Can you use OSB in a garage?

Author: Kelton Stanton  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Over the years many homeowners have opted to line their garage walls and ceilings with oriented strand board, or OSB, as it's more popularly known. OSB is a strong, versatile, and inexpensive wood product that gets the job done.

Is OSB good for a garage?

Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are both excellent choices, with OSB being less expensive. You can bump things into a wooden wall without fear of punching holes. And things can be hung with screws pretty much anywhere without having to locate studs (though studs are nice for heavy objects, such as cabinetry).

How thick should an OSB be for garage walls?

Use in Walls

The recommended minimum thickness of OSB panels for timber-frame walls is 12mm when the cells in the supporting frame measure up to 62.5cm on a side, and 15mm for frame members spaced up to 83.3cm apart.

How long will an OSB board last outside?

Conclusions 1. The service life of OSB is indefinite (expect 50 years or longer) if it is used and protected properly. 2. OSB should not be used where it is permanently exposed to the outdoor environment unless panels are qualified as Exterior (e.g. siding) and recommended coating is periodically renewed.

What is the best sheathing for a garage?

PVC Panels

They're lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them a popular choice for garage walls: Durability and Longevity: Once installed, drywall can easily be damaged, forcing you to fill in holes or cracks over time.

Which is better, OSB or Plywood?

Can you use OSB instead of drywall in garage?

OSB is a quite tough material compared to sheetrock. It is the best option in building structures like garages because of its resistance to damage.

What is the best material for the inside walls of a garage?

Plywood or OSB board: Wood walls make a durable option for garages: They can take a beating from teenagers carelessly backing out the family car and are strong enough to hang tools and equipment without worrying so much about studs. They also help absorb sound.

What are the disadvantages of OSB?

Prone to swelling edges and telegraphing.

“The major disadvantage of OSB is that if it gets exposed to significant amounts of water or moisture, the edges expand by up to 15% ... especially if they are cut edges. This swell will then telegraph onto the shingles or some flooring," according to PATH.

Is OSB ruined if it gets wet?

Contact with the ground must be avoided, as rising moisture can also damage them. Boards should ideally be stored in dry conditions beneath a roof.

What holds up better in weather OSB or plywood?

In most cases, plywood is better. But, when panels are exposed to water and moisture, plywood is barely better than OSB. Both get damaged when exposed to water for long periods.

What is the best board for garage walls?

Over the years many homeowners have opted to line their garage walls and ceilings with oriented strand board, or OSB, as it's more popularly known. OSB is a strong, versatile, and inexpensive wood product that gets the job done.

Which side of OSB garage wall is out?

Facing the board smooth side out will maximize its ability to keep moisture out of the structure.

Can OSB touch concrete?

OSB panels can be installed over concrete slab floors in both commercial and residential settings. Sleepers can be applied to the concrete slab over rigid foam insulation and the OSB panels can then be installed directly onto the surface.

What should I line my garage walls with?

Lining Out A Concrete Garage

Ply board is a good option as it is sturdy and repels moisture well. Depending on what you want to use the building for, you may wish to use plasterboard then plaster the inside of the building. The lining material can simply be screwed or nailed to the timber battens.

What are the weaknesses of OSB?

Disadvantages of OSB

Not moisture proof - OSB should be kept dry and does not perform well with prolonged wetting. It can swell, warp and lose strength if left unprotected. Weaker across the width - OSB has less stiffness across the panel compared to plywood. Additional bracing may be needed for some applications.

Why do builders use OSB instead of plywood?

OSB can be manufactured into panels that are larger than plywood. OSB is more uniform, so there are fewer soft spots, such as those that can occur in plywood. OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood.

How to make OSB waterproof?

There are three main methods we recommend for making OSB waterproof: sealants, waterproof paints, and waterproof membranes. Each has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific application.

How long will OSB last?

An untreated OSB board may last only a few months in harsh outdoor conditions. However, if it's sealed or coated, the lifespan can extend to several years. High-quality water-resistant OSB, when properly installed and maintained, can last up to 5–10 years in outdoor environments.

Does it matter if OSB is upside down?

Also, by installing the stamps down, the rougher side of the panels is kept upward which helps with worker traction on the jobsite. However, structurally there is no difference in how the panel will perform whether the side with the grade stamps is installed up or down.

Which is stronger, 3/4 plywood or 3/4 OSB?

Strength. OSB and plywood are very similar in terms of strength, but plywood is stiffer than OSB by a factor of approximately 10%.

What is the lifespan of OSB board?

Strong Lifespan: The lifespans of engineered woods can often be a key drawback, but OSB panels boast a longer lifespan, offering 30 to 60 years of dependable performance. This further makes them a cost-effective choice, as they will not need to be replaced as often.

What is the problem with OSB board?

Oriented strand board (OSB) is a problem for resilient and wood flooring installations because of the nature of its construction. Traditional OSB is made from large chips of wood that will swell when exposed to humidity and moisture, causing the texture of the chip structure to show through on resilient floors.

What is the cheapest option for garage walls?

The quickest and cheapest ways to build garage walls are plywood, MDF, or OSB.

What is the best sheathing for garage walls?

Garage walls can be unsightly and the sheathing options are limited. The two most obvious options are drywall and plywood. Plywood, a versatile and widely used material, often emerges as a strong contender.

Should I use a vapor barrier in my garage walls?

The primary function of a vapor barrier is moisture control. In the garage, like other spaces in the home, condensation results from moisture in the air. Excess condensation and humidity levels in your garage can damage your garage's foundation and cause tools, vehicles, and cabinets to rust faster.

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