Exterior Plywood Siding
Contents
While the number of siding options are slowly increasing, there is one option that still remains popular today: plywood. It’s inexpensive, attractive, and when properly maintained, can last for 30 years or more. Interested? Here are the facts.
Costs
Since plywood is manufactured to look like real wood, it’ll cost less than real wood siding. Be prepared to pay between $3,000 to $5,000 for 1,250 square feet, or $8,000 to $10,000 for 3,000 square feet. This will vary depending on the materials used and the cost of labor.
Pros
Plywood siding comes in a wide range of textures and patterns.
If properly maintained, it can last from 30 years to the life of the building.
One of the easiest siding options to install.
Cons
Plywood is flammable.
Can be susceptible to termite damage when in direct contact with the soil.
Susceptible to water rot if not properly finished, and plies can come unglued if it accumulates moisture.
Durability
Plywood is a durable siding option if installed correctly and treated to combat termite infestation and water damage.
Maintenance
In order to ensure that your plywood siding will last for years to come, seal all edges with water repellent, stain sealer, or exterior house paint primer before installation. Then, make sure to re-stain or re-paint your home every five years.
Common Questions and Answers
What’s the best way to repair existing plywood siding?
While it may be tempting to just remove and replace damaged sections, it’s best to replace the whole panel. This will keep the paneling seamless and less prone to leakage along repair lines.
Are there ways to replace plywood siding patterns that are out of date?
If your home is on the older side, then your siding pattern is most likely no longer being produced. Try to find a specialty contractor that can manufacture outdated siding groove patterns.
History
Plywood siding came onto the market in the 1950s and immediately became a popular siding choice for homes in the northern states. Today, as other materials like vinyl and fiber cement become more prevalent, the use of plywood siding continues to decrease.
More Information
When using plywood for exterior siding, it is crucial to ensure that the grade you choose is the proper product for exterior use. Don’t try to save money by selecting a lower grade because this causes major headaches in the future. Before making a decision, speak to a licensed contractor to evaluate plywood siding’s practicality for your area. Because the proper installation of plywood siding is so critical to preventing moisture damage, it is highly recommended that you have a licensed contractor handle the work.
References
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