The plywood to use for roofing is exterior-grade plywood with a thickness of 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch, depending on your roof’s support spacing. Most homes use CDX plywood, which has a strong veneer on one side and is made to handle outdoor weather. The plywood sits under your shingles or other roofing material and gives your roof a solid base. Plywood is the most popular choice because it is durable, affordable, and easy to work with. You will also need to add roofing felt or underlayment on top of the plywood to protect it from water and weather.
Why Plywood Is the Best Choice
Plywood is used in almost all residential roofing projects because it is strong and long-lasting. According to industry data, asphalt shingles, which sit on top of plywood, account for ~80% of residential roofing projects in the United States. This means millions of homes rely on plywood as their roof base every year.
The wood is made by gluing thin layers together. This makes it stronger than solid wood and able to handle weight and wind better. Plywood also resists warping and splitting when it gets wet.
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What Grade and Thickness You Need
The best plywood for roofing is CDX or better. The “C” means one side can have small knots and fixes. The “D” means the other side can have more damage. The “X” means it is made for outdoor use. You should never use interior plywood, which falls apart when it gets wet.
For most roofs, use 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thick plywood. Thicker plywood is stronger but costs more. Thinner plywood can sag and leak if your roof beams are far apart.
| Plywood Type | Best Use | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| CDX | Most homes | 1/2″ or 5/8″ |
| BC | Better quality | 5/8″ |
| Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | Budget option | 1/2″ or 5/8″ |
How Much Plywood Costs
Plywood prices vary by region and time of year. According to RubyHome, roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot, with materials and labor combined. For a 1,700 square foot roof, total costs run $6,800 to $68,000. Plywood alone is a small part of this cost, usually $200 to $400 for an average home.
Material costs have risen significantly in recent years. According to Cladco, roofing material costs have gone up 35% since 2020. This includes the cost of wood, shingles, and other supplies. Plan ahead and compare prices from different suppliers to get the best deal.
Installation Tips
Make sure the plywood is dry before you nail it down. Install it with the C side (better side) facing up. Space nails 12 inches apart around edges and 16 inches in the middle. Leave small gaps between sheets so the wood can expand in hot weather.
After plywood is installed, add roofing felt, underlayment, or synthetic wrap. This layer keeps water from getting under the shingles and damaging the plywood. According to industry data, the average roof lifespan is 25 to 50 years, and proper underlayment helps your roof last longer. Always use a professional contractor if you are not sure how to install the plywood yourself.
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Work with a professional professional roofer to protect your property with quality roofing solutions.