4x8 Plywood Question - Fine Homebuilding

Newbie DIY question:

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I called up the local lumber store, Gray Lumber, here in Tacoma and ordered 3/4″ 4×8 T&G plywood sheathing and other lumber.  I got a written quotation including UDLX sheet.

The yard delivers 47 5/8″ net coverage plywood with a receipt that says 4×8 UDLX plywood, which matched the quotation.  I did not check the stamp on the sheet at time of delivery.  They did come up short 10 pieces of lumber which i did notice.  The sheet was really well covered with plastic and staples.  I use the stuff for a 16′ wide by 22′ long subfloor, making the unplanned adjustment to cover the full 16′ width with a glued and nailed strip at the side. Not that neat, but no big deal…

A few days later I call the sales guy to order some more stuff and right away asked about the 47 5/8 net width sheet.  At first he tells me that this is standard and all sheet is under width and to space it to obtain 48″ net coverage.  I mention the APA marking method for “sized for spacing” and that i’d expect the sheet to be space 1/8″ in the width direction.  He says he’ll call me back. 

He calls back and says that i should have started my layout to account for the under width, which he says i’m supposed to do anyhow.  I say i’m not so sure about that since the sheet is run perpendicular to the joists and could start with a corner of a sheet in the corner of the structure.  But i’m not sure and would like to learn more if he has the time.  He says he’ll call back. 

He calls back and says it’s all 47 5/8″ wide these days because everyone is using OSB.  I stay away from that.  He says i should have ordered full width sheets but that they are more expensive.  I point out to him that i did order 4×8 sheet.  I did not point out to him that i paid more than 28$/sheet, which is more than the “big box” stores sell “full width” sheet for here in town.

I say i’d like to learn more because he’s now telling me how many years he has been in the business and recommends to me that i go to some job sites to learn about current tract home subfloor practice. 

i’m sure i must have made some sort of mistake…just not sure what.  He says he’ll call me back. 

He does.  Says they ran out of full width 4×8 UDLX and that the order entry skew is the same for both the net 47 5/8″ wide and the 48″ wide sheet and that i can talk to the owners about it since they are the ones that put in the skews.  He also says i can bring it back. Now i’m wondering what the heck this guy is trying to say, but i’m sure i’ve worn out his patience…  Really nice guy though and i think i learned something, just not sure what.

The company is the world’s best 4 x 8 cdx plywood supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

So, from the professionals (and skilled DYI’ers) out there, anyone care to point out what the heck I did wrong here?  I searched and found no discussions on the site here regarding sheet dimensions.

Anyone ever get sold 47 5/8″ net coverage 4’x8′ plywood?  What is it for?  Why would anyone want less than 48″ net coverage?  Just nit picking?

When it comes to building your dream home, a long-awaited addition, or a beautiful outdoor deck with cascading stairs to the yard, you want to use the best possible materials to ensure durability, reliability, and ultimately–longevity.

To achieve this, it all starts from the inside out. In this case–with plywood. This material is used as a foundational element to finish the frame of a project; from an entire home to an addition, to a staircase, and everything in between. Plywood is the layer that’s applied directly to the framing and is the layer on which finish materials, such as siding or flooring, are applied. Plywood is typically used as sheathing or roof sheathing. Plywood is a strong thin wooden board consisting of two or more layers glued and pressed together with the direction of the grain alternating and usually sold in sheets of four by eight feet. It’s used for various types of projects and intentions. Most widely, plywood is used for wall sheathing, roof sheathing, and stair risers. The product typically comes in three thicknesses: ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”. Plywood seems like a product that’s relatively simple to choose and a way to save money on the project by getting a lesser quality product. However, the structure of the project is arguably the most important aspect of the durability, reliability, and longevity of any structure So, here are 5 reasons why it’s worth the premium plywood:

1. Grade

Plywood’s quality is measured by grade, which is determined by the type of wood used, how many layers the sheet has, how the layers are bonded together and with what type of glue, and the quality of veneers applied to the exterior of the sheet. There are typically two types of plywood grades available in the US – CDX (domestic), and CCX (Canadian). All CDX plywood is 4-ply and available to be purchased in ½”, ¾”, and ⅝” thicknesses. CCX, on the other hand, is made in 4-ply for ½” thicknesses, as well as 5-ply and 6-ply for ⅝” and ¾” thicknesses. Both variations’ layers are bonded together with exterior glue, ideal for its common purpose of exterior sheathing.

So, what is the true difference in quality between CCX and CDX? While both CDX and CCX have a C grade front, CDX has a D grade back, while CCX has a matching C grade back, this ensures less noticeable knots and non-desirable areas for nailing. Additionally, CDX is made with 4-ply across all thicknesses, whereas CCX is more structurally sound with 5-ply and 6-ply due to its thicker thicknesses. But ultimately, and regardless of thickness, CCX is a better product for having a higher quality veneer, and fewer voids in the core by the process it’s manufactured. Most contractors in the US default to using CDX because of its ready availability, however, CCX is typically just as available, only slightly more expensive, and an overall better product for your project.

2. Durability and Stability

A sheet of plywood’s core is made up of veneer panels glued together at alternating angles to provide strength and inhibit warping. The main reason for quality plywood sheets is the quality of panels used to create the material. A CCX grade sheet is used with quality veneer panels. Because these panels are manufactured in such a way that results in fewer voids, using them to create a sheet of quality plywood results in material with a strong, void-less core. Using a product that has limited to no voids in its core results in a more durable product overall. Creating a stronger and more durable foundation for the finish trades to be adhered to will in turn make a stronger, more stable, and more durable home, addition, deck, staircase, etc

3. More surface area for fasteners

Like we mentioned, a CCX sheet of plywood has two fair grades for both the face and the back. This means a contractor can use either side of the sheet as the face or the back since they’re the same. Because both sides are face-grade, the sheet will have fewer blemishes, and no severe knots, allowing the contractor to fasten into virtually any part of the board. Additionally, because the sheet has fewer blemishes, it’s a flatter surface area for the next trade to apply their work to, making the entire project run smoother and more efficiently.

4. Less Waste

Because CCX grade plywood has fewer blemishes and is a more uniform product overall, contractors don’t have to put an entire sheet aside because it’s simply not good enough to be used on the project. Being able to measure the project, purchase the amount of product that’s needed, and apply the material not only saves money on supplies but saves money in labor time.

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