Currently, OSB and Plywood are two popular types of wood, favored by many users. However, many people still wonder which type of wood is suitable for each use. Let’s learn about these two kinds of wood with A1 Plywood!
1. What are OSB and Plywood?
1.1. What is OSB?
OSB board, also known as Oriented strand board. It is a manufactured wood similar to chipboard (Okal board), formed from adhesive glue and then compressing layers of wood fibers together according to different size walls.
1.2. What is Plywood?
Plywood is made by gluing thin veneers together. The thickness of an individual sheet is 1.2mm– 2.2mm– 3mm.
The plates are constructed so that the grain directions of the overlapping plates are normally perpendicular to each other.
2. Distinguishing OSB and Plywood
2.1. Strength and durability
- Both Plywood and oriented fiberboard (OSB) have equal strength and durability.
- The Plywood subfloor is about 10% stiffer than OSB. As a result, OSB floors are more likely to cause hard floor surface cracking resulting in soft, spongy floors.
2.2. Cost of Plywood vs OSB
- OSB is about $3 to $5 lower cost than Plywood per console.
2.3. Application
- Both Plywood and OSB are used to cover roofs, walls, and subfloors.
- Some builders find OSB boards easier to use because they have pre-printed grid lines to facilitate measuring, marking, cutting, and fastening.
- Plywood can come in many different designs and forms. The top layer is usually hardwood and can be any type of wood such as birch, oak, or maple. Plywood made this way is designed to close cabinets, shelves, and other items where the wood is visible.
- Plywood can also be made from poor-quality softwoods for the top layer. In this case, it may have notches or rough surfaces. This plywood is often used underneath finishing materials, such as tile or partitions.
- OSB usually doesn’t have a top veneer 2. It is made of multiple fibers or smaller pieces of wood pressed together, giving it a coarser texture. OSB is not used for surface finishes because it cannot treat paint or stains the way hardwood plywood can. Therefore, it is often installed underneath the finishing material, such as a partition.
2.4. Water and Heat Resistant
- Plywood has a slightly greater ability to absorb water, but it also dries faster. In general, plywood has better water resistance and longer-lasting swelling.
- OSB board is slightly more water-resistant, but it tends to absorb and hold longer when wet. OSB has untreated edges so it is more prone to swelling if wet.
- Serious problems with water absorption and prolonged immersion should be rectified as soon as possible. If left for a long time, the board will be damaged.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
3.1. OSB vs Plywood, Which is Better?
- Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right wood plank depends on your needs.
- Plywood is more likely to delaminate when exposed to moisture than OSB.
- OSB price is lower than Plywood in the market.
- OSB provides more consistent quality than plywood because there is no core gap and OSB will not split.
3.2. What Are the Disadvantages of OSB?
- The wood surface is quite finished, glossy, and smooth, so it is difficult to stick to the color.
- If the OSB wood is damp, it will take a long time to dry.
3.3. Is OSB Better Than Plywood? Why?
- OSB can be manufactured into larger panels than Plywood and offers more cost-effective options for today’s builders.
- OSB has a greater shear strength than plywood.
- OSB is cheaper than Plywood and is used to make subfloors, walls, and roofs, providing significant savings to builders.
4. A1 Plywood – Prestigious and Quality Plywood Factory
A1 Plywood is committed to the prestige and quality of products, ensuring that Plywood panels are always delivered to customers according to requirements and designs.
We own a direct furniture factory in Vietnam, with a team of skilled carpenters, each product is made carefully from the stage of choosing boards to construction and installation.
The factory accepts orders to produce Plywood boards based on the correct sizes and measurements as required, and delivery on time.