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Plywood Vs. OSB As Subfloor Material: Which One Is Better?

Are you building a new home or remodeling an existing one? If so, you’ll need to choose a subfloor material. But before deciding, make sure you check your local building code to see what materials are allowed.

Plywood and OSB are the two most popular flooring materials, but there are some differences between the two. In this post, we’ll see what are the advantages of OSB as subfloor and compare it to plywood to help you decide which is the best fit for your project.

The Differences Between Plywood And OSB As Subfloor

Plywood

Plywood is a manufactured panel made from thin sheets of wood veneer. It’s usually composed of three or more layers of wood, bonded together with adhesive. The outer layers are typically made from thin sheets of hardwood, while the inner layer is made from a softer wood.

Plywood boards

OSB (oriented strand board)

OSB, or oriented strand board, is a type of engineered lumber made from small pieces of wood, known as strands, that are oriented in different directions and glued together. It’s typically made of softwood, but there are also some varieties made from hardwood.

Osb as subfloor

Plywood Pros And Cons

Pros

  • It is strong and durable
  • When used as a subfloor, plywood helps reduce the risk of cracks in the floor due to uneven settling or overloading
  • It can reduce squeaky floors and make your home more energy efficient
  • It is less likely to bend
  • It is lighter to transfer

Cons

  • Plywood is more expensive than OSB
  • It is not as resistant to humidity as OSB
  • Plywood can be difficult to cut and mold

OSB Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Oriented Strand Board is a less expensive option than plywood, and it's more moisture-resistant than plywood
  • OSB is also better for insulating, sheathing and exterior applications because it's not as smooth or flat as plywood
  • It can be applied directly onto walls and roof surfaces without special treatment
  • OSB panels are made from solid wood strands

Cons

  • OSB is that it's not as strong or durable as plywood
  • It can warp and crack easily, and it doesn't support heavy loads as well
  • OSB is heavier than plywood, weighing around 2.5 pound per sq. ft.
  • It stays wet for longer periods of time which can slow down your project

When Should You Use Each Type of Subfloor Material?

Both plywood and OSB are effective choices for your subfloor needs.
Plywood is a better option for projects that require a lot of cutting and molding, while OSB is a good option for those who need to cover areas where moisture exposure may be an issue.

The Characteristics Of Each Material

Water Resistance

Plywood is more resistant to swelling. Although it absorbs the water a bit faster than OSB, it has the capacity to dry immediately.

OSB doesn’t absorb the water so fast. However, it holds it longer once it got wet.

Installation

Both plywood and OSB are installed in the same way. First, you’ll need to measure the area you’re going to cover and mark the dimensions on the plywood panels.

Then, use a saw to cut the panels to size. If you’re using the materials for your subfloor, you’ll also need to cut it to fit around obstacles such as doorways and staircases.

OSB boards cutting

Lifespan

Plywood can last for up to 60 years in an exterior application if properly protected. However, it requires a subfloor that can accommodate its thickness and weight.

OSB It can last for up to 30 years in an exterior application. However, it doesn’t provide the same structural support as plywood.

Cost

Plywood subfloor tends to be more expensive than OSB.

OSB is better for you if you’re looking for a cheaper option for your subfloors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plywood isn’t hard to install if you have the tools needed. You’ll need a saw to cut the panels to size, and then you can join them together with screws. However, if you want to be sure that they’re installed correctly, you can ask the help of a professional.
Both plywood and OSB are effective choices for your subfloor needs, but OSB may be a better option for a garage than plywood. Plywood is a better option for projects that require a lot of cutting and molding, while OSB is a good option for those who need to cover areas where moisture exposure may be an issue.

Many online stores will ship it directly to your house. Make sure to measure the area you plan to cover before ordering, as you may need more than one sheet of plywood to complete your project.

Plywood is not typically noisy, but there can be some variation in sound depending on the type of plywood and how it’s installed. If you’re worried about noise, you can ask your supplier about the different types of subfloor materials they offer and how they might differ in terms of sound.

The average lifespan of a subfloor is around 30 years. However, this can vary depending on the material used and how well it’s maintained.

OSB is a cheaper and lighter option than plywood, but it doesn’t last as long. Plywood is more expensive, but it’s a more durable material that can last up to 60 years if properly protected.

Whether plywood and OSB may have some similarities, they are two different materials. They both have their own set of pros and cons that make them great for certain situations.
Whether you’re looking at plywood or OSB as the material for your next project, it is important that you now know how each one compares in terms of price, installation process.

If you need help to install your subfloor panels, just contact us and we’ll offer you professional installation services, and advise you in choosing the best material for your project!