What is 5/8 Plywood?

5/8 plywood is a plywood sheet that is 5/8 inch (approximately 16mm) thick. This thickness offers a good balance between strength, weight, and cost, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in construction, cabinetry, and woodworking.

What Are the Common Uses of 5/8 Plywood?

5/8 plywood is used in various projects that require medium strength and durability. Here are the most common uses:

Wall Sheathing: Ideal for residential and commercial wall applications, providing structural support without excessive weight.
Furniture: Often used for building furniture frameworks, backs, and panels where moderate strength is required.
Subflooring: Suitable for areas that don’t bear heavy loads but still require a solid, stable surface.
Paneling: Frequently used for interior wall panels or decorative purposes.

How Strong is 5/8 Plywood?

While not as thick as 3/4 plywood, 5/8 plywood still offers solid strength for most medium-duty applications. It’s strong enough for wall sheathing, furniture construction, and subflooring, but may not be the best choice for areas requiring heavy-duty structural support or extreme weight-bearing capacities.

How Much Does 5/8 Plywood Weigh?

The weight of 5/8 plywood is lighter than thicker plywood options but still substantial. On average, a 4×8 sheet of 5/8 plywood weighs between 35-50 lbs (15.9-22.7 kg). This makes it easier to handle compared to thicker plywood, while still offering a reliable strength-to-weight ratio.

How Does 5/8 Plywood Compare to Other Plywood Thicknesses?

Here’s how 5/8 plywood compares to other common plywood thicknesses:

Plywood Thickness	Typical Use	Strength & Durability
1/4 inch	Lightweight applications, paneling	Low strength, lighter
1/2 inch	Cabinets, subflooring, paneling	Moderate strength
5/8 inch	Wall sheathing, furniture, subfloor	Medium strength, versatile
3/4 inch	Structural framing, flooring	High strength, heavy-duty

What Types of Wood Are Used in 5/8 Plywood?

5/8 plywood is available in both softwood and hardwood types, depending on the project:

Softwood plywood: Made from woods like pine, fir, or spruce, softwood plywood is the most common type and is used in general construction and structural applications.
Hardwood plywood: Made from woods like birch, maple, or oak, hardwood plywood is used in fine furniture making or when aesthetics and durability are important.

How to Choose the Right 5/8 Plywood for Your Project?

When selecting 5/8 plywood, keep these considerations in mind:

Project Type: For structural applications such as wall sheathing, exterior-grade or structural plywood is best. For furniture or decorative uses, hardwood plywood may be more appropriate.
Moisture Exposure: If the plywood will be exposed to moisture, opt for exterior or marine-grade plywood, which offers enhanced water resistance.
Strength Requirements: Ensure that 5/8 plywood is strong enough for the project. For more demanding applications, 3/4 plywood may be required.

Is 5/8 Plywood Waterproof?

Standard 5/8 plywood is not waterproof but can be treated for moisture resistance. For applications exposed to water or high humidity, such as outdoor furniture or bathroom walls, choose marine plywood or exterior plywood for better moisture protection.

How Much Does 5/8 Plywood Cost?

The cost of 5/8 plywood varies based on the type of wood and grade. On average, you can expect the following price range:

Softwood plywood (5/8-inch): $30 – $50 per sheet.
Hardwood plywood (5/8-inch): $50 – $80 per sheet, depending on the wood type.
Marine plywood (5/8-inch): $60 – $120 per sheet, due to enhanced moisture resistance.

How to Cut 5/8 Plywood?

Cutting 5/8 plywood requires the right tools and technique. Here’s how to do it:

Measure and Mark: Use a measuring tape and square to ensure straight, accurate cuts.
Tools: A circular saw or jigsaw is ideal for cutting 5/8 plywood. For straight cuts, a table saw can be used.
Safety: Always wear safety gear, including goggles, hearing protection, and a dust mask.

How to Store 5/8 Plywood?

Proper storage ensures the longevity of 5/8 plywood:

Keep it dry: Store plywood in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture damage.
Elevate it: Stack plywood off the ground on wooden supports to prevent contact with moisture.
Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the plywood to warp or weaken.

Is 5/8 Plywood Eco-Friendly?

5/8 plywood can be eco-friendly when sourced from sustainable forests. Look for FSC-certified plywood, which ensures that the material is harvested responsibly. Additionally, using plywood made with water-based adhesives reduces harmful emissions.

Conclusion

5/8 plywood is a versatile, mid-strength material commonly used in wall sheathing, furniture, subflooring, and paneling. It offers a solid balance between weight, cost, and strength, making it a popular choice for a wide range of projects. By selecting the right type of 5/8 plywood for your needs, you can ensure the best results for both structural and decorative applications.