What is the minimum thickness for wood structural panels?

The minimum thickness for wood structural panels, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), is typically specified to be 3/8 inch. This thickness is generally accepted for various applications, including subflooring and wall sheathing. It provides adequate strength and stiffness to support loads while maintaining a reasonable weight and cost efficiency.

When considering wood structural panels, building codes and design standards often dictate minimum requirements to ensure safety and structural integrity. Using panels that are 1/4 inch thick would not provide sufficient strength for many applications, and going below 3/8 inch could compromise the durability and performance under load. Therefore, the choice of 3/8 inch balances physical requirements with construction practices.