OSB vs Plywood: How to Choose?

OSB vs Plywood: How to Choose?

Nowadays, wood products are gaining popularity for interior and exterior applications because they provide several advantages to buildings. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and plywood products are ideal for various construction projects that help achieve the best results. On the other hand, it is necessary to know the differences between OSB vs plywood from different sources for choosing the right one. Furthermore, it allows users to plan works with high accuracy rates. Although both materials are the same, each of them has its strengths and weaknesses that need proper study.

OSB is a glued multi-layered wood that strengthens and binds a board effectively to a large extent. On the other hand, plywood is a sheet that comes with an odd number of layers to ensure optimal strength and performance.

Pros and cons of OSB

Pros

• It provides more strength than similar plywood products
• The wood is environmentally friendly which suits various projects
• Available in larger panels when compared to plywood
• Ideal for roof and wall sheathing purposes that help meet building codes
• OSB doesn’t delaminate that can withstand extreme heat or humidity conditions
• The wood is more uniform that produce only a few spots
• Less expensive compared to plywood that gives ways to save more money
• Weighs more than plywood

Cons

• The wood can face edge swelling problems when exposed to moisture
• It is not recommended for flooring projects in a building
• Offers only minimal impact protection
• Not able to paint the wood

Pros and cons of plywood

Pros

• The plywood products come in many sizes and finishes
• Huge variety of options available for construction works
• It provides more impact resistance than OSB
• The wood allows building owners to finish works with excellent styles
• Nails and screws in plywood are likely to remain firmly in places
• Suitable for flooring applications

Cons

• High expensive when compared to OSB
• The panels are not large
• Not environmentally-friendly
• Subject to delaminate in extreme heat and humidity conditions

Costs and durability

It is essential to compare the costs of OSB board vs plywood before investing money. This is because they may vary from one manufacturer to another manufacturer in a location. The cost of OSB is affordable when compared to plywood products. OSB is more durable than plywood because it is thicker in size. OSB wood vs plywood-which is better? It depends on the project requirements, costs, and other factors enabling people to buy a product based on their choices.