Wall Sheathing Weight Calculator
Drywall vs. Plywood: How much weight can you save?
Total Wall Area
Enter the total surface area of your walls and ceiling to cover.
sq ft
Don’t know the area?
Quick Estimate*Estimates 2 long walls + 2 short walls (8.5′ wide) + ceiling.
Weight Comparison
Based on 0 sq ft| Material | Weight / Sq Ft | Total Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5/8″ Firecode Drywall
Heavy, fire-resistant
|
2.2 lbs | 0 lbs | Heaviest |
|
1/2″ Standard Drywall
Standard residential
|
1.7 lbs | 0 lbs | Risk of Cracks |
|
1/2″ Plywood / T&G
Solid wood planks
|
1.5 lbs | 0 lbs | Standard |
|
1/4″ Plywood / Luan
Lightweight skin
|
0.8 lbs | 0 lbs | Best Choice |
By choosing 1/4″ Plywood over 5/8″ Drywall, you save
0 lbs!
Material Analysis: Why Weight Matters
The Problem with Drywall
While cheap and fire-resistant, drywall is heavy and brittle. In a moving Tiny House, the vibrations often cause drywall mud/tape joints to crack, requiring constant repairs.
Tip: If you must use drywall (e.g., behind a wood stove), use 5/8″ Firecode only in that specific zone to save weight elsewhere.
The Plywood Advantage
Wood sheathing (Plywood or Tongue & Groove) adds structural rigidity (shear strength) to your frame. It flexes with road bumps instead of cracking.
Tip: 1/4″ plywood is sufficient for interior aesthetics. You don’t need 1/2″ unless you plan to hang very heavy shelves directly on it without hitting studs.