What kind of plywood should I use for a shed wall?

Exterior-Grade Plywood You'll find one-half in. thick plywood works well for wall and roof sheathing, but use at least five-eighths in. plywood for your shed floor. Ordinary exterior-grade plywood is made with weather-resistant glue, but the wood itself is not particularly rot resistant.

familyhandyman.com - Top 5 Types of Wood to Use When Building a Shed

How do I keep my shed warm?

The headlines, though, are right here: Insulate the floor, ceiling and walls with foam boards. Use electric radiators. Use electric fan heaters....

Last updated Sep 16, 2022

Does a shed need a moisture barrier?

Without a barrier, water vapor can enter the shed through the floor, which can rust the tools you store there. Many people don't realize that you...

Last updated Sep 6, 2019

Promotion

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. For many, a backyard shed is a dream project. If you're one of those people, these are the types of wood to consider when it's time to buy materials. Got plans to add a backyard shed to your property? The wood you choose for this project can have a big influence on how your new shed looks, how it performs and how long it lasts. Learn about the five best types of wood for shed building right here and you’ll enjoy a better place to store yard tools, the lawn mower and all those outdoor toys.

Framing Lumber

Every wooden shed has some kind of underlying wall and roof frame built with framing lumber. Also called “construction-grade lumber,” this wood is usually 1-1/2 in. thick solid fir or spruce. The good old 2×4 (actual measurement 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in.) is the most common kind of framing lumber used to build sheds. Given the size of most backyard sheds, 2x4s can usually be used for both the wall and roof frames.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

This wood is just like regular framing lumber, except it has been factory-treated to reduce or prevent rot. Any time wood is used in applications that put it within a few inches of soil, it should be pressure-treated lumber. Even within the category of pressure-treated lumber, there are different kinds. The most common is mildly treated against rot. Although it will remain sound indefinitely if kept away from soil contact, it will rot under continually moist conditions. The most durable form of pressure-treated lumber is made for below-ground foundations. This wood has been treated enough that it won’t rot, not even when in contact with damp soil for decades. This type of pressure-treated lumber is sold for use building pressure-treated wood foundations (abbreviated PWF) and is the ideal choice for any part of your shed that touches the ground.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Every shed has two main parts: a structural frame and sheathing that covers the frame. Oriented strand board (OSB) is the least expensive option for sheathing the walls and roof of a shed, which is why it’s used so often for sheds and homes.

Can I put a toilet in my shed?

Yes, it is possible to have a toilet in your backyard office. It will naturally take up a bit more space, because you will have to put in a room...

Last updated Nov 30, 2020

Do you need air flow under a shed?

Good vents in your shed are an absolute must, even if you are only using it for storage. Without a good venting system, your shed can experience...

Last updated May 9, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

OSB is made of chips of softwood glued together in a semi-random pattern. As with plywood, OSB typically comes in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets. And while seven-sixteenth in. thick OSB does a fine job sheathing the walls and roof of a shed, it is a bottom-of-the-barrel sheet material for several reasons. It’s not as strong as plywood, it doesn’t age well when exposed to weather, and the off-cuts aren’t as useful as plywood for building other projects because the edges don’t accept screws or nails well. For a shed, OSB sheathing will work, but not as well as plywood.

Exterior-Grade Plywood

This type of wood is like OSB but stronger and more weather resistant. Plywood is made from thin slices of wood glued together in layers. Plywood off-cuts can be used to make boxes, utility shelves and other small woodworking projects after your shed is done. You’ll find one-half in. thick plywood works well for wall and roof sheathing, but use at least five-eighths in. plywood for your shed floor. Ordinary exterior-grade plywood is made with weather-resistant glue, but the wood itself is not particularly rot resistant. This is why pressure-treated plywood is best for a shed floor. Even a floor that’s raised off the ground a bit will last longer if it’s made with pressure-treated plywood.

Sheet Wall Siding Panels

Let’s say you’ve got the frame of your shed up and you want to sheath the walls with panels that look good and are able to stand up to the weather. Different types of softwood plywood-type sheet material are made for this job, including the ever-popular T1-11 plywood siding panel. Home improvement stores carry a range of these decorative exterior wall siding sheet materials. All are designed to function as weatherproof wall sheathing applied directly against the wall frame of a shed.

familyhandyman.com - Top 5 Types of Wood to Use When Building a Shed

How long will a 4x4 post last in the ground?

How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and...

Last updated Nov 5, 2019

Do metal sheds come with floors?

The best metal storage shed brands come complete with a high-quality floor straight from the factory or shop. You will generally want to level an...

Last updated Sep 8, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do I have to pay taxes on my Airbnb income?

Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, FlipKey and similar companies are required to withhold 28% of your rental income if you don't provide them with a W-9 form....

Last updated Nov 8, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can metal sheds be insulated?

In the hot summer months or cold winter months, the metal shed is a great conductor of energy. This means it will stay very hot, or very cold...

Last updated Apr 9, 2022