How Much Does It Cost to Install T1-11 Siding or OSB Siding?

What Are T1-11 and OSB Siding?

T1-11 siding is also known as plywood. It’s an affordable, durable type of composite wood with a range of customization options. OSB, which stands for oriented strand board, is made of wood chips and resin then sealed with pressure and heat. Because of its design, OSB is more prone to water damage, mold growth, wood expansion, and rot.

T1-11 Plywood and OSB Siding Installation Costs

T1-11 plywood and OSB siding tend to have similar installation costs, with OSB siding having a slightly lower cost on average.

T1-11 Plywood

The average cost to install T1-11 plywood siding ranges between $1,500 and $3,700, with an average of $2,500 for 500 square feet of exterior wall space.

OSB

For OSB siding, that cost stays in the same general range, but the average drops down to $2,200 for the same 500 square feet.

Material Prices

Which type of siding you choose to go with will ultimately affect the cost of the project. Plywood tends to be more expensive but also more durable.

T1-11 Prices

The average price for T1-11 plywood is about $33 per 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet, but ranges from between $25 and $40 per 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet. Plywood consists of multiple layers of thin wood veneer. These layers are pressed and bonded together, increasing the dimensional stability of the material. It works well as a siding material because of the large panel size that covers a larger area, as opposed to single boards of wood.

OSB Prices

OSB costs an average of $29 per 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet, or between $15 and $43 per 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet, which means that it’s slightly more affordable than plywood. Like plywood, OSB describes engineered lumber. In this case, the composite consists of compressed flakes of wood that are bonded together by adhesive.

Maintenance and Repair

Both types require regular maintenance to increase their life span. The materials involved make them especially vulnerable to pests and water damage. Maintenance need depend on whether you choose OSB or plywood:

T1-11 Plywood

Because they are less susceptible to water damage, plywood sheets have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. In addition to painting, you can also stain the exterior surface, which costs between $600 and $2,500 depending on the size of your home and the painters you hire. Staining allows for more personalization, and provides more protection against water and pests.

Maintenance might also include plugging holes or weak spots created by weather exposure and natural knotholes. This can typically be done as a DIY project for minimal expense, though siding specialists tend to be more thorough to ensure that the problem is fixed for good.

Most T1-11 siding has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. You can increase that lifespan by regularly staining or painting the exterior, fixing holes in the board before water can penetrate, and installing a gutter system that keeps moisture away from the plywood.

OSB

OSB is susceptible to water, which is why weatherproofing is an essential part of maintenance. The cost to repair siding like OSB varies depending on what type of repair is necessary. OSB needs to be primed and painted rather than stained, which helps both appearance and waterproofing. Expect to pay between $700 and $2,000 to paint your wood-based siding.

Weatherproofing also includes making sure that any edges you cut when building or repairing your siding are properly sealed. Finally, it makes sense to add a special weatherproof protection coating to the material, which costs between $30 and $50 per 3-gallon bucket at your local hardware store.

When your OSB board becomes cracked or broken, it's time to think about potential repairs. Remove and replace old boards with new sheets. Depending on the size of the problem, these repairs fall on the lower end of the $600 to $1,400 average cost to repair wood-based siding.

T1-11 Plywood vs. OSB

If you’re trying to decide between plywood and OSB, there are a few different factors you should consider. Plywood may be slightly more expensive, but it also tends to be more durable and customizable than OSB. On the other hand, plywood may have potential weak spots when knotholes overlap. Which type of siding is right for you ultimately depends on your budget and personal preference.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Wood-based siding is among the easiest materials to install and maintain yourself. A DIY project is also less expensive than hiring someone to help. Especially compared to other options like vinyl and aluminum, you might find that you don't need to engage a specialized contractor to do the work.

However, hiring a qualified professional always makes sense. Your home's exterior walls are the first barrier against the natural environment; when installed incorrectly or not maintained properly, they can lead to water and pest damage down the road.

The key, of course, is finding a contractor you can rely on to get the job done right. Search for siding installers and repair services in your area to find alternatives, then compare prices and customer reviews to find the perfect professional to work on your home.

Average Cost to Install T1-11 Plywood or OSB Siding

The average cost to install T1-11 plywood or OSB siding is about $2,200 to $2,500. Costs depend on a variety of factors, including the type of siding you choose, the size of your home, and where you live. You’ll pay more for a larger-than-average home.

How Much Does It Cost to Install T1-11 Siding By Square Foot?

T1-11 siding costs about $3.50 to $7.20 per square foot. T-11 siding is typically sold in 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets, which have an area of 32 square feet.

Average Cost to Install Cost T1-11 Siding By Location

Location plays a significant role in how much you’ll pay to install T1-11 plywood or OSB siding. Here are price averages across the country for this popular siding option:

Labor Cost to Install T1-11 Plywood or OSB Siding

The labor cost to install T1-11 plywood or OSB siding is $45 to $166 per hour if you’re using a licensed and insured contractor. However, that price can change if you hire a builder to install your siding, with labor fees averaging $52 to $220 per hour. The labor cost associated with hiring a handyperson is $34 to $130 per hour.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Install T1-11 Plywood or OSB Siding?

Several factors will affect the cost of installing T1-11 plywood or OSB siding. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when pricing your project: 

• Home size: Your home’s size will determine how much material you’ll use.

• Material: The material type you’re interested in, plywood or OSB, will also contribute to the final cost.

• Geographical location: Labor fees are a substantial portion of this project's final cost, and your local living cost will determine the price range you can expect from this project.

• Expert level: The professional you hire will impact the labor fees you’ll have to pay. For example, you’ll spend less money on installation if you hire an unlicensed handyperson versus a licensed and insured contractor.

• Complex installation: If you need to install T1-11 siding on a multiple-story home or your landscape would make installation difficult on your pro, expect a 20% increase in labor fees.

• Remove existing siding: If you need to remove your existing siding, the cost to do so is $1 to $4 per square foot. 

• Dumpster rental and disposal: To dispose of any old or excess siding, it’ll cost $150 to $200.

How Much Does It Cost to Install T1-11 Siding Yourself?

It’ll cost you $2.25 to $6 per square foot in material cost and an additional $250 to $500 in supplies to DIY this project. Other prices to consider that don’t have a definite amount are your time and effort. 

DIY T1-11 Installation vs. Hiring a Contractor

If you’re not experienced in handling siding material, it’s best to hire a licensed and insured siding professional near you. These jobs require at least two people familiar with installing T1-11 wood siding. Installing T1-11 siding requires using a ladder for taller homes, which isn’t something novice DIYers should attempt.

FAQs About T1-11 Plywood or OSB Siding

What’s the difference between T1-11 Plywood and OSB siding?

OSB, which stands for oriented strand board, is made of wood chips and resin then sealed with pressure and heat. Because of its design, OSB is more inexpensive and less durable than plywood. While it is still an overall durable siding material, it’s considered the lower grade of the two. OSB is also more prone to water damage, mold growth, wood expansion, and rot. 

Is T1-11 siding waterproof?

No, T1-11 siding isn’t waterproof because it’s not treated with resins and chemicals to offer protection from water damage.

How long does T1-11 siding last?

This siding can last at least 20 years with regular maintenance and proper installation. Here are some ways you can maintain your siding:

• Inspect it at least once a year, preferably once every quarter.

• Use a pressure washer on the low setting to clean your siding every few months. 

• Stain or paint it to help protect it from water damage.

• Apply a fresh coat of stain at least every five years or a fresh coat of paint every eight years.

Can you paint T1-11 siding?

Yes, you can paint T1-11 plywood and OSB siding, and you’ll need to use an exterior acrylic latex primer and an acrylic exterior paint for a high-quality finish.

How can you improve the appearance of T1-11 siding?

You can add your finishing touches to T1-11 siding by staining, painting, or trimming it. To stain T1-11 plywood siding, you’ll need to give it a light cleaning and stain it coat by coat until you achieve the desired color. You’ll also need to add a mildewcide to prevent mold stains from forming underneath the surface. It’s also worth clarifying that OSB siding cannot be stained, only painted.