it's age, has a projected life span of 50 years or more when exposed to the elements. Pine varieties have a projected life span of only 5 to 10 years.

Is plywood suitable for outdoor use?

How is Plywood Used Outdoors? Exterior plywood is weather (and water) resistant, so it's strong enough to be used outside and also in areas that are exposed to water and humidity, like a garage.

How long can plywood stay outside?

To conclude, the life expectancy of plywood used for outside constructions is around 30 to 40 years; however, you need to know its features in order to make a good decision when choosing the suitable type of plywood.

How do you keep plywood from rotting outside?

To use plywood outdoors, seal it by applying multiple thin layers of polyurethane varnish, epoxy sealant, spray-on latex, waterproof paint, or drying oils like Thompson's WaterSeal.

5 Unique Differences between Marine and other Plywood Grades

Does painting plywood make it waterproof?

Method 1: Waterproofing Plywood With Paint

Painting plywood is a quick and easy way to waterproof it. If your plywood will be going outdoors, exterior latex paint is the better option, while indoor projects are well-suited to interior latex paint.

How long does it take for plywood to rot?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If:

Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground. Wood is exposed to dirt.

Can you leave plywood outside in the winter?

Exterior-rated materials (exterior plywood, OSB, etc.) can be safely stored outside, but they should be covered – remember that most exterior-grade materials are rated for intermittent moisture exposure, not constant direct wetting.

Can you use plywood for a deck?

Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means a deck can easily be covered with plywood. With Marine Plywood, you can finish your deck in hours instead of the days it would take using individual boards, and at a very reasonable cost.

Does plywood absorb water?

Plywood can get wet, and short, isolated periods of moisture should not cause any long-term damage. Standard plywood is not waterproof, though, and the use of marine plywood or a waterproofing sealant is recommended to prevent rot in especially wet conditions, for example, from outdoor use.

How long can a plywood last?

As plywood lasts about 30 to 40 years and we run the risk of delamination and required replacement in a few years. The other two have stated that as long as the plywood is good and stays dry, it can last forever.

What is outdoor plywood called?

For exterior projects or projects exposed to weather conditions, you need to use plywood that is suited for those conditions. Your best choices are either ACX or marine grade plywood.

Will marine ply last outside?

The most obvious similarity is that both Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood are designed to be used externally. Both products utilise an A-bond glue, allowing them to stand strong in the face of all the unique challenges that come with being used in the unpredictable outdoors.

How long can untreated wood sit outside?

Wet lumber will naturally dry out if given enough time. If the outdoor temperatures are above 60 degrees F, it usually takes about 4 weeks for moisture content to decrease about 4%. It might take 6-12 weeks for a 4% drop if its cold and rainy. And if it's below freezing, it might take many months.

How long will treated plywood last in the ground?

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

What is the best wood for outdoor use?

How long will marine plywood last?

Marine Grade Plywood Lasts Longer Than Regular Plywood

Typically, Marine Plywood lasts up to 25 years – depending on its maintenance and marine conditions. The longer life expectancy is due to sturdier layers that effectively make it scratch proof and impact resistant.

How thick should plywood be to walk on?

The thinner plywood is acceptable when the joist spacing is 16 inches. If you plan to finish the floor in the attic and turn the room into a living space, however, you should always use 3/4-inch plywood. Thinner plywood can flex when you walk on it -- even with 16-inch spacing -- and this will damage the flooring.

How thick should plywood be for a deck?

Plywood decking used as a sub-floor typically has a thickness of 3/4 inch (19.05 mm). It is also a common practice to use tongue and groove plywood, a type that joins at its seams, for flooring applications. It reduces movement between the two pieces, providing a stable surface to which finish flooring can be attached.

How do you store plywood outside in the winter?

Does plywood warp in the cold?

In an unheated shed or outside storage protected from rain, the conditions are 12% EMC in most of the USA. Plywood stored in such a condition will indeed change MC and warp can be expected. It is much better to store such products at around 35% RH (7% EMC) so that moisture changes are minimized.

Can you store plywood in a shed?

The easiest way to store plywood is just to lean it against a wall. However, this can lead to the plywood bending or warping, so it's not recommended for long-term storage. If you store your plywood against an outside wall, moisture may seep through the wall and cause the wood to warp more quickly.

What causes plywood to rot?

Causes. Rot is a fungus that is caused by excessive exposure to moisture. Plywood becomes susceptible to rot when it is left exposed to the elements, or trapped in a moist area such as inside a basement, without proper ventilation to allow the moisture to dry.

How do you keep wood from rotting outside?

Boric acid (borate) is one of the most effective fungicides for use in treating wood rot. It can be applied to wood during construction to prevent future rot, or as a treatment to stop an active decay fungus from growing.

How long does it take wood to rot outside?

Lab experiments have recorded that dry rot spores can germinate approximately seven to ten days after the wood has become damp enough. Older spores can take longer to germinate. As mentioned earlier, though, it can take a long while for signs of dry rot to appear after germination.