Comparing OSB and Plywood: Which is Superior?
To understand the comparison between OSB and plywood, it is important to first understand what these materials are.
Oriented particle board is a type of engineered wood board consisting of rectangular wood fibers, 8 to 15 cm long, arranged in layers in a diagonal direction. These wood fibers are joined together with a waterproof, heat-resistant adhesive. OSB is an engineered wood panel that has many of the durability and performance properties of plywood, being resistant to deformation, warping or peeling. The combination of wood and OSB glue also creates a sturdy, dimensionally stable, lightweight, easy-to-handle and install panel.
Plywood is made up of thin veneer sheets that are glued and held together by bonding layers. The veneer sheets are peeled from logs by rotating them horizontally. Plywood’s structure is composed of many perpendicular layers, which make it stable and resistant to cracking, breaking, or twisting. It retains its original shape, even when exposed to external factors that cause expansion or contraction. Due to its durability, plywood is often used in construction.
Manufacturing Processes
OSB is a material that comes in large panels with consistent quality and no gaps. It is made up of thin, diagonally oriented rectangular wood strips that are screened and oriented in belts or cables. Manufacturers can choose the number of strips to use to create different thicknesses and finished products.
On the other hand, plywood is made from good quality wood. Thin layers are peeled off horizontally and rotated, resulting in veneer panels. These panels are then cut to the desired size, dried, patched, glued together and fired in a press at 140°C (284°F) and 1.9 MPa (280 psi) to form a sheet of plywood. Plywood can be easily painted or stained, and its unique wood characteristics are visible on the outside. There are many different designs and uses for plywood, depending on the type of wood used.
Visual Characteristics
Plywood is preferred over OSB as it has a smoother surface and natural wood grains which make it more aesthetically pleasing. Plywood comes in many different designs and forms. Plywood often has natural wood grain, which can vary depending on the type of wood used for the veneer layers. Additionally, it comes in different colors depending on the type of wood used to make the veneer. Popular colors include light beige to medium brown tones that can add warmth and character to projects. Because the top layer of plywood is made from hardwoods such as birch, oak or maple, it is often the preferred material for making shelves, cabinets and other wooden items.
On the other hand, OSB lacks a top veneer layer and is typically rough and textured. It consists of small wood fibers compressed and bonded together with resin, creating a patchwork appearance that gives a rougher texture. OSB does not have clear wood grain like natural wood. Instead, it has a random arrangement of wood fibers. Additionally, it tends to be light to medium brown, but the appearance can vary depending on the type of wood used and any additional dyes or treatments. Therefore, it is often installed underneath finishing materials, such as siding.
Installation Methods
In terms of structural installation for roofing or siding, OSB is more flexible than plywood. Although both OSB and plywood are similar in installation, OSB will hold screws well due to its dense composition. It is less prone to splitting than plywood, making it suitable for applications that use nails or screws. Moreover, due to its softness, OSB can be easily cut with typical woodworking tools like saws. Its consistent composition makes it easy to cut and shape as desired.
On the other hand, plywood can also provide good holding capacity for screws. However, it may be more susceptible to breaking along the edges, especially if it is of lower quality or if the edges are not supported.
Longevity
Both OSB and plywood are wood products that provide structural support, but they differ in durability due to variations in the manufacturing process. Plywood is generally more durable than OSB, particularly in applications where moisture resistance and structural integrity are critical factors. Plywood absorbs water faster and dries faster than OSB. Plywood made with waterproof adhesives and preservatives can withstand moisture better, making it more suitable for applications where prolonged exposure to moisture is likely, such as in subfloors, roofing, or outer sheathing. When dry, the plywood will also return to its normal shape. Higher-quality plywood is made from durable woods and manufactured with strict quality control measures that can last longer than lower-quality alternatives.
OSB absorbs water and retains it longer than plywood, which will cause it to warp or swell and make it difficult to return to its original shape. It is prone to swelling and peeling when exposed to moisture over time. OSB may be more susceptible to deterioration over time, especially if it is subjected to heavy loads, exposed to constant moisture, or significant temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, when comparing OSB vs plywood strength, Both OSB and plywood are wood products designed to provide structural support. However, plywood often has a more uniform and consistent composition, which may contribute to its long-term structural stability. OSB may be more susceptible to deterioration over time, especially if it is subjected to heavy loads, exposed to constant moisture, or significant temperature fluctuations.
Overall, the lifespan of OSB and plywood can also depend on the quality of the materials used and the level of maintenance. Regular maintenance, such as sealing exposed edges and applying protective coatings, can help extend the life of both materials.
Environmental Impact
Regarding its impact on the environment, OSB is considered a greener material than plywood. Because the material source to produce OSB comes from trees with small diameters, such as poplar trees. These plants can grow faster and are grown on farms. In contrast, plywood is made from old trees, with large diameters and from old forests and grows longer. If too much plywood material is exploited, it will lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem. However, during the production of OSB, there is still formaldehyde, which can be a factor in indoor air pollution and harm family health.
Cost Comparison: OSB vs. Plywood
When it comes to comparing OSB vs plywood cost, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) tends to be more affordable compared to plywood. Here’s why:
Raw Materials: OSB is manufactured using smaller pieces of wood strands, which are often a byproduct of the lumber manufacturing process. This makes OSB less expensive to produce compared to plywood, which typically requires larger, higher-quality wood veneers.
Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process for OSB is generally more efficient and less labor-intensive compared to plywood production. OSB is made by compressing and bonding wood strands with adhesive resin, while plywood involves layering and gluing together thin veneers of wood. The simpler manufacturing process of OSB contributes to lower production costs.
Market Demand: OSB has become increasingly popular in construction due to its cost-effectiveness, leading to greater economies of scale in production. As a result, OSB is often more readily available and competitively priced compared to plywood.
Price Fluctuations: Like any commodity, the prices of OSB and plywood can fluctuate based on factors such as supply and demand, changes in raw material costs, and market conditions. However, OSB generally tends to be more consistently affordable compared to plywood.
While OSB is typically more cost-effective than plywood, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your project when making a decision. Plywood may offer advantages such as better moisture resistance, structural stability, and aesthetic appeal, which could justify the higher cost in certain applications. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the overall cost-effectiveness of OSB vs plywood cost based on its performance, longevity, and suitability for the intended use.
A 4×8 foot sheet of plywood costs about $10 per sheet, while the same size OSB sheet costs only $6 per sheet. Both Osb vs plywood cost have the same installation cost, 70 USD per hour for a carpenter.
Waterproofing Properties of OSB: Fact or Fiction?
There are many questions about OSB vs Plywood water resistant, which one is better? OSB will not be waterproof as well as plywood. It can be said that OSB is not waterproof or waterproof. Because OSB is made from wood fibers, when they are exposed to moisture in the air and water they swell. Unlike plywood, OSB does not have inherent moisture resistance due to its composition of wood fibers and adhesives. When OSB is left in a humid environment for too long, it tends to expand and contract as moisture enters and escapes from the wood fibers. This can cause OSB to lose its durability and deteriorate quickly.
To improve the moisture resistance of OSB, it is essential to properly seal the edges and surfaces with a sealant or waterproof coating. These treatments can help prevent moisture intrusion and extend the life of OSB in applications exposed to moisture, such as roofing or exterior cladding.
Some manufacturers produce specialized grades of OSB with enhanced waterproofing properties, such as OSB-3 or OSB-4. These may incorporate adhesives or moisture-proof treatments during the manufacturing process to improve durability in wet environments. However, even with these improvements, it is important to note that OSB is not completely waterproof and should not be used as a substitute for materials specifically designed for waterproof applications.
In conclusion, while OSB is inherently moisture-resistant and can withstand limited exposure to water, it is not considered waterproof. Proper edge sealing, surface treatment and selection of the appropriate type of OSB can help improve its performance in wet environments, but it is essential to exercise caution and consider alternative materials for these applications requiring complete waterproofing.
In the above article, hopefully, you can grasp information about OSB and plywood. VINAWOOD has also helped you compare OSB vs plywood strength and OSB vs plywood water resistance. If you’re considering OSB vs plywood for flooring, please visit VINAWOOD’s website.
