Going to replace the last wall in my shop today and was wondering what the ideal thickness would be for plywood on the exterior?? I am shingling over it?? 3/8"....1/2"....5/8"??? I am guessing 1/2" would be good but any advice would be good?:thanks:

whats going on the inside....insulation? thicker plywood would have
less nails protruding thru... and more structural strength...

is it on the north side,,,the cold side...was that the side with the most
or least rotting going on... such as, the south facing side...

just some considerations to think about.... :rtfm:

Insulation...east facing side.:wavey:

1/2" will be fine. Most new homes are constructed with 1/2". Definatley wouldn't use 3/8", not enough meat to grab the fasteners. 5/8 would be better than 1/2. The thicker the better.

I think 1/2 -4 ply for walls. 3 ply for roofs. I might not be remembering correctly but I think its 1/2 -4 ply you want.

5/8 or 3/4.

The standard is pretty much 1/2" walls 5/8" roofs.

Can you see what is on the other walls and then match it

1/2 on walls
3/4 on roofs

I would stay away from the 4 ply sheathing, too much warping due to the glue up system. Five ply is the best fir plywood is better than pine plywood. If you are shingling over I would advise using 5/8" minimun (I know code is 3/8 but it is not recommended), It will give the nails something to bite into 3/4" would be the best although expensive. Use a vapor barrier (doesn't have to be "Tyvek") rosin paper has been used traditionally: but you can also use slater's felt
15Lb paper for increased waterproffing.

What's code?

Should always be 3/4 inch especially if your shingling, and OSB Is a great choice very stable, not prown to warping and inexpensive, the stuff can stay uncovered for months before you ad a vapor barrier. Its better to overbuild than under build, when in doubt, go with the beef..

Building codes are codes set by the State or city telling builders what they must use when building anything from a house to a shed or installing a pool for safety reasons among other reasons..for instance, when building a staircase, each stair rise cannot deviate more than 3/8s of an inch or that would be a code violation because it can cause tripping etc.. Or when building a roof the rafters have to be so many inches on center to handle a "load" such as snow...that differes depending where in the country you live.

2x4 construction, 16 OC ; use 3/4 CDX.
Watch for ground contact. Can rip a sheet of PT for bottom sheathing.

Most houses now are built with 2x6 16oc. The old 2x4 is gone the way of the 8 track.

What's code?

The code requirement for panel span ratings of 12/0 16/0 20/0" OC Construction is only 3/8". You need to consider the thickness of adjoining walls where they meet the new wall to get a proper match to the siding. Matching the thickness of existing walls will probably be your best bet. Bottom of Plywood can not be any less than 8" above grade. Plywood up to 1/2" requires 6d nailing 6" on edges and 12" on intermediate supports. Plywood thicker than 1/2" up to 1" requires same spacing with 8d nails. If using 3/8" or 3 ply panels theyu must be applied with long dimension running horizontally offset so corners do not meet.

It's not rocket science Larry, 1/2" plywood will be fine for the side of a shed. If you want my opinion, OSB does NOT have the holding power of plywood. If you want to spend another 4 bucks a sheet above 1/2" ply and get the 5/8" , then be aware that it is also 4 ply thickness at Lowes-Homies, not 5 ply. It's just a shed but if you have the walls close to the ground , you might consider using pressure treated ply for the bottom 12 inches or so. good luck

Man 3/4 inch plywood. Holy smokes, $$$$$$$$$$$. Use 1/2 or 5/8 pressure treated first 12" then cdx the rest of the way. Larry the guys who suggested 3/4" think your made of money from the custom plugs sales.:rotfl:

Most houses now are built with 2x6 16oc. The old 2x4 is gone the way of the 8 track.

your right but its a garage so 2x4 is good enough . 8 track now thats funny
I would use 1/2 in

I got 15/32 CDX 4 ply...or 1/2 inch however you slice it! Thanks guys! The other 3 walls were done with t & g....this is the street facing wall and I want to match the house!:bgi:

You should just call your town building inspector and just ask him what he wants on it !!!

Why don't you call him Ron?:uhuh: Do you pull all your permits??? I am betting not!:devil:

Why don't you call him Ron?:uhuh: Do you pull all your permits??? I am betting not!:devil:



Yes I do , or have !!!
I have a POS neighbor who would call if I didn't !!!
As a matter of fact, he's called just to check in the past on me !!!

Bummer!:devil2:

Bummer!:devil2:


Ya,
I've been tempted many times to invite him out on my boat to go Shark fishing !
I be he would make a great chum slick to draw them in !!!:eyes:

..spoken like a true italian :kewl: .

:poke: LOL Ron...Take him him out for a trip...A once in a life time oppurtunity...:hihi:

Shark would definitely consider him a "good":drool: neighbor!:btu:

needs a flame thrower for christmas :af: