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OSB vs. PLYWOOD
Oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is an innovative, affordable and
environmentally smart wood-based structural panel for use in roof, wall and two- layer
sub-floor systems.
OSB and plywood of the same thickness comply with the
same performance standards. While the American Plywood Association (APA) makes no distinction
between the two products, the proven performance of OSB makes it an attractive alterative to
plywood at a much lower cost.
Why Is OSB
Better?
OSB is easy to install and has many applications. LP’s OSB panels are manufactured to ensure
consistency. They hold nails and fasteners securely, and come pre- marked with nailing lines to
make installation faster. In addition, to wall sheathing, OSB is used for roof sheathing, floor
sheathing and other specialty uses.
How is OSB made?
OSB is made by blending rectangular wood strands with thermal-set, waterproof adhesives. The
treated strands are arranged in cross-directional layers that are then pressed together under
extreme heat and pressure. The result is a rigid, dense engineered panel that is stiff, strong and
durable.
Oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is an innovative, affordable
and environmentally smart wood-based structural panel for use in roof, wall and two- layer
sub-floor systems. Since it was first commercialized on a large scale by LP more than 25 years ago,
OSB has become the most popular structural panel in the U.S. Today, LP produces 6 billion feet of
OSB annually—more than any other building products manufacturer in the world.Oriented strand board
(OSB) sheathing is an innovative, affordable and environmentally smart wood-based structural panel
for use in roof, wall and two- layer sub-floor systems. Since it was first commercialized on a
large scale by LP more than 25 years ago, OSB has become the most popular structural panel in the
U.S. Today, LP produces 6 billion feet of OSB annually—more than any other building products
manufacturer in the world.
Why is OSB so popular?
Because it meets the same performance standards as plywood, yet is more cost- effective. OSB has
excellent moisture tolerance and is much less susceptible to the stress related problems of
plywood, such as warping and ply separation. Made from wood chips and resins, it has exceptional
dimensional stability and consistent quality because it’s not dependent on the character of an
individual log. LP OSB is easy to install, with pre-marked nailing lines and a skid-resistant
surface, providing good traction on pitched surfaces.
Environmentally Smart
OSB is also environmentally smart because it’s manufactured from a wide range of fast-growing and
relatively small trees. The production process uses a maximum amount of wood fiber from each tree
harvested, making better use of our forest resources.
Why is OSB so popular?
Because it meets the same performance standards as plywood, yet is more cost- effective. OSB has
excellent moisture tolerance and is much less susceptible to the stress related problems of
plywood, such as warping and ply separation. Made from wood chips and resins, it has exceptional
dimensional stability and consistent quality because it’s not dependent on the character of an
individual log. LP OSB is easy to install, with pre-marked nailing lines and a skid-resistant
surface, providing good traction on pitched surfaces.
Environmentally Smart
OSB is also environmentally smart because it’s manufactured from a wide range of fast-growing and
relatively small trees. The production process uses a maximum amount of wood fiber from each tree
harvested, making better use of our forest resources.
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