Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means a deck can easily be covered with plywood. With Marine Plywood, you can finish your deck in hours instead of the days it would take using individual boards, and at a very reasonable cost.
What kind of plywood do you use for decking?
Exterior plywood is weather (and water) resistant, so it’s strong enough to be used outside and also in areas that are exposed to water and humidity, like a garage. This type of plywood, often made from Douglas fir, is made stronger by adhering its layers with a waterproof glue.
How thick should plywood be for a deck?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DECKING BOARD THICKNESS
| Nominal Thickness | Actual Thickness |
|---|---|
| “Four-Quarter” or “1x” or “4/4” E.g.1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 6, 4/4 x 6 | 3/4” to 13/16” |
| “Five-Quarter” or “5/4” E.g., 5/4 x 6, 5/4 x 4 | 1” |
| “Eight-Quarter” or “8/4” or “2x” E.g., 2 x 6, 2 x 4 | 1.5” |
How do you waterproof a plywood deck?
Using an epoxy sealer is probably the most popular way to seal plywood against the elements. The epoxy is usually found in paint or spray forms. The advantage that epoxy provides is that it makes the plywood stronger, in addition to waterproof.
What happens when plywood gets wet?
When plywood gets soaked with water, it usually swells and will eventually rot. However, if your plywood does get wet, there is no need to panic as plywood usually takes at least a few weeks to decay, especially if you live in a cool and dry climate.
Can I make plywood waterproof?
Plywood can be waterproofed with paint, polyurethane, or epoxy finish. Lightly sand the plywood with 180 grit sandpaper, clean off any sawdust, and apply the finish with a brush or by pouring the finish on if using epoxy.
What to use instead of decking boards?
Decking Alternatives
- Natural Stone And Porcelain. Firstly, let’s start with one of the most expensive options.
- Poured Concrete. If you decide that concrete slabs are not for you, and you are looking for a super low-cost option, you could contemplate a patio made from poured concrete.
- Timber Decking.
What plywood is best for outdoor use?
marine grade plywood
Well, marine grade plywood is regarded as the best outdoor plywood, and is extensively used for construction. There are other construction materials that can be used for building exterior structures like oriented strand board (OSB) or ACX, but marine grade plywood outshines them all.
What boards are best for decking?
Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them. For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s.
Does staining plywood make it waterproof?
Perhaps not the first thing you would think of when choosing how to weatherproof plywood, wood staining is one of the best ways to ensure that water doesn’t ruin your plywood, and just like an epoxy sealant, it will not cover up the natural finish of the wood.
How do Marines treat plywood?
Since marine plywood is typically used underwater, you’ll need to treat every surface of the wood with sealant. We prefer clear, penetrating epoxy because it works its way deep into the wood, dries transparent, and requires less maintenance than other types of sealant.
Is pressure treated plywood waterproof?
Pressure treatment with chemical compounds does not waterproof the plywood. Continuous exposure to water will leach the preservative chemicals from the wood. Often made with soft wood to enable the penetration of the chemicals. Softer woods will also allow for the penetration of water.
Can you use plywood for a porch floor?
Heavy plywood is available in exterior grades that stand up well to the elements. When used as a porch floor, plywood will require some type of finish. Look for a finish that is rated for outdoor use. It is also best to find one that is recommended for flooring.
What is a deck subfloor?
A sub-floor is a framing system used to place flooring or decking. It consists of structural c-section interlocking beams. They are extremely light, strong and versatile. A floor or deck can be built with ease! The beams won’t split or warp and best of all – NO PAINTING!!
Which side of plywood goes up?
bark-side up
So if you are using treated lumber and you want to expose the most resistant surface — you got it — bark-side up.
How long does it take for plywood to rot?
Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If:
Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground. Wood is exposed to dirt.
What wood is best for outdoor use?
Characteristics of Redwood and Cedar
When you’re looking for the best wood for outdoor use, both of these types of wood are naturally resistant to rot and decay, along with being termite and insect-resistant. Redwood and cedar are also known to: Resist warping and twisting.
Does rain hurt plywood?
If you live in an especially rainy or humid climate, consider using plywood sheathing instead of OSB. Although plywood is usually more expensive than OSB, plywood is more resistant to moisture damage.
How do you keep plywood from warping outside?
The shrinking of the plywood causes warping. You can alleviate this by storing the plywood in a room around 35 degrees Celsius. You can also seal your plywood with a water-resistant sealant spray. Ensure that you coat both plywood faces with the same coating system to avoid moisture differences.
What is the best waterproofing for plywood?
An epoxy sealer is likely the most effective and popular material for waterproofing plywood sheets. The clear, viscous liquid dries into a hard shell covering the entire surface of the plywood. Epoxy is available in both paint and spray forms.
How long will pressure treated plywood last outside?
40 years
It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.