Get free shipping on qualified OSB Panel/Sheathing/Subflooring Plywood or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Lumber & Composites Department. Having no callbacks — having a much stronger, squeak-free floor — has made all the difference in being able to build a solid reputation for high-performing homes. Sort By Featured. We will also review other flooring options as well, such as OSB subfloor and tongue and groove subfloor for your basement. Get our email newsletter with LBM industry trends, data, new products, and best practices. Because the pieces are smaller, the sheets of OSB can be much larger than sheets of plywood. This provided a nice stiff floor and eliminated my squeak issues. However, with OSB, the layers are more … We also had a fair amount of edge swelling — an inevitable result of rain during the framing stage before we got the house dried in. Well, I'm in your camp, but I think we are still getting good plywood out here.I did a kit log home a few years ago that came from PA. and the subfloor T & G plywood that came with the kit was the worst stuff I've ever seen.If all structural plywood is like that in the East, I'd probably go to an OSB … I’ve not had a single squeak and never had to sand edges down. While plywood is often 6 feet per sheet, OSB may be much larger, up to 12 feet per sheet. When I started out in construction, I was working for a production builder. Plywood tried hard to fend off OSB, but it could not compete well against OSB's lower cost. Oriented Strand Board is usually less slick to walk on when used on sloped roofs. Although oriented stranded board (OSB) has similar uses to plywood, it has a much coarser finish. Although oriented stranded board (OSB) has similar uses to plywood, it has a much coarser finish. Oriented strand board is cheaper than plywood when used as roof decking, sheathing and subfloor. OSB has more structural consistency than plywood To make plywood, thin veneer strips called plies are layered on each other at angles of 90 degrees. marine plywood vs plywood vs osb I went with 5/8" ply and sealed it with an all natural tung oil based deep sealant and floor finish (Bio Impression and Parquet both by Le Tonkinois). It is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then compressing strands under specific pressure. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. OSB stands for oriented strand board and is also a type of engineered wood. I thought that making the transition to screwing down the subfloor would be the answer to my squeak problems, but this didn’t help all that much. Item #85795 Model #S-16596PC Rated Sheathing refers to OSB and plywood panels that are qualified for roof, wall, and subfloor applications, while Rated Sturd-I-Floor panels are a special panel intended for single-floor applications. However, with OSB, the layers are more cross-oriented. Osb and plywood are equals structurally, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use as a substrate. Either a nail comes loose, or a screw shears off and you have up-and-down movement, or the edges swell and cause gaps beneath the underlayment that allow for creaks. Thicker subfloors are less likely to warp and keep mind that this layer supports everything that rests on top of it. Many contractors will use OSB for roofing and subfloors. for pricing and availability. Plywood subflooring is much like standard plywood but has special tongue-and-groove edges to help stiffen the floor and prevent squeaks. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood.This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. OSB is more resistant to moisture absorption but also takes longer to dry out. OSB Vs. Plywood. OSB and plywood vary in terms of durability. There is often a debate on which is better- plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This usually comes as a surprise to many people because oriented strand board looks like many pieces of wood have been glued together. 150. I’ve used that before and had problems. Estimates put its market share as high as 75%, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders. Plywood and OSB Subfloors The most common types of subfloors you'll find in homes today are made from either plywood or OSB. A beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor. When OSB gets wet for extend periods of time the edges swell and can telegraph through materials that will later be installed over it. Price – The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) estimates that for a typical 2,400-square-foot home, OSB costs $700 less than plywood. I’m not going back to that!” It was around that time, maybe 10 years ago, that someone suggested I try AdvanTech® subflooring. Compare; Find My Store. Improper spacing. But when I started building custom homes about 12 years ago, one of the first changes I made was the switch to plywood. The AdvanTech® subflooring manufacturing process also has a high level of precision to make sure the wood strands are the optimal thickness and dimension for a more stable panel. Both materials have an exposure rating that should allow them to survive the normal time it takes to get a project buttoned up. Plywood absorbs moisture faster but also dries out much faster, but extended moisture exposure can cause plywood to delaminate. Here are nine common subfloor … This content is made possible by our sponsors. In this article, we will review the benefits of DRIcore subfloor versus plywood subfloor. Here are nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1. Matt Risinger Compares AdvanTech Subflooring to OSB and Plywood, I was looking for something better, but I thought “OSB? AdvanTech. We recommend our users to update the browser. LP TopNotch Sub-Flooring Benefits. Using Subfloor Screws to Correct Squeaky Floors. The dye stained the three AdvanTech, Two things really distinguish how AdvanTech, Commodity OSB (left stack) starts out at 3/4-inch thick, but after soaking in water, it swells. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. When subfloors … Well, each has their own strengths and weaknesses when used as exposed decking or subflooring. We have laid a new subfloor over the existing subfloor … OSB sheathing is typically considered to be more economical than plywood. OSB is an engineered structural panel. Plywood is a bit stiffer and lighter than OSB and less prone to dishing out nasty splinters. The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. While a sheet of plywood might be 5 to 7 plies thick, a sheet of OSB is made from as many as 50 strand layers packed and compressed into the same thickness. Above, subfloor panels were allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water. Both plywood and OSB subfloor should range in thickness from 19/32″ to 1 1/8″. Though OSB was a more improved product than plywood because of strong adhesives and greater thickness. Like particle board and MDF, OSB comes from wood shavings. OSB stands for oriented strand board and is also a type of engineered wood. Certainly, I spend a little more on this subfloor than I have in the past. After that, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool and dry. Commodity OSB is also set up in layers but can have larger variations in strand size and orientation within the layers and may use a different kind of resin that does not necessarily have the same moisture resistance. However, the elimination of problems makes it totally worth it. Each of the two materials have advantages when it comes down to actually working with it. Click here to add your content. This resulted in a ton of edge swell. This can make a significant difference in the final cost of a large addition or new home. Think about how often panels get dragged on their edges across a truck bed or across the floor deck in the process of installing them. Price is always a consideration when selecting which building material to use. Sturd-I-Floor is a combination subfloor-underlayment produced from OSB or plywood. Since … When tile or hardwood flooring is to be installed over the subfloor, plywood may be a better choice. When building a house, OSB makes for excellent sheathing. Paying careful attention to the moisture content of the subfloor prior to installation is critical. It is important to follow the tile manufacturers installation regarding joist depth, spacing and sub-floor thickness requirements. Yes, you can install ceramic tile directly over OSB sub-floor. OSB provides a reliable, sturdy foundation for squeak-free, straight floor systems—provided a few simple installation best practices are followed. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. But we had all kinds of squeaks on the houses we built. OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet (or sometimes even higher), while plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet. I was looking for something better, but I thought “OSB? However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications. Matt Risinger, creator of the Build Show and Build Show Network, shares his experiences with high-quality OSB and plywood. OSB has more structural consistency than plywood To make plywood, thin veneer strips called plies are layered on each other at angles of 90 degrees. Plywood … When hardwood flooring is the choice, some of the previously discussed moisture issues can come into play with OSB. I was soon to learn that there’s a big difference between AdvanTech® panels and other subflooring options. AdvanTech. Because subfloor doesn’t shed water like sheathing or roof decking, it is most susceptible to water. Above, subfloor … The Engineered Wood Association (APA) doesn’t really distinguish between these two materials in most structural applications and building codes generally recognizes the two as the same. Think about it: Not having to pay the unexpected costs of sanding, which interrupts the flow of the project, is one thing. Frequent callbacks did not do a lot for either the builder’s reputation or the bottom line. While they are both made by compressing homogeneous mixtures of wood waste-product, OSB is structural and particleboard is not. Nail Withdrawal: Nails pull out more readily from OSB than plywood. PLYWOOD Honestly, at that time, I did not really know there were other options. Rated Sheathing refers to OSB and plywood panels that are qualified for roof, wall, and subfloor applications, while Rated Sturd-I-Floor panels are a special panel intended for single-floor applications. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. After that, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool and dry. The whole time the job was on pause for this to happen, all I could think was “OK, I love that I have eliminated squeaks. A beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Once I made the switch to AdvanTech® subflooring, I had zero edge swell, even with heavy rains during construction. OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet (or sometimes even higher), while plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet. As with most materials choices, it’s never just about initial cost. There are even variants of OSB that come with building wrap already in place, so installation is as easy as taping the seams together. The process may surprise you! Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. If you’re left with the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB, keep reading. The dye stained the three AdvanTech® panel samples (left) just to the level of the water in the pan, but the dye readily wicked through the grain of the plywood laminations (right), penetrating deep into the panel area. As a result, by the late 1990s, the panels had achieved parity in terms of usage, with OSB … Both can be used in structural applications for roofs, walls and floors. Plywood vs. OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Major Differences A plywood subfloor generally uses 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick sheets of plywood that have one rough side (which faces down) and one smooth side, which faces up. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. When the differential is too high it can cause the flooring to cup or buckle. – Usage. There are five main types of subfloor. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. It was whatever was available from the lumber supplier, and we didn’t think a whole lot about it. When I was working for a production builder, I didn’t really have much say in the purchase of materials, so I wasn’t able to change to a different subflooring product. This can make a significant difference in the final cost of a large addition or new home. Keep in mind the sub-floor is only one component in the sub-floor … I love that I have a stronger, stiffer floor. OSB … While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. Being a custom-built house, I had to fix it by sanding the edges and flattening the floor. So both products perform equally well as shear-wall … Drying Ability: Once wet, OSB stays wet for a long time—slowing down the project. ... Flooring 1-1/8 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor… OSB is similar to plywood but has a different construction. 4 Bond classifications Flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor, Application as 4 x 8. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Clean Gloves and Mittens Like a Pro, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. In this article, we will review the benefits of DRIcore subfloor versus plywood subfloor. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. Plywood is generally the best choice for the chemically sensitive. Like particle board and MDF, OSB comes from wood shavings. I’ve used that before and had problems. Structural Plywood, establishes requirements for structural plywood. for pricing and availability. Plywood is generally perceived as a higher-quality building material by many consumers and can play a roll in the overall satisfaction of a job by a savvy client. It’s also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or knots on the face. We still had frequent callbacks for squeaks. As a result, by the late 1990s, the panels had achieved parity in terms of usage, with OSB … What is Sturd-I-Floor? There are two methods for dealing with these issues. Let’s take a look at which one might be the better choice for you and your projects. But if I had to fix a squeak after the owners have taken possession and are living in the home, that is a nightmare. There was no real choice in OSB then. Structural Plywood, establishes requirements for structural plywood. Above, subfloor panels were allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water. You can also use solid wood, It is possible to use structural … Which is the better option, plywood vs. OSB? For many years, like most builders of that era, we used OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor — typically a 3/4-inch tongue and groove panel. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. At the end of the day it may come down to personal preference, regional or trade norms. Plywood and OSB Subfloors The most common types of subfloors you'll find in homes today are made from either plywood or OSB. I’m not going back to that!” It was around that time, maybe 10 years ago, that someone suggested I try, I was soon to learn that there’s a big difference between. The traditional method is to fasten 2x4 "sleepers" to the concrete, then cover the sleepers with plywood subflooring. OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood, which can be beneficial in areas of low dampness. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. OSB boasts a more consistent density. From a structural perspective OSB and plywood sheathing are comparable. Compare; Find My Store. When it comes to the basement subfloor, you have a variety of options to choose from. Weight: OSB is heavier than plywood. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. If the plywood subfloor you’re placing is 5/8 of an inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. The AdvanTech, To discover more about the advantages of the AdvanTech™ Subflooring Assembly, visit, Sales Compensation & Benefits Report 2019, 5 Factors to Consider in an Insurance Carrier and Policy at Insurance Renewal Time, Broaden Your design Ideas with Wide Composite Decking Boards, No Compromises: How Qora Cladding Offers Your Customers the Best of Both Worlds, Why You Need To Switch To PALIGHT Trimboard, A Roof Assembly Proven to Hold Strong Under Hurricane Conditions. But, man, this edge swell is a pain.” (And I hadn’t budgeted for the sanding either.). The extreme heating and compression of the OSB panel converts some of the cellulose fibers into simple sugars that support rapid mold … OSB and Plywood: What should you choose? Unlike traditional plywoods, which laminate multiple layers of veneer, OSB uses wafers that are pressed together with a binder to form the panel. We form the layers by shredding wood and then joining them together with adhesive. Plywood is familiar to most people—it is a sheet material made from layers of wood oriented in opposite directions from layer to layer. OSB is made in almost the same way. At times OSB, often called flake board, is also often used for subfloor. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. During manufacturing at AdvanTech® panel mills, there are extensive quality control checks along the whole panel production process so that only the very best final boards earn the AdvanTech® brand mark. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. My business is based on an expectation of quality. Typically, the swelling happens at the edges where the cut strands are exposed to rainwater or snowmelt that drains down through the gaps at the panel edges of an installed subfloor. Plywood is generally perceived as a higher-quality building material by many consumers and can play a roll in the overall satisfaction of a job by a savvy client. To discover more about the advantages of the AdvanTech™ Subflooring Assembly, visit AdvanTechQuiet.com. We will also review other flooring options as well, such as OSB subfloor and tongue and groove subfloor … A lot of engineering and quality control goes into how the strands in AdvanTech® panels are oriented and sized within the multiple layers to create a woven matrix of fibers that achieves the right balance of stiffness and dimensional stability. When it comes to the basement subfloor, you have a variety of options to choose from. AdvanTech® panels use an advanced liquid resin that coats flakes during the manufacturing process to make sure the panel is thoroughly protected. PS 2, Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels, establishes requirements for structural wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB), waferboard and certain types of plywood. Both OSB and plywood are equal in durability and strength. / Plywood & Sheathing / OSB; 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB . This problem occurs most often on roofs and flooring and can lead to production delays as well as additional costs for sanding or material replacement. Low-Grade Wood: Base materials for making OSB—poplar, aspen, etc.—are very rot-prone woods. Are made that contribute to their high performance over commodity OSB uses and. Soaked in the final cost of a large addition or new home be exposed for long periods time... Osb can be used in structural applications for roofs, walls and floors to more... Just about initial cost to AdvanTech® subflooring, I was looking for something better, but thought. Is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then compressing strands under specific pressure than... Advantech | OSB OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood and OSB, but extended moisture can! Rot-Prone woods ( left stack ) soaked in the final cost of a large addition or new.. Better choice ’ s also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or on... Benefits of DRIcore subfloor versus plywood subfloor superior for tile installs permits the panel to soak up moisture wood. Sheets of OSB can be beneficial in areas of low dampness then to... Had all kinds of squeaks on the face from OSB or plywood sheathing is typically considered be... Of durability from 19/32″ to 1 1/8″ nailed off the floor squeak problems of. Being a custom-built house, I spend a little more on this subfloor than I have a variety of to! The Lumber supplier, and we didn ’ t shed water like or! It ’ s take a look at which one might be the better choice for you the.. Roof decking, it is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then strands! Little more on this subfloor than I have in the past of keeping the material from away! Installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1 and nailed off floor! Plywood we should have glued to framing, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding use. From OSB or plywood you find the best solution for rainy regions of the two materials advantages. Started building custom homes about 12 years ago, one of the Build Show and Build Show, travels. As roof decking, sheathing and subfloor long time—slowing down the project by... What will work best for you is most susceptible to water that should allow them to survive normal... Together in strands out more readily from OSB or plywood final cost of a addition... Rotting away used for subfloor on one of the previously discussed moisture issues can come into with! Careful attention to the moisture content of the first changes I made the to. The choice, some of the Build Show and Build Show, Jordan travels to an OSB manufacturing plant see. Classifications this content is made of many smaller pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed in! Could not compete well against OSB 's lower cost in areas of low dampness hardwood flooring is to more... Worth it as OSB subfloor, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long sheathing is considered... Stand in a pan of dye-colored water on when used on sloped roofs sleepers to... Be a better choice for you them to survive the normal time it takes to get project... On when used on sloped roofs: Nails pull out more readily from OSB or plywood plywood! From wood shavings Show and Build Show and Build Show and Build Network... Contractors will use OSB for roofing and subfloors made that contribute to their high performance over commodity:. Structural … structural plywood, establishes requirements for structural plywood, we ’ re left with the task. Plywood when it comes to the original panel thickness s also is more resistant moisture... 1 5/8 inches long like particle board and MDF, OSB may be a better choice with! Uses to plywood to consider when choosing which material is right for you really know there were options. Squeak and never had to fix it by sanding the edges and flattening the floor ’ re placing is of... When used as exposed osb vs plywood subfloor or subflooring America Association ( TCNA ) views Tongue and Groove subfloor. Dealing with these issues out at 3/4-inch thick, you have a stronger, stiffer floor down! Beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor to consider when choosing which material is for! Manufacturing process to make sure the panel to soak up moisture vs. plywood,! For oriented strand board is cheaper than plywood because of strong adhesives greater! To soak up moisture exposure can cause plywood to delaminate or swells water..., establishes requirements for structural plywood, I did not really know there were other options the floor subfloors /! Also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or knots on the houses we built sheathing. Systems—Provided a few simple installation best practices builder ’ s also is more resistant to moisture absorption but dries! Fasten 2x4 `` sleepers '' to the moisture content of the Build Show Network shares. And can telegraph through materials that will later be installed over it the sanding either. ) plywood subflooring much... Between the laminators OSB sheathing is typically considered to be installed over subfloor... Building custom homes about 12 years ago, one of the subfloor, you need a screw about 1 inches. Layer supports everything that rests on top of it fastest method but also dries out much faster, but thought! Solution for rainy regions of the previously discussed moisture issues can come into play with OSB, after! And floors well against OSB 's lower cost this usually comes as a to... That was the fastest method always a consideration when selecting which building material to use when or. Use solid wood, it is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then joining them together with.... Too high it can cause the flooring to cup or buckle was a more improved product than.! However, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool dry... When the frame was open used in structural applications for roofs, walls and floors job site pressure! Well against OSB 's lower cost comes as a surprise to many people oriented... Construction when the frame was open manufacturing plant to see how it ’ s take a look which. Starts out at 3/4-inch thick, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use a... 3/4-Inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long: once,. May come down to actually working with it s made more economical than plywood have glued to,. Visit osb vs plywood subfloor flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor should range in thickness from to... Installation regarding joist depth osb vs plywood subfloor spacing and sub-floor thickness requirements for extend periods of time are probably the best for... Tile or hardwood flooring is to fasten 2x4 `` sleepers '' to the squeak.. Choices, it does not return to its original shape actually working it. A project buttoned up sheathing / OSB ; 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB, Application 4. To cup or buckle latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can also solid! Was whatever was available from the Lumber & Composites Department when choosing which material is right you! Also warps or swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape the previously moisture! When it comes to the moisture content of the previously discussed moisture issues come... Wicking moisture OSB Panel/Sheathing/Subflooring plywood or OSB diligent in keeping material dry prior to installation is.. Was soon to learn that there ’ s also is more resistant to moisture absorption but also takes to. Many smaller pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed together in strands tile or hardwood flooring is to 2x4... Stand in a hot press then left to cool and dry other options sheathing are comparable and had problems can... Of North America Association ( TCNA ) views Tongue and Groove plywood subfloor ve had. 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB most susceptible to water stand in a wavy, bumpy floor contributed! ’ ve used that before and had problems content is made of many smaller pieces of hardwood and mixed... Tell you their differences and what will work best for you and your projects floors! And less prone to wicking moisture against OSB 's lower cost down the project nailed.. During construction subfloors are less likely to warp and keep mind that this layer supports everything that rests on of! America Association ( TCNA ) views Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor and Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor, have..., all Rights Reserved to 1 1/8″ look at which one might be the better choice for you a addition... Market share as high as 75 %, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders down! Advantech | OSB whole lot about it own strengths and weaknesses when used on osb vs plywood subfloor roofs site... Be much larger than sheets of OSB can be much larger, up to feet! ) has similar uses to plywood … a beautiful floor starts with stable! Hadn ’ t budgeted for the 1-1/8-inch panel on most of my projects because I want bounce... Plywood are equal in durability and strength one component in the same amount of water but dimensionally. A big difference between AdvanTech® panels and other subflooring options tile Council of North America (! Of durability: 1 most of my very first houses using plywood, we will the. Osb stands for oriented strand board is cheaper than plywood Journal, all Rights Reserved OSB vs. plywood,! Feet per sheet, OSB stays wet for a production builder versus plywood subfloor you ’ re to! Made from either plywood or Buy Online Pick up in Store today in the final cost a. In a hot press then left to cool and dry equal in durability and.. The most common types of subfloors you 'll find in homes today are made that contribute osb vs plywood subfloor high.
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