Is 7/16 OSB ok for flooring?

Author: Miss Marcella Gusikowski DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

A: No, this product is not rated to be used as flooring. It may be used as an underlayment only, not as a finished floor.

Is 7 16 OSB thick enough for subfloor?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch.

What size OSB should be used for flooring?

Upgrading to 7/8″ OSB Provides Floor-Performance Benefits for Energy-Efficient Homes. For decades, 23/32″-thick OSB has been the most commonly used thickness of OSB subflooring.

Can you walk on 7/16 OSB?

Firstly 7/16 is a roof or wall sheathing and is not for flooring.

Can you use OSB as flooring?

One of the main advantages of OSB is its strength and durability, which makes it an ideal choice for structural applications such as flooring, wall sheathing, and roofing.

Is 7/16 OSB OK for flooring?

How long does OSB flooring last?

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 are the disadvantages of OSB subflooring?

“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.

Which side of OSB goes down on floor?

Does Weyerhaeuser OSB Floor Sheathing Have an Up and Down Face? The side with the grade stamps is intended to be installed down to allow for the stamps to be visible from an unfinished lower level.

What is 7 16 4x8 OSB used for?

457 People have purchased this in the past week. Performance-rated panel for use in general construction as roof decking and wall and floor sheathing. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is engineered to provide a strong, stable panel that resists delamination and warping.

Should I leave a gap between OSB boards?

The APA (the Engineered Woo Association) recommends that construction professionals leave a 1/8-inch gap between each panel edge and end joint. As ambient moisture changes, your OSB or plywood panels will expand and contract.

Is OSB sheathing good for flooring?

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.

Is OSB OK for hardwood floors?

OSB can accommodate glue-down, nail/staple or floating hardwood installations. With glue-down, follow the hardwood flooring manufacturer's guidelines.

What is the best OSB for subfloor?

DryMax® High-Performance OSB is not only the most moisture-resistant OSB sub-floor Georgia-Pacific manufactures, it's also designed to help prevent costly and time-consuming joint sanding. No wonder DryMax® High-Performance OSB carries a 500-day no-sand warranty. It's performance you can count on – day in and day out.

What thickness OSB for flooring?

Subfloor sheets for both OSB and plywood come in 4 by 8 or 4 by 12 sheets. Thicknesses for products used for subfloors are generally 23/32 inch (just under 3/4 inch), but thicker sheets are available where building codes call for them.

Can 7 16 OSB span 24 inches?

For the curious – 7/16” OSB has a span rating of 24/16 and with supports every 24 inches is good for a roof live load of 40 psf (pounds per square foot) with a 10 psf dead load.

What is the best flooring for a wood subfloor?

Hardwood has been a flooring option for thousands of years. It works well over any type of wood subfloor more than 1/2 an inch thick. If squeaky floors are an issue, some construction adhesive will keep everything nice and quiet. Laminate floors can be installed over any wooden subfloor as long as it's in good repair.

Is 7 16 OSB good for flooring?

A: No, this product is not rated to be used as flooring. It may be used as an underlayment only, not as a finished floor.

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 paint an OSB board?

Instructions
  1. Lightly Sand the Surface. Sand OSB before painting with 80-grit sandpaper fitted on an orbital sander. ...
  2. Clean the Surface. Thoroughly clean the surface of the OSB. ...
  3. Prime the OSB Multiple Times. Don gloves. ...
  4. Apply the Filler (Optional) ...
  5. Prime the Filler (Optional) ...
  6. Paint the OSB.

How far apart should OSB subfloor be spaced?

Improper Spacing Between Panels

Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inch at panel ends and edges.

What is the expansion gap for OSB floors?

an expansion gap of at least 1.5mm-2mm should be allowed between each panel.

Is it OK to use OSB for flooring?

OSB also brings a lot of structural qualities that make it a suitable choice for flooring. The manufacturing methods for OSB give it a high durability, and can handle lots of weight.

What is the lifespan of OSB?

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.

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%.

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