sheathing question

[fishingwithkids]

i just got a quote on lauan is 1/8" too thin for the exterior of a shanty. 2x2 studding 16' on center.

[Iceassin]

I would say 1/4 minimum. I went with 3/8 OSB. Gotta remember,this stuff takes quite a beating no matter the application.

Some say that OSB isn't good either but have had it on my shack for 5 years and is showing no sign of wear. 2 coats of cheap primer and 2-3 coats of quality oil based paint will do the trick. Touch up paint a little every season and I'm good to go...Good luck

[Tainterslayer]

1/8" is pretty dang thin. It would work but I would put some sort of bracing on your studs. Many people don't even know this, but a lot of structural support comes from the sheathing. It prevents lateral movement and bulging of the studs.
My first shack was built so that the frame was strong enough to support typical loads. I had 45 degree bracing to keep it from shifting because the walls were a TARP!
I say if that there is nothing wrong with using 1/8" for sheathing as long as you know how to brace the walls. It's obviously not going to be as tough as 1/4" but if you treat it well then it should last. Prime it and paint it very well and it should last. If I could get 1/8" here then I would have used it because it sure would save a lot of weight.

[Fisherman 1]

If you glue 1" styrofoam to the luan, it will stiffin it up considerably and give you excellent insulation.  Make sure that the styrofoam fits tight between the studs.

[fishingwithkids]

insulation for sure... weight is my primary concern. we have an 8x10 now that is great but it takes a tank to move it.especially  end of the season when there is 16 inches of snow.... thanks for the input guys any good ideas to keep weight down?

[gaudetskie]

I would stay away from the 1/8 inch. 1/4 inch isn't that much heavier. With 1/8 inch, you'd have to add much more bracing, and that would negate your weight savings. Also, Tainter's absolutely right about the sheathing adding strength. Steel studs get upwards of 60% of their strength from their sheathing.
Nick.

[fishingwithkids]

i will go  with the 1/4" the price difference is only 6 bucks a sheet so for another 24 bucks i get a piece of mind that the thing will hold together.

[joeybutta]

1/4 inch for sure and make sure you paint or stain the heck out of it!! it will delaminate if you dont...seen it happen....to mine

[fin-n-feather]

Used 1/4" plywood on mine.  Stain it every other year.  Still looks like new.  I think you wont regret using the 1/4 inch stuff.  Fin

[JOBBER]

FYI - I made an enclosed deer stand with 1/8" marine plywood over a 1"x2" frame. Maximum spacing of any 1"x2" member was 24". I was looking for light weight. I would have to pack it in. Lasted only 2 years. The plywood warped something horrible and pulled all the brads out. The plywood didn't separate and/or rot just warp.