How much would it cost to put exterior grade plywood on the outside walls of a 2,000 square foot house?

Question

We are siding our parsonage. Currently the walls have 1 1/2" rock wool insulation and celotex board. Some trustees would like to remove the insulation, add fiberglass insulation, and cover with plywood. Then, side with vinyl siding that is foam insulated. We have an estimate of $2,428 to add insulation, but haven't got a quote on the plywood. The parsonage is in central New York. Any idea what it might cost?

Answer 1

3/4" exterior plywood is running about $31 sheet in my neck of the woods.

Most new homes today, are sheathed with 5/8" OSB... not plywood.  Just to give you a comparison.. a 3/4" tongue and grooved OSB panel runs about $13 here.  Same thickness.. less than half the cost.  And it works just as well as the plywood does, behind the vinyl siding.  (Its actually sold as 23/32" OSB.. just a shade thinner than 3/4")

For a 2,000 sq ft house, youre looking at a minimum of 25 sheets.  Buy extra, return what you don't use.

I'd recommend a 'housewrap' layer like Tyvek too.

As always, I'd suggest calling several contractors for estimates, and check their references.  Don't assume the lowest, or highest bids are the best.  Ask questions.  Make sure the bids are comparing 'apples to apples', so to speak.

By the way, if the home is old enough to have asbestos tile siding, you'll be needing a specially licensed contractor to remove and dispose of the product.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Plywood I think is about 4x8 so that is 43 sq. ft., so I guess you would divide 2000 by 43, to find out how many sq. ft. it would take, plywood at Home Depot varies from eight bucks to twelve bucks per sheet, so divide and multiply how many sheets you would need, will be quite a few.Good luck.