A sheet of roofing plywood costs between $30 and $70, depending on the type and thickness you choose. Most homeowners buy plywood that is 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thick for roof decking. The price can go higher if you pick specialty plywood like pressure-treated or exterior-grade boards. Your total roofing project cost will depend on how many sheets you need for your roof size.
What Affects Plywood Sheet Prices?
Material costs have risen 35% since 2020, according to Cladco. This means plywood prices are higher now than they were a few years ago. Softwood lumber went up 20% or more during this time.
The thickness of the plywood matters too. Thicker sheets cost more money. You also pay more for plywood that is treated to resist water or fire.
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How Many Sheets Do You Need?
The average U.S. roof is 2,647 square feet, or about 26.47 squares, according to the National Association of Home Builders. One sheet of plywood is 4 feet by 8 feet, which equals 32 square feet.
To find how many sheets you need, divide your roof size by 32. For a 1,600 square foot roof, you would need about 50 sheets. This helps you calculate your total plywood cost.
Plywood Vs. Other Roof Decking Materials
Plywood is the most common choice for roof decking in homes. It is cheap and easy to install. Other options include oriented strand board (OSB) and solid wood boards, but these cost less or more depending on quality.
| Material Type | Price Range per Sheet | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plywood | $30, $50 | Good |
| Exterior Plywood | $40, $65 | Very Good |
| Pressure-Treated Plywood | $50, $70 | Excellent |
| OSB Sheets | $25, $40 | Fair |
Why Quality Plywood Matters for Your Roof
Buying cheap plywood can lead to problems later. Low-quality sheets may warp, rot, or break under weight. According to industry data, the average roof replacement cost is $9,526, according to RubyHome. Spending a little more on good plywood now saves you from expensive repairs later.
A 1,700 square foot roof costs between $6,800 and $68,000 to install, depending on materials, according to RubyHome. The plywood is just one part of this cost. Using strong plywood helps your roof last longer and protects your home better.
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Talk with a local professional roofer to review your options and get a detailed estimate for your project.