How Much Weight Can Plywood Hold

Plywood’s weight-bearing capacity varies significantly based on thickness, wood type, and support conditions. Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding plywood’s load-bearing potential.

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Typical Weight Capacities:

1/2″ (12mm) Plywood:

• Uniformly distributed load: 25-30 lbs per square foot
• Point load (concentrated): 50-75 lbs
• Best for light-duty shelving, floor underlayment

3/4″ (19mm) Plywood:

• Uniformly distributed load: 40-50 lbs per square foot
• Point load (concentrated): 100-150 lbs
• Suitable for heavy-duty flooring, work surfaces

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Key Considerations:

• Hardwood plywood generally stronger than softwood
• Baltic Birch plywood offers superior strength
• Always factor in safety margin of 25-30%
• Consult structural engineer for critical applications

What Screws to Use for Plywood

Warning Signs of Overloading:

• Sagging
• Cracking
• Delamination
• Permanent bending

Professional Recommendation: Calculate specific load requirements for your project. When in doubt, choose a thicker plywood or add additional support structures.

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