How to Lift a Sheet of Plywood

Plywood might not be pretty, but it is cost effective.

Plywood is made by pressing and gluing thin sheets of wood together. Whether you are using marine plywood to repair a boat or framing a house, there are not a lot of different ways to move a sheet of plywood that don't involve carrying it. Since a standard 4-by-8 sheet of plywood can be awkward and heavy, it is important to lift it properly so that you don't hurt yourself and so you don't lose control of it while walking. There are gripping tools available for lifting plywood but most people are not likely to have these around because they are usually owned by tradesmen. So if you find yourself needing to move some plywood, you will need to know how to lift it with just your hands.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves

Instructions

1. Put on your gloves. This will prevent you from getting splinters from the plywood.

2. Stand the sheet of plywood up on one of its 8-foot edges.

3. Turn so that your shoulders are parallel with the sheet of plywood with your right arm alongside the plywood.

4. Reach across your body with your left arm and grip the top edge of the plywood with your left hand.

5. Bend your knees and squat down keeping your left hand grip on the top edge of the plywood. Lean the plywood away from you slightly by pushing it with your left hand. This will create a gap along the bottom edge of the plywood.

6. Wedge your right hand into the gap beneath the plywood and lift up on it with the tips of your fingers until you are able to slide your the palm of your hand beneath it and form a grip.

7. Pull the plywood back toward you with your left hand until it leans on your right shoulder. Lift up by straightening your legs. Keep your back straight while lifting to avoid injury. You will now be able to carry the plywood to its destination.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are left handed, reverse the handing instructions.

• Always keep your back straight and rigid and allow your legs to do the lifting. This will avoid back injury.

References

• Wood Magazine: What You Need to Know about Plywood

Resources

• Roof Estimator: Finally an Easy Way to Carry Sheets of Plywood or OSB across a Roof