No truck, no trailer, no problem. Get plywood home from the store no matter what you drive.
One of the biggest challenges of working with plywood is getting it home from the store. It usually comes in 4×8 sheets, which is cost-effective and ideal for certain projects, but can be a challenge to transport without a truck. However, it is possible. “I’ve used all manner of transport options to get plywood to my house,” Garrett Poshusta of The Grit and Polish says. It will just take a bit more time, effort and in some cases, money.
Ahead, find our top 6 ways to safely get plywood home if you don’t have a truck, with tips from Poshusta.
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How Big Is Plywood?
Plywood is sold in 4×8 sheets, but its weight depends on thickness, moisture content and species. Hardwood species like birch weigh more than softwoods, and MDF core layers weigh more than those with wood veneer cores. Common weight ranges include:
- ¼-in plywood: 20 to 25-lbs.
- ½-in plywood: 30 to 50-lbs.
- ¾-in. Plywood: 45 to 90-lbs.
Tips to Get Plywood Home Without a Truck
Try these options the next time your project calls for plywood.
Cut it at the store
“Big retailers will cut plywood to specific dimensions for you,” Poshusta says, with limitations. Many will only do single straight cuts, not multiple or multi-directional project cuts that take more time. However, I’ve had luck getting multiple straight cuts done during slow business hours.
Roof racks
Strap plywood to the roof racks for transport from the store. I’ve used this method before, and would recommend bringing a partner to lift the plywood into place on the roof. Another tip is to place two 2x4x8s beneath the plywood as support rails for single pieces or thin sheets.
- Safety: Use ratchet straps to secure plywood to roof racks, not rope or cam buckle straps, which can loosen as you drive. Use secondary roads instead of highways to avoid traveling at high speeds.
Delivery
“Another option to consider is delivery,” Poshusta says. “If you need multiple sheets and perhaps some other lumber, getting it dropped at your house could be worth the delivery charge.” In my experience, local lumberyards charge much less for delivery than home centers, where delivery costs $75 to $125. Lumber yards also consistently offer higher-quality stock than home centers, which is important if you’re not there to select the plywood.
Trailer
Rent a trailer to get plywood home if you have a hitch on your vehicle. If you don’t have a hitch, consider getting one to increase your car or SUV’s carrying capacity. Even small sedans have some towing ability and can be equipped with a hitch.
- Safety: Secure plywood in the trailer with a latch strap or two.
Rent a truck
Another option I’ve used to get large items and plywood home is to rent a truck from a home center. If just using it for delivery, $75 will get you an hour and fifteen minutes, or rent it for the day for around $120 plus gas. The only downside is you can’t reserve a truck in advance, so get there early on a weekend or opt for a weekday instead.
Safety: Tie down plywood in the truck with a ratchet strap.
Use smaller sheets
“My local lumber store also sells smaller sheets, which can be a good option if you need to fit it into your car,” Poshusta says. Common smaller sizes are 2×2, 2×4 and 4×4. These pre-cut pieces are convenient, but cost twice as much per square foot as a full 4×8-ft. sheet. A more cost-effective route is to buy a full sheet and cut it down, but if you only need a small amount for your project, buying a smaller sheet is a great option.
FAQ
What size plywood fits in a standard sedan?
Each car’s dimensions will vary, so measure to be sure. Pre-cut plywood in 2×2 sheets will fit in any vehicle, and 2×4 pieces will fit in cars with the backseat folded down.
Will Home Depot (or any other store) cut plywood for me?
Yes, Home Depot and Lowe’s will cut plywood for you.
Is it legal to drive with plywood hanging out of my trunk?
If the plywood is safely secured and tied down, it can hang out of the trunk by several feet. Anything more than that requires a red warning flag for other drivers. Always check state road laws for transporting items that extend outside a vehicle.
About the Expert
- Garrett Poshusta is one half of the husband-and-wife duo behind The Grit and Polish, a website devoted to home maintenance, renovation, and improvement tutorials. The couple have been renovating and renting homes since 2008.
