DIY Materials Confrontation: Plywood Versus Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Plywood used to be the main material for wall and floor cladding, but now oriented strand board (OSB), introduced in the late 70’s, is the most popular. But both have their advantages and disadvantages. So what should you use in your project?
Both products comply with local and national building codes and can be used interchangeably by builders as roofing material, exterior wall cladding and floor screed. Each of these may be more common in certain regions of the country, and some builders have long-standing personal preferences for one or the other. Plywood is commonly used by DIYers because it mimics natural wood.
Plywood is durable and versatile, but expensive (especially on a large scale)
Plywood is made from thin veneer layers that are glued to adjacent layers, with the wood fibers turned to each other at an angle of up to 90 degrees.
Certain types of plywood may be more susceptible to moisture, while less expensive veneers may have surface irregularities due to knots in the wood. Plywood is available in various thicknesses, of which ½ “is the most popular for general construction.
Plywood is popular for building construction for many reasons: it is less likely to shatter when nailed or screwed at the edges due to its transverse structure and is also lighter than solid wood, making it easier to maneuver and hang. In addition, it is less likely to swell, shrink or deform due to the balanced grain tension of adjacent veneers. However, with all these advantages, it is more expensive than OSB.
OSB saves you money but loses aesthetics
OSB panels are particle board made from wood that has been shredded into fine wood fibers. The strands are then mixed with wax and adhesives and hot pressed to form wood sheets.
OSB has replaced plywood in most construction work because of its cost: it is almost always cheaper than plywood, which is a major problem for contractors trying to get jobs based on price.
Contractors who use OSB are always stiffer and more accurate in size than plywood, which is more variable. It can also be made up to 8ft x 24ft, which is much larger than most plywood panels.
Plywood and OSB panels from large box houses are cut 4 feet by 8 feet to fit between the wheel arches of a full-size pickup truck. If you have a narrow truck bed, your truck should have 2×4 side pockets that allow supports to pull the sheets over the wheel arches.
The waterproof and outer shell is not always available off the shelf. Before undertaking any construction project, consult your local timber yard and explain the application to them. They can help point you in the right direction regarding the type and quality of wood you use.
Most plywood and OSB come from young, fast-growing trees, so it is a more sustainable product than old-growth wood.
So which should you use?
The characteristics of both types of wood are very similar, but if price is your number one issue, OSB is the logical choice. But for applications where the wood will be exposed, such as making furniture or renovating a home, plywood with a natural look is best.
You will also see MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and Particleboard in the lumber section of your home. They are closely related to OSB as they are also a reclaimed wood product, but are only suitable for interiors and are most commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, stucco and shelves. Chipboard can also be used as a floor screed and as a base for countertops.