Strip planking or plywood? A cost & weight comparison for wooden paddle boards

Strip planking or plywood paddle boards? Which is better? 

A comparison of affordability, weight and ease of handling

When it comes to building your own stand up paddle board (SUP), the choice of materials and construction methods can significantly impact the board's performance and your overall experience.

Two popular approaches are the stitch and glue technique using plywood and strip planking with cedar or paulownia strips. While both methods have their merits, the plywood option stands out, especially when considering cost, weight, ease of transport, and ease of construction.

Affordability

It's what everyone seems wants to know first... how much is this project going to cost me?

One of the most significant advantages of using plywood in your SUP construction is the lower material cost. The cost different is staggering, looking at the cost breakdown below you can build 5-6 plywood boards for the cost of one cedar strip board!

Plywood Pricing

Marine-grade plywood, which is specifically designed for watercraft, is generally much cheaper than high-quality cedar or paulownia strips. 

For example, a 4'x8' (2440mm x 1220mm) sheet of 4mm marine-grade plywood can cost anywhere from $50 to $120, depending on the quality and brand plus your location in the world. My local supplier sells high quality marine ply for $95/sheet for the 3mm stuff. 

For those budget conscious and careful builders, good quality exterior grade plywood is a great option which reduces the cost even further. As long time followers of Vintage Board Co. will know I build all of my prototype boards and canoes out of 3mm exterior grade ply which I get for $35/sheet. It's light at only 5.7kg per sheet and if sheathed in fibreglass and kept indoors boards made from this option last a long time.

Comparison with Strips

In contrast, cedar and paulownia strips can be significantly more expensive. Depending on the type and quality, a single cedar strip might cost between $2 and $5 per linear foot. A local supplier of cedar strips here down under charges $3.50 per foot for 19mm x 8mm bead & cove cedar strips.

For a typical 12-foot 32 inch wide SUP, you might need 60-80 x 12ft cedar strips, at $3.50 per linear foot that's over $2600 just for the wood alone. 

Example cost breakdown...

To illustrate the cost difference, let’s consider a basic budget for the two construction materials...

• Plywood SUP:

  • 3 sheet of marine-grade plywood: $92/sheet = $280
  • Epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth: $200
  • Miscellaneous supplies (screws, sandpaper, copper wires etc.): $80
  • Total Cost: $560

• Strip-Planked SUP:

  • 70 cedar strips (12 feet each at $3.50 per foot) = $2600
  • Additional materials (epoxy, fibreglass, rocker table components): $270
  • Miscellaneous supplies: $80
  • Total Cost: $3,000+

When you break down the costs the plywood board option really makes a lot more sense.

Plywood's Lightweight Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons to choose plywood for your stand up paddle board is the significant weight difference compared to boards constructed with cedar or paulownia strips.

On social media whenever I see a newly built (and obviously very beautiful) strip planked board I always ask the builder how much it weighs. The answer never ceases to amaze me as the response is nearly always 40lbs or more! One builder even mentioned his board weighed in at 55lbs and that he hardly ever uses it and is going to sell it. 

Imagine putting in all that work only to not be able to use your board!

• Material Properties: Marine-grade plywood is designed to be both lightweight and strong. For example, a typical 12-foot plywood SUP might weigh around 25-35 pounds, while a similar-sized board made from solid cedar or paulownia could weigh upwards of 40-50 pounds. This weight difference can be critical, especially when you're carrying the board to the water.

• Ease of Handling: The lighter weight of a plywood SUP makes it much easier to lift and manoeuvre, whether you’re getting it on and off your car roof rack or carrying it to the water’s edge. For those who paddle solo, this can make a significant difference in overall enjoyment and accessibility.

What lightweight really means, a real world scenario

Imagine a sunny day at the beach. You arrive with your SUP and it's time to head to the water. With a plywood board weighing closer to 25-30 pounds, you can easily throw it on your shoulder or lift it above your head without straining. In contrast, a heavier strip-planked board can be cumbersome, requiring more effort and possibly leading to fatigue before you've even started paddling.

Carrying your SUP to the water can often be the most physically demanding part of the experience. The lighter plywood board offers several conveniences:

• Easier Loading and Unloading: The reduced weight means you can easily lift the board onto your vehicle's roof rack without needing assistance. This is particularly beneficial for solo paddlers or those who might struggle with heavier loads.

• Less Strain on Your Body: The lightweight nature of the plywood board reduces the risk of strain.

What does it all mean and what am I trying to say?

When it comes down to it I'm a practical guy. I like things that are equally functional and beautiful but if i were to choose one it would be function first. I like to get out on the water in a range of different conditions and that means I need more than one board (hence the cost!) and it needs to be light enough that getting it on and off the car isn't a chore.

Which method you choose is up to you! Tell me which you think is best and why below...