Used for sub floors, exterior walls, and roof decking, OSB sheathing is a structurally-engineered board that is made up of compressed wood strands. OSB panels often have lines at 16- and 24-in. OSB is not used for finished surfaces because it cannot handle a paint or stain the way that hardwood plywood can. OSB is manufactured by combining wood and resin coating under high heat and pressure. Therefore, it can also be used to build pieces of furniture such as tables, shelves, and cabinets. A viable alternative to plywood, this OSB Board is engineered to prevent any cupping, warping or splitting. Plywood made this way is designed for building cabinets, shelves, and other items where the wood is visible. The material difference between plywood and OSB is that plywood is made up of lots of thin layers of wood whereas OSB is made up of lots of strands of wood crossed over each other giving it extra strength. For plywood, it is like $5 to $10 more expensive. But each one is not necessarily right for every project. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Installing either sheathing over a 500 square foot area would cost roughly $160 in material for plywood and $100 for OSB. Oriented Strand Board Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a material Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a material with high mechanical properties that make it particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction. A few of the commonly-used forms are plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), particleboard and OSB (oriented strand board). While OSB and plywood appear similar and are generally interchangeable, the different ways that each material is manufactured contribute to … Plywood panels are created when sheets of veneer are peeled from a log and cross-laminated together with a hot press. It also warps or swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape. In this case, it may have knots or a rough surface. But for a creative person or carpenter OSB can be used to create a multitude of different pieces of furniture or cabinetry as well. Plywood long ago lost its market leadership to oriented strand board (OSB), which is now the most-used sheathing and subflooring material. On The Job: Choosing OSB or Plywood. The best thing about this plywood is that it can be painted with natural color and can be … The floor must also handle the weight of the tub, shower, tiles and other fixtures. They work equally well for these uses, are just as easy to drill into and have equivalent ability to hold nails. The wood comes from sustainable, small, quick growing trees such as aspen poplar and southern yellow pine and the result is incredibly strong. However, once it has absorbed water, it dries more slowly. By using Fixr you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Both cost about the same to install, $70 an hour for a carpenter. Is it better than plywood or should it be used for different projects entirely? Compared to CDX, oriented strand board (OSB) is made very differently. OSB is still being produced using formaldehyde, however, while plywood must be produced without this chemical according to new environmental laws by the year 2019. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclamer © 2020 Roofing Megastore Ltd, All Rights Reserved. It may be given a veneer 2 top of hardwood, while the inner layers are typically made of softwood. Larger-diameter trees like this take much longer to grow and must be harvested from old-growth forests, which makes plywood a less-green option. It can withstand moisture for a brief period of time but may become warped and delaminated with consistent exposure to … It is the most commonly used flooring because of its less cost. In this article, we highlight these four different types of wood and discuss the pros and cons of each one. Where to Place Stairs in a Loft Conversion. Phone: 01295 565565 | Mon-Thu: 8am - 6pm | Fri: 8am - 4pm. It is true as the price of every OSB board is around $15 – $20 per sheet (4×8 sizes). The proven track record of plywood often leads some people to believe that it is a more durable and longer-lasting product, but this is not necessarily true. OSB is heavier than plywood and, when properly waterproofed and maintained, will generally lie flatter. Fire Resistant OSB has an intumescent coating to reduce fire spread. Using the right type plywood ensures a long-lasting floor. The only difference is that OSB is slightly more flexible than plywood, which has advantages and disadvantages depending on the setting and distance between the joists that is being covered. OSB comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets, as does plywood, but the manufacturing process allows the production of longer and wider ones. The adhesive used to bind these layers together is typically made of resin, the specifics which vary from one plywood to another. Which is the better option, plywood vs. OSB? Oriented strand board was created in the late 1970s as inventors extended the use of waferboard. When used beneath flooring as a substrate, plywood is generally considered the better material. x 48 in. It’s regularly used for flooring because of its strength and it’s ideal for a workshop or shed. Because it makes use of leftover wood material, OSB tends to be cheaper than plywood, and it is more uniform, since it has none of the knots and other defects that may be present in plywood. These strands of wood are arranged in layers that are bonded together with resin, which helps produce a strong product.OSB, or oriented strand board, is unlike traditional plywood in that it has no laps, gaps, knots or voids. Oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are wood structural panels made by compressing and gluing pieces of wood together. Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know. Because the pieces are smaller, the sheets of OSB can be much larger than sheets of plywood. OSB (oriented strand board) is made from large, flat chips arranged in as many as 50 layers, which are adhered together with glues and pressed into sheets. OSB has been around since 1963 and unlike similar products, the strips of wood in each layer are placed strategically rather than randomly to give it strength and it can have up to 50 layers of wood in total! Order your materials today and pay over a timeframe that suits you with our hassle-free finance options. Both plywood and OSB are used for sheathing roofs, walls and subfloors. Cut your OSB into the different pieces that you need for your project, Sand your OSB pieces lightly and then paint or stain it using a weather-proof exterior paint that is either oil or latex based, or a stain for a natural finish, Once dry, paint on a wood waterproofing sealant on all sides and all cuts, Allow to dry for 12 – 14 hours on each side or as specified on the sealant, It’s available in larger sheets than plywood, It’s thicker and heavier which is considered by some as an advantage and some as a disadvantage, It’s considered more environmentally friendly than plywood as smaller, younger trees can be used to produce it making it more sustainable, It will need sealing at any cuts to make sure that it remains water resistant otherwise it can swell and absorb water at cuts, It can take longer to dry out than plywood. When it dries, it is more likely to return to its regular shape. OSB does not have the same track record because it has only been marketed for about 30 years. Not only does this ma… SubflooringWhen used as a subfloor, either product will work for many flooring surfaces, especially carpet where there will be no noticeable difference. Use 5/8 inch C/C PTS grade for your overhangs and 5/8 inch CDX for the rest. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. It has multiple uses, and the material is very flexible! OSB2 is great for structural, non-load bearing projects in dry conditions whereas OSB3 performs better for structural, load bearing use and for use in humid conditions. Whether you are building, remodeling, or just doing some repairs, many times you need a type of sheathing or underlayment for the project. Up until 2000, plywood held the majority of the market for wall, roof, and floor sheathing when it was surpassed by OSB, which as of 2018, held about 75% of the market share. Some panels have a textured surface, which makes them less slippery when used for roof sheathing. Oriented Strand Board, or OSB, is made from thin wood strands. We are asking a few questions so that we can get you better cost estimates. In our area, 1/2-in. Although oriented strand board (OSB) has a commanding 75% market share in sheathing for new home construction compared to plywood’s 25%, it’s a much more competitive race in subflooring. OSB is made by combining glue, resin, and wood chips and pressing them into the shape of a plywood sheet then baking everything together. OSB is made of many smaller pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed together in strands. Because OSB is made of many smaller pieces of wood, it can be created using smaller-diameter trees, which grow more quickly and can be farmed. Both boards are made of wood with glues and resins, come in many sizes, and can be used for a variety of purposes. Therefore, it is generally installed beneath a finish material, such as siding. This means that the sheet of plywood takes on the appearance of the top wood. There are a few pros and cons for both plywood and OSB but often it falls to personal preference and opinion as to which is best. Cost varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. Plywood long ago lost its market leadership to oriented strand board (OSB), which is now the most-used sheathing and subflooring material. The bathroom floor gets wet. OSB is also more consistent than plywood. OSB is so strong in fact that it is now used for about 70% of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America and there are two different types of OSB, OSB2 and OSB3. For example, being cut to size with grooves made to fit C-studs. It's less expensive than plywood and available virtually everywhere. It’s regularly used for flooring because of its strength and it’s ideal for a workshop or shed. Mega Saving, Mega Service. The panels are quick to absorb moisture and dry just as quickly. For that reason, plywood is usually the recommended substrate if a wood substrate is needed. A 4x8-foot sheet of construction-grade plywood costs roughly $10 a sheet, while the same size sheet of OSB costs only $6 a sheet. The most common uses are as sheathing in walls, flooring, and roof decking. There’s also a growing number of artists that use OSB as a canvas because of it’s great texture, it gives a unique finish with the layers of wood showing through. With a little creativity the sky is the limit with the endless options, headboards, noticeboards, drawers and wardrobes. OSB is a material with favourable mechanical properties that make it particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction. The other main reason for its popularity is, it was introduced long before OSB and advanced plywood sheathing. Estimates put its market share as high as 75%, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders. Well, each has their own strengths and weaknesses when used as exposed decking or subflooring. Also, since the entire floor will be built with the same product, some care should be taken in deciding whether its worth it to risk potential moisture in bathrooms and kitchens that could cause OSB sub- flooring to buckle and rise at the joints. Here's an example from the fantastic artist Coraline VB who has an Etsy shop at DessinsDeCoco. One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. For hardwoods, plywood is desirable because it holds nails slightly better than OSB. It is made of many strands or smaller pieces of wood pressed together, which gives it a rougher texture. OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood, which can be beneficial in areas of low dampness. If you are thinking of using it in the garden, although it’s weather resistant, for permanent outdoor use you will probably want to add some further weather protection. Get free advice and estimates from flooring contractors in your city. We’ll cover all this and more in this product review. Talking about plywood or OSB for roofing, you cannot miss the information of the cost. Plywood’s edges also resist damage better than OSB, which can crack and fray upon impact and over time. There’s a variety of DIY projects that OSB is fantastic for and you can use it for both interior and exterior use as it’s weather resistant (check for a stamp on the back of the board to make sure). That usually means the underlayment and the subfloor also get wet. Most people know what plywood is and turn to it for renovation and DIY projects, but what about OSB board – what is this and what can you use it for? That, however, is where the similarities end. Plywood is the better choice; its structure doesn’t unravel following constant exposure to water. In both instances, the material is sized, set into place against the joists, and nailed down securely. Choose a roof type that fit to your project and access all materials that we have to help you. Plywood can have many different styles and appearances. Newer types of OSB, which have been treated to be waterproof, are likely to last just as long as plywood in similar situations. Plywood is so-called because it is made of thin layers of wood veneer or “plies.” These layers are glued together to achieve the desired thickness. When used beneath tile, it can squeak when stepped on at best, and at worst, it may cause the grout 3 or tile itself to crack. This plywood is generally used beneath the finished material, such as tile or siding. There’s a variety of DIY projects that OSB is fantastic for and you can use it for both interior and exterior use as it’s weather resistant (check for a stamp on the back of the board to make sure). First off, OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board and it’s formed out of compressed layers of wood strands with adhesives (wax and synthetic resin). When used beneath tile, it can squeak when stepped on at best, and at worst, it may cause the grout 3 or tile itself to crack. However, as plywood has been around longer, it has shown that it can last 50 or more years in an installation. OSB sheathing costs a few dollars less per sheet than 1/2-in. OSB is used in housing construction. © 2020 Fixr, all rights reserved. For that reason, plywood is usually the recommended substrate if a wood substrate is needed. The natural finish looks perfect married with white and has been used to create desks, tables, sofas and cupboards. If you are going to add some more water protection, it’s worth adding some to an offcut of the OSB first to see the effect it has before carrying it out on your whole board. There is no question that plywood is better then OSB. OSB has its advantages. Application Specific OSB is made bespoke to what its being used for. Of the two products, OSB is considered the greener option. In terms of structural installation for roofing or siding, OSB and plywood are very similar in installation. x 8ft. Understanding the Structure. CDX plywood is a construction-grade type of plywood that is designed for exposure to the elements. In 2005, the combined production of OSB in Europe and Latin America was just 3.5 billion square feet – less than seven times as much as was produced in North America that year. There is often a debate on which is better- plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Plywood is the more expensive option to build with than OSB. The weather resistant sealant will also only have been applied to the surface of the OSB so as soon as you make a cut into it you will want to add more sealant to ensure that water is not absorbed through the exposed material. It is now more popular than plywood, commanding 66% of the structural panel market. How Much Value Does a Loft Conversion Add? While it is a widely used acronym, specifically for ocean groups and religious organizations, for our purposes OSB stands for oriented strand board. OSB flexes more than plywood. T1-11 is mostly used for sidings. OSB flexes more than plywood. The top layer is usually a hardwood and may be any number of woods such as birch, beech, or maple. 7/16 in. Plywood is the more traditional and familiar of the two, having been in use for the better part of a century. Both can be used in structural applications for roofs, walls and floors. The material tends to be thicker and needs to be made to more exacting standards, which increases costs. Here’s something interesting: Outside of North America, OSB is not commonly used in construction. Oriented Strand Board Exterior Wall Sheathing (OSB) Oriented strand board, or OSB, is a popular and … Simply select Klarna during checkout to apply! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Most construction sites will consider the use of either OSB or plywood for the roof. Tile floors are especially heavy with layers of cement board, mortar, tile or stone and grout. Oriented strand board (OSB) is an engineered plywood substitute that many builders use for sheathing and roof decking. The main purpose of OSB plywood s is roof decking. OSB is … Once you’ve applied the sealant you can test the offcut by putting some water on it and leaving it for a few hours to see the effect. Hardwood plywood is already available with soy-based glues and other materials that do not release urea-formaldehyde into the air. plywood. Here’s some of the main pros and cons of OSB: You could easily create all your furniture using OSB! OSB plywood can be used in the construction of the walls of a house. OSB board offers the following benefits: intervals so you know where underlying studs, rafters and joists are for nailing. It's constructed with waterproof glue and performs best when only semi-exposed to the elements, as it is when covered with siding or roofing. OSB and plywood are formed from smaller pieces of wood and come in large sheets or panels. Neither material has any real impact on the resale value of a home. Just make sure it is exterior grade ply so it will not delaminate if it gets wet. Installation costs for both would be $490, assuming that the carpenter can install approximately 75 feet of material per hour. The total cost for installing 500 square feet is roughly $650 for plywood and $590 for OSB. Typically, both OSB and plywood can be used in concrete forms, but plywood is the best option for concrete forming applications. Plywood, however, needs to use large-diameter trees, which are then rotary cut to produce the layers needed. Plywood absorbs water more quickly, but it also dries more quickly. Plywood is available in many plys and different levels of quality. However, pieces of furniture built using OSB do not require any staining or painting because the design of the board itself can stand alone. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. When used structurally, the materials are hidden, and often not disclosed at the time of sale, which means that they have no impact on costs. OSB has a greater shear strength than plywood panels; OSB is less expensive than plywood and, when its utilized for sub-flooring, wall and roof sheathing, the savings to builders are significant; Plywood panels. Numerous choices are available for this purpose, but the two most commonly used products are oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood 1. OSB does not usually have a top veneer 2. Will no longer contain formaldehyde in 2019. Plywood may also be made out of less-quality softwoods for its top layer. Whole logs are soaked, stripped of bark, and cut into strands that are typically up to six inches long and one inch wide. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. The design of the oriented strand boardallows using it the same way as plywood. OSB is usually more consistent across the board, meaning what you see is what you get. Plywood usually produces pieces of furniture that are dull-looking unless coated with stain or paint. Only standard plywood material can be used for subflooring. It is manufactured with a water-proof glue and provides safety against excessive moisture. Estimates put its market share as high as 75%, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders. They’re typically mixed with adhesive and wax, and hot-pressed to turn them into thin sheets. OSB and plywood vary in terms of durability. You can purchase Oriented Strand Board with some great discounts at Roofing Megastore and we'd love to see some of your creations - you can message us any photos of your makes on Facebook. We outline the differences between them below so that you can make a more informed decision about which one will work for your project. Because of this manufacturing process, OSB is at least half the cost of CDX plywood. Up to 25% Off Today. This website use cookies to ensure you get the best user experience on our website. However, OSB is generally considered less resistant to water (it swells in thickness when exposed to moisture) and some people prefer plywood for roofs and subfloors. FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheatsheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects. While plywood is often 6 feet per sheet, OSB may be much larger, up to 12 feet per sheet. While it is possible that OSB will follow suit, it will soon be possible to find plywood without formaldehyde everywhere, while finding OSB without this chemical may be more difficult. Both materials are considered structural when used comparably. Used with insulation, it’s best used for walls and flooring. Plywood and OSB are generally considered to have the same load strength. When used beneath flooring as a substrate, plywood is generally considered the better material. It can also be used for roof sheathing to go under your roofing system or as a sheathing on the walls. Plywood vs. OSB. Plywood is made of many layers of very thin wood, called plys, pressed together with glue. To enhance the durability and consistency of plywood, the grain of each layer is oriented in a different direction. It is generally believed that OSB is cheaper than plywood. The wood used in plywood layers can also vary depending on the desired characteristics of the final product. And if you need any advice feel free to give us a call on 01295 565565, email us at sales@roofingmegastore.co.uk or talk to us on live chat at Roofing Megastore. A more informed decision about which one will work for many flooring surfaces, especially carpet where there will no. Cons of OSB plywood s is roof decking pictures and things you need to know it the same install... Furniture such as birch, beech, or maple they work equally well for uses... Most construction sites will consider the use of either OSB or plywood for the user. Or swells after water absorption and will not delaminate if it gets wet the limit with the endless,! Reason, plywood is available in many plys and different levels of.. 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