Tornado Shelter: Attaching the Sheathing

The shelter’s sheathing helps the shelter withstand the impact force of flying debris and is necessary to tie the walls and ceiling together. 

For this design, four sheets of plywood are attached to each wall, two on the interior and two on the exterior. Two sheets of plywood are attached to the interior of the ceiling. 

If the location of the shelter allows access to the top of the ceiling, two sheets of plywood may be attached to the exterior of the ceiling.

You Will Need

Materials Needed In This Section

• 18 sheets of 23/32 plywood, 48” x 96”
• 16d nails
• Construction adhesive

Tools Needed For This Section

• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Sawhorses
• Pneumatic framing nail gun

Watch the Video

Instructions

Click on each image below, in order, for specific instructions.

Note: Though exact dimensions of plywood sheathing are given, it is best to measure the walls as constructed and cut sheathing to fit.