What is 5/8-inch plywood used for?

5/8-inch (15 mm) plywood is a versatile mid-range thickness used for wall and roof sheathing, subfloors in residential construction, workbench tops, shelving, and large cabinetry. It balances strength and weight better than 1/2-inch for spans up to 16 inches on center and costs less than 3/4-inch panels. Always confirm span ratings on the panel stamp against your framing layout.

Is 5/8-inch plywood strong enough for a subfloor?

5/8-inch plywood is the minimum recommended subfloor thickness over joists spaced 16 inches on center for typical residential loads. For joists at 19.2 or 24 inches on center, most codes require 23/32-inch or thicker subfloor. Always check your local building code and the rated-sheathing span index on the panel for your specific joist layout.

How much does a sheet of 5/8-inch plywood weigh?

A standard 4x8 sheet of 5/8-inch plywood typically weighs 40 to 55 pounds depending on species and glue type. Softwood panels in pine or fir sit at the lighter end, while hardwood and phenolic film-faced variants fall at the heavier end. Sheet weight matters for both transport planning and overhead installation safety.

What is the difference between 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch plywood?

3/4-inch (19 mm) plywood offers roughly 20% more stiffness and load capacity than 5/8-inch, at the cost of higher weight and price. For cabinet shelves, subfloors over wider joist spacings, and formwork panels that see repeated use, 3/4-inch is usually preferred. For sheathing, interior partitions, and furniture backs, 5/8-inch is typically adequate.