The International Residential Code specifies 3/8-inch plywood for sheathing walls with a standard stud spacing of 16 inches, if the siding is nailed to the studs through the sheathing. If the nails penetrate the sheathing, but not the studs, the minimum plywood thickness that the IRC designates is 1/2 inch.
How thick should wall sheathing be? The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that 7/16-inch sheathing is the minimum appropriate thickness for structural wall sheathing with an exception for gable end walls, where the minimum thickness is 3/8 inch.
Similarly, Can OSB be used for exterior walls? Install structural sheathing (plywood/OSB) in exterior walls to ensure the building will resist design wind pressures.
What is the best plywood for walls?
If you need plywood for roofing, walls or subfloods, then choose construction plywood or OSB. Oak or birch hardwood is good for cabinets, storage and furniture.
How thick should OSB be for garage walls?
Note: IBC & IRC require a minimum thickness of ⅜” for OSB for wall sheathing.
Can I use 7/16 OSB for wall sheathing?
Select the appropriate thickness for wood structural sheathing panels. Minimum: 7/16” thickness. (Exception: 3/8” for gable end walls structural sheathing.)
What type of plywood is used for interior walls? Although specialty plywood can have any number of plies above three, most plywood is categorized as 3-ply, 5-ply or multi-ply. 3-ply is one of the most common types of plywood. It is about 2- to 3-millimeters thick and is generally used indoors, since it looks more decorative than thicker plywood boards.
Which is cheaper plywood or OSB? OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood. OSB is considered by many to be a “green” building material because it can be made from smaller-diameter trees, such as poplars, that are often farmed.
What is code for exterior wall sheathing?
Wall sheathing on the outside of exterior walls, including gables, and the connection of the sheathing to framing shall be designed in accordance with the general provisions of this code and shall be capable of resisting wind pressures in accordance with Section 1609.
Can OSB plywood be painted? OSB, or oriented strand board, has a flaked appearance and bumpy texture. … If you want to use OSB as a finish material, you can successfully paint it to make it more attractive and perhaps even improve its utility. But OSB has a few limitations and requires special preparation before you start rolling on the paint.
How do you make plywood walls look good?
Making Plywood Walls Look Good
The secret to getting it to look the same as the drywall, is to start by taping the plywood, just like you would with drywall. Then, skim coat the entire plywood surface with drywall mud and then sand it smooth. Once textured and painted, it will look just like the rest of the walls.
Which plywood is best for interior? The best plywood type for interiors would be the following:
- MR grade plywood also stands for moisture-resistant ply. …
- BR grade plywood which stands for boiling water-resistant ply. …
- Construction plywood specifically particleboard and MDF or medium density fiber.
Is plywood better than drywall?
Aside from being less fire resistant, more expensive and harder to work with, plywood is the more durable of the two materials. Unfortunately, when plywood is damaged it is harder to fix than drywall. Drywall is more universally used, and it is much easier to find someone to handle your drywall needs.
What kind of plywood do you use for garage walls?
The exact answer is 3/8-inch, and it’s the minimum plywood thickness. The International Residential Code specifies 3/8-inch plywood for sheathing walls with a standard stud spacing of 16 inches, if the siding is nailed to the studs through the sheathing.
What’s cheaper OSB or drywall? When it comes to price, OSB is at least 4 times pricier than drywalls. But their maintenance is very easy and cheap in the long run. On the contrary, drywalls can be painted easily and produce a neater result. In terms of durability, OSB can’t be matched as it’s extremely durable.
What can I use for garage sheathing?
OSB is a effective sheathing material for garage walls. It’s strong and durable, and it can be used as a base for nailing or stapling insulation to garage walls. OSB can be left uncovered for utilitarian bare-wall constructions, but can be primed and painted.
What is the difference between sheathing and plywood?
Plywood sheathing (OSB or plywood) is often mistaken for plywood underlayment. They are not the same. Plywood sheathing is most often used to construct the structural sub-floor. Plywood sheathing can either be OSB or all plywood.
Can you use screws on OSB? You only need a #8 wood screw that is 1 1/2 inches long for 5/8 inch OSB or at most 2 inches long for 3/4 inch plywood. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring.
What is the strongest type of plywood?
The answer is marine plywood. It is the strongest and toughest of all plywood on the market. High-quality glues hold the plies in marine plywood together. That makes them structurally sound and resistant to moisture.
How do you make plywood walls look nice? The secret to getting it to look the same as the drywall, is to start by taping the plywood, just like you would with drywall. Then, skim coat the entire plywood surface with drywall mud and then sand it smooth. Once textured and painted, it will look just like the rest of the walls.
How do you hide seams in plywood walls?
Sand down the plywood, particularly around the edges where the pieces meet at the seams. Go over the entire surface with medium-grade sandpaper in a circular motion. Continue until all of the seams have been sanded down and the surface is smooth throughout.
Can I use plywood for interior walls? You can use plywood instead of drywall for walls and ceilings. Plywood weighs less, and it’s also stronger and more damage-resistant than drywall. Construction-grade plywood is more expensive, though, and it might not meet local building codes as it isn’t as soundproof or fireproof as drywall.