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osb vs. plywood

5K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  AtlanticWBConst. 
#1 · (Edited)
I've been reading about the two products. I'm hearing conflicting information. Some websites say they can be used pretty interchangeably. Some say to never use the OSB in certain locations due to the edge expansion. What is the concensus here as far as the following applications:

-exterior wall sheathing
-subflooring
-roof sheathing
-any others?

here's some seemingly good info from http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/publications/articles/osb_vs_plywood.html

Subfloors and underlayments serve as structural platforms and as a base for flooring products. Osb and plywood are equals structurally, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use as a substrate.

Joe Tarver, Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association, Jackson, MS says, “ Osb is not an acceptable substrate to receive ceramic tile, period!”


Wall sheathing: No news is good news. All manufacturers of siding products I contacted agree that osb and plywood are equals. Kevin Chung, Engineer with Western Wood Products Association in Seattle assures us, “There have been no problems reported from the field. Nail-holding and racking resistance are the same.” Chung has noticed some concern about the use of osb among builders, but is quick to add, “There is no reason for any concern. Both products serve equally well as a nailbase.”
 
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