Plywood and OSB | Ask the Builder. DEAR TIM: I am getting ready to build a new home and wonder about the difference between traditional plywood and the newer oriented strand board (OSB). Is one better than the other? Is my builder using OSB to save money? Are there special precautions one should take after installing either product or can they get wet on repeated occasions? What about cost? Harvey R., Marshall, MIDEAR HARVEY: I'll bet the same sort of consternation existed when plywood was introduced years ago as a substitute for solid wood sheathing.
The passage of time and success stories from millions of installations have clearly shown plywood to be a proven performer. Production figures indicate that OSB has finally been accepted by builders, remodelers and homeowners. OSB manufacturers produced 2. OSB this year (2. In comparison, plywood manufacturers only produced 1. In many ways plywood and OSB are virtually identical. But in many respects they are quite different.
Possibly the most important thing to realize is that when each product is manufactured according to strict guidelines and standards, they both exhibit superior strength and long term performance properties. You can count on both plywood and OSB for strength and stability as long as your builder follows all installation recommendations and purchases the right product from the start. Plywood is made by shaving thin strips or plys of veneer from logs. Over 7. 0 different species of trees can be used in plywood. After the veneer has been dried and graded, adhesive is applied to the wood strips.
Finished tile floor installed over a plywood and cement backer board subfloor. Installing tile over a wood subfloor is a lot easier today than it was when I started my remodeling career. After you have installed your floor joists the next step is installing the plywood decking that will be the base for your home’s floors. Before you begin this part of your project it is important that you make sure your joists / rim joists are aligned so the home is square.
Each layer of veneer is oriented at 9. The glued pieces of veneer are then placed in a hot press. The heat and pressure allow the glue to penetrate deeply into the wood fibers producing a lasting bond. The layering or cross lamination of the plys is vital as it gives the plywood superior strength and stiffness.
How to Install Durock Over a Plywood Floor. When a ceramic tile or stone floor is installed, it is important to have a proper backing to create a solid foundation for the surface. Durock is a popular backer board that is used regularly in the construction trade. It is manufactured with cement and mesh fiber to create extra strength and durability. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are similar yet different. They are made similarly yet react differently when they get wet. For what it's worth we use Edge Gold OSB like Ryan. WE geta roof on it ASAP, never have left it to the weather for over a month so that's all I can talk about.
The cross layering also minimizes expansion, contraction and eliminates splitting. OSB is made in the basically the exact same fashion.
Instead of using large sheets of solid wood veneer, thousands of 3 and 4 inch long strands of solid wood are combined to make each sheet of OSB. High technology manufacturing equipment has the ability to orient the strands so they overlap and interlock at a 9. Each strand of wood is completely coated with a high performance resin glue. After the OSB leaves the hot press, you have a structural engineered wood product that maximizes our natural resources and has superior high strength characteristics.
Rain falls on many, many homes as they are being built. In fact, rain storms left standing puddles of water on my own home's plywood sub- floors for days. The plywood was not affected long term because I used the right grade. Make sure that you use plywood or OSB that is stamped EXPOSURE 1. This labeling is your guarantee that waterproof resins and glues were used to bond together the wood. EXPOSURE 1 plywood and OSB are made to withstand repeated rainfall with little or no damage during a normal time frame construction project. To prevent rot and loss of strength, they must be allowed to dry and then have permanent protection from moisture.
If you want plywood or OSB that can be permanently exposed to weather and rain, then purchase those products that bear the EXTERIOR stamp or label. Some OSB panels react differently from plywood when they get wet. When OSB is manufactured the cut edges are sealed with a special waterproof paint. Carpenters destroy the watertight integrity of OSB each time they make a cut that exposes wood fiber edges. These cut edges are prone to swelling after they get wet. It is possible to seal these edges after they are cut, but it may be tough to find a carpenter willing to take the time to perform this extra step. Lumber products are true commodities.
Prices of these products can fluctuate wildly with changes in supply and demand. Currently where I live the prices of plywood versus OSB are very close. A piece of one half inch plywood that a builder would use on a roof or a sidewall only costs $1. OSB. A sheet of 3/4 inch sub- floor plywood costs just $4. OSB. If you desire to use plywood on your new home, the extra cost may only be several hundred dollars.