Plywood Sizes in the Philippines: Standard Sheets, Thicknesses & Conversions (2026)

"What size is plywood in the Philippines?" is one of the most-asked plywood questions in the country every month — and the answer is straightforward once you know the trade conventions. The standard sheet is 4 × 8 ft (1220 × 2440 mm), available in a defined range of thicknesses, with consistent dimensions across most retail brands.

This guide covers the full size and thickness range available in the Philippine market, the imperial-to-metric conversions Filipino contractors use daily, application-by-thickness recommendations, marine vs ordinary plywood size availability, oversized custom sheets, a worked material-takeoff example, and indicative 2026 pricing. Written from a manufacturer's perspective by Vinawood, a Vietnamese mill exporting to the Philippines and 55+ markets.

TL;DR — the Standard Plywood Size in the Philippines

The dominant plywood sheet size in the Philippines is 4 ft × 8 ft — metric 1220 mm × 2440 mm. Every major retailer (Wilcon, CitiHardware, Ace Hardware, provincial hardware) stocks 4×8 in standard thicknesses from 1/4" up to 3/4". One sheet at a glance:

For broader international plywood sheet size standards (US, EU, India, UK), see global plywood sheet size standards.

Standard Sheet Dimensions

Plywood thickness in the Philippine retail market follows the same imperial conventions as the US and Canada. The naming is in inches; the actual sheet is produced to the equivalent metric measurement.

Sheet length and width tolerances under most production standards run ±3 mm on the 1220 × 2440 mm dimension; thickness tolerance under EN 315 runs +0.7 / –0.9 mm on 18 mm sanded panels. "4 × 8" in the Philippines refers to a 1220 × 2440 mm metric sheet — slightly under exact 4 ft (1219.2 mm) × 8 ft (2438.4 mm) when measured precisely. The metric figure is what mills produce.

Common Thicknesses by Application

1/4" (6 mm). Light-duty applications. Used for ceiling underlayment, drawer bottoms, cabinet backs, decorative wall paneling, and as a sheathing layer over framing where lateral loads are minimal.

3/8" (9 mm). Mid-range thin-panel work. Common for thin partition cladding, lightweight furniture panels, and wall sheathing where a 1/4" panel would deflect too much.

1/2" (12 mm). Workhorse cabinet thickness. The Philippine cabinet trade defaults to 1/2" for cabinet door blanks, drawer fronts, partition cladding, and furniture sides where moderate strength is needed without excess weight.

5/8" (15 mm). Subfloor and structural sheathing. Common spec for residential subfloors, roof decking on closer joist spacing, and casegoods structure where 1/2" would feel undersized.

3/4" (18 mm). The dominant structural and formwork thickness. Used for residential subfloor on standard joist spacing, kitchen cabinet boxes (for premium projects), structural shelving, and concrete formwork. Most container-volume imports default to 18 mm.

1" (25 mm). Heavy-duty applications. Less common in residential work; used for industrial flooring, transport flooring, and heavy formwork tables.

Marine Plywood Sizes

Marine plywood in the Philippine market follows the same standard sheet size as ordinary plywood: 4 × 8 ft (1220 × 2440 mm). The thickness range typically spans 1/4" through 3/4", with 3/4" being the most commonly stocked.

One important note on terminology: "marine plywood" in the Philippine retail market typically describes a moisture-resistant melamine- or phenolic-bonded panel — not the strict BS 1088 international marine standard. The dimensions match ordinary plywood exactly; the difference is in the bond chemistry, core species, and veneer grading. For the formal definition and how to verify genuine marine grade, see marine plywood explained.

Ordinary Plywood vs Marine Plywood — Size Availability

Across the standard 4 × 8 sheet:

Ordinary plywood has the broadest thickness range in the retail market because of its wider use across light-duty and decorative applications. Marine and formwork variants concentrate on the structural thicknesses (1/2" and 3/4").

Custom and Oversized Sheets

Most projects fit within the standard 4 × 8 ft sheet, but two oversized formats are available on request:

4 × 10 ft (1220 × 3050 mm). Used in tall wall partition cladding, formwork systems for high pours, and architectural applications where minimising horizontal joints matters. Available from larger Manila and provincial wholesalers; expect a 10–20% per-sheet premium over standard 4 × 8 and longer lead times. Not all retailers stock this format; call ahead.

Cut-to-size service. Many PH retailers offer cut-to-size services for an additional charge. The starting sheet is still 4 × 8 (or 4 × 10), and waste from off-cuts is your cost. Typical service fee runs ₱50–100 per cut at the major retailers. Best option when you need many same-size pieces and don't want to handle full sheets at the project site.

Plyboard vs Plywood — Size Differences

Plyboard (also called blockboard) is a related panel construction — a solid timber-strip core sandwiched between veneer or thin plywood faces. Sheet size for plyboard typically matches plywood at 4 × 8 ft (1220 × 2440 mm), but thickness is more limited: plyboard is most commonly stocked at 5/8" (15 mm) and 3/4" (18 mm) only — not in the thinner 1/4" or 1/2" ranges.

Plyboard is lighter than plywood at the same thickness because of the timber-strip core, and typically costs less per sheet. For visible cabinet exteriors and structural applications, plywood is preferred; for lightweight partitions and budget-conscious interior work, plyboard often delivers acceptable performance at lower cost. For the deeper construction comparison, see plyboard vs plywood comparison.

How to Convert Sheet Sizes for Material Takeoff

The standard 4 × 8 sheet covers ~2.97 m² (or 32 sq ft). The basic takeoff formula:

Sheets needed = (project area in m²) ÷ 2.97 × (waste factor)

Typical waste factors run 1.10 (10% waste) for straightforward partition or sheathing work, up to 1.20 (20%) for projects with many small pieces or complex cuts.

Worked example — 100 sqm of partition cladding:

100 m² ÷ 2.97 m² per sheet = 33.7 sheets at zero waste. With 10% waste factor: 33.7 × 1.10 = 37.1 → round up to 38 sheets of 1/2" plywood. For double-sided cladding (both faces of a partition wall), double the result: 76 sheets.

Worked example — 60 sqm condo subfloor:

60 m² ÷ 2.97 m² per sheet = 20.2 sheets at zero waste. With 10% waste: 20.2 × 1.10 = 22.2 → round up to 23 sheets of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood (3/4" preferred for subfloor over wider joist spacing).

Always order an extra 1–2 sheets above the calculated count for site cut waste, panel damage during handling, and contingency.

Indicative 2026 Price by Thickness (PHP per sheet)

Indicative retail pricing for 4 × 8 ft plywood sheets in the Philippines, mid-2026:

Indicative ranges only — varies by retailer, brand, region, and date. Always confirm with current supplier quotes before committing.

Where Filipino Contractors Buy Plywood

National retail (Wilcon Depot, CitiHardware, Ace Hardware). Convenience and reliable stock; pricing at the upper end of typical retail range. Best for small projects, single-sheet purchases, or homeowners with no trade account.

Provincial hardware. Often 5–10% below Metro Manila retail for cash terms. Stock can be inconsistent on premium brands; useful for standard mid-tier panels close to project sites in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Northern Luzon.

Wholesalers. Volume pricing for 50+ sheet quantities, typically 10–20% below retail. Suitable for contractor-scale projects with reliable storage capacity.

Direct-from-Vietnam imports (project scale). Container-volume orders (1× 40HQ ≈ 600 sheets of 18 mm) can land 25–35% below PH retail at the cost of 30–45 day lead time and import logistics. Worth evaluating for sustained buyers consuming 1+ containers per quarter. For an overview of PH-specific plywood suppliers, see Vinawood's plywood suppliers in the Philippines guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard size of plywood in the Philippines?

The standard plywood size in the Philippines is 4 ft × 8 ft — metric 1220 mm × 2440 mm. This is the dominant sheet size across all major retailers and brands, available in thicknesses from 1/4" (6 mm) up to 3/4" (18 mm), with 1" (25 mm) available on special order.

What is the actual size of 4×8 plywood?

"4 × 8" plywood in the Philippine retail market is produced to a metric size of 1220 mm × 2440 mm — slightly under exact 4 ft (1219.2 mm) × 8 ft (2438.4 mm). The metric figure is what mills actually produce. Sheet tolerances run ±3 mm on length and width.

What plywood sizes are common in mm?

The standard sheet is 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft). Common thicknesses in millimetres: 6 mm (1/4"), 9 mm (3/8"), 12 mm (1/2"), 15 mm (5/8"), 18 mm (3/4"), and 25 mm (1"). The 18 mm (3/4") and 12 mm (1/2") thicknesses are the most-stocked across PH retail.

How thick is 3/4 inch plywood in mm?

3/4" plywood is 18 mm thick (technically 19.05 mm if converted exactly, but produced to 18 mm in the metric standard followed by most Asian and European mills). Thickness tolerance under EN 315 is +0.7 / –0.9 mm for sanded panels — so an 18 mm panel measured at 17.4 mm or 18.6 mm is within spec.

How much does a 3/4 marine plywood cost in the Philippines?

3/4" (18 mm) marine plywood in the Philippines typically prices ₱1,300–₱1,700 per 4 × 8 sheet at retail in 2026. Premium brands sit at the upper end; economy brands at the lower end. Wholesale pricing for 50+ sheet quantities runs roughly 10–20% below retail.

What's the difference between ordinary and marine plywood by size?

None — both ordinary and marine plywood share the same standard sheet size of 4 × 8 ft (1220 × 2440 mm) and the same available thickness range. The difference between ordinary and marine plywood is in the bond chemistry (urea-formaldehyde for ordinary, melamine or phenolic for marine), core veneer quality, and face/back grading — not in dimensions.

Can I get oversized plywood sheets locally?

Yes, on request. The most common oversized format is 4 × 10 ft (1220 × 3050 mm), used in tall partition cladding and high-pour formwork systems. Available from larger Manila and provincial wholesalers; expect a 10–20% per-sheet premium over standard 4 × 8 and longer lead times. Cut-to-size services are also widely offered at most major retailers.

How many 4×8 plywood sheets cover 100 sqm?

One 4 × 8 sheet covers ~2.97 m². For 100 sqm: 100 ÷ 2.97 = 33.7 sheets at zero waste. With a typical 10% waste allowance: 33.7 × 1.10 = 37.1 → round up to 38 sheets. For double-sided cladding (both faces of a partition wall), double to 76 sheets. Always order 1–2 extra sheets above the calculated count for damage and contingency.

Plywood sizes in the Philippines follow consistent conventions across retail brands and grades — 4 × 8 is the standard and the metric 1220 × 2440 mm is what's produced. Match thickness to application, round up your takeoff with a sensible waste allowance, and confirm current pricing with your supplier before committing volume. The size is the easy part of the spec; getting the right grade, bond class, and core species (especially for marine and formwork applications) is where the real specification work lives.