Is OSB cheaper than drywall?

Author: Vella Littel  |  Last update: Friday, June 13, 2025

OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing about $32 to $58 per sheet. Because drywall is less durable than OSB, that's often reflected in the price, which is $15 to $23 per sheet.

What is the disadvantage of OSB?

“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.

What is the cheapest alternative to drywall?

Plywood. Plywood is a great option for unfinished walls, as it's easy to install and doesn't require finishing like drywall. Seriously—you just screw it to the studs and you're done.

Which is cheaper, drywall or plywood?

3. Drywall is cheaper than plywood: most wood materials are expensive. Securing drywall is also much cheaper and less time consuming than plywood. Drywall is a little less durable than plywood, but that also translates into material costs. that's between $ 40 to $ 60 per panel. An average room requires 10-13 panels.

Can you use OSB board instead of drywall?

OSB is harder and easier to hang, while sheetrock is easier to paint and looks neater. Fire-Rated OSB boards offer a great alternative to sheetrock, but at a higher price. No matter what product you decide to use, your garage will be more comfortable and usable with finished walls.

The Cost of Wood Walls vs Drywall - $$$

What's cheaper, sheetrock or OSB?

OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing $32 to $58 per sheet, compared to $15 to $23 per sheet for drywall.

Can I use OSB for interior walls?

Ultimately, it is a simple material that can make a substantial change – and, at the same time, can provide stiffness and strength to interiors. Save this picture! To further dive into this rising trend, below we present creative and inspiring ways to use OSB panels as a beautiful design feature in homes.

What is the cheapest way to finish interior walls?

Plywood. Practicality is key to good interior design. Sure, aesthetic is also important as you want your home to look good on top of being functional. But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice.

Is it cheaper to do drywall yourself?

You can save a lot of money by installing drywall yourself—usually around an average of $1,400 per project, or between $40 and $70 per panel, depending on the level of finish you want.

What is as strong as plywood but cheaper?

OSB, which retains much of its structural advantages, is considered a more economical alternative to plywood.

What is the cheapest option to cover a wall?

Opt for Laminate Panels

For a more sleek aesthetic, laminate wall panels may be a better option for you. These panels come in a variety of styles from natural wood to solid colors. They are known for being cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to clean.

What is the new material that is replacing drywall?

PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage. Drywall contributes to landfill waste, decomposing into a pungent-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas. On the other hand, PVC panels are eco-friendly, have a low carbon footprint and can be recycled several times.

What did old houses use instead of drywall?

Plaster: A Traditional Approach

Plaster walls are harder and more durable than drywall, but they are also more expensive to install. In older homes, plaster was typically applied in three coats over wood or metal lath. Modern plastering methods often involve a single coat over a special drywall called a blue board.

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.

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.

Why is OSB so expensive right now?

The lumber market has seen unexpected activity this holiday season, with OSB and 2×6 prices rising due to strong demand, mill closures, and limited supply. Typically a quieter time, this shift highlights the impact of industry dynamics as mills focus on higher-margin products.

How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?

The average cost to install drywall is between $1.60 and $2.35 per square foot. For a typical 12′ x 12′ room with a wall height of 8′, the average price is around $815 for just the walls, or a total of $903 if including the ceiling drywall.

Is anything cheaper than drywall?

Plywood is cost-effective and easy to work with. MDF is cheap but less sturdy. Cement board costs more but lasts longer in damp areas. Beadboard and veneer plaster are stylish options.

Should I hang drywall vertical or horizontal?

Commercial: Hang the drywall vertically. On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. Residential: How high are the walls? For walls nine feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits.

Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?

Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall? Drywall is generally cheaper than shiplapping walls, with an average cost of around $1.50 - $2 per sq foot. However, shiplapped walls bring a unique aesthetic to rooms that drywall can't match. For this reason, many homeowners find that the higher price point is justified.

What is the most versatile and inexpensive wall finish?

  • Paint Finishes. Paint is one of the most common and versatile wall finishes. ...
  • Plaster Finishes. Plaster adds texture and character to walls. ...
  • Wallpaper and Wall Coverings. Wallpaper adds patterns, colors, or textures that paint can't achieve. ...
  • Wood Paneling. ...
  • Tiles. ...
  • Stone and Brick Finishes. ...
  • Concrete Finish. ...
  • Fabric Panels.

What is the cheapest material to use for walls?

What Is the Cheapest Material to Build a Wall With? While prices of materials will vary depending on where you're building, the least expensive types of siding for exterior walls tend to be vinyl and composite. Vinyl is synthetic, low-maintenance, and comes in all different types to match aesthetic desires.

Why use OSB instead of drywall?

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. Normal garage activities will do very minimal damage to OSB. Thus, it would be advisable to go for OSB.

How thick should OSB be for walls?

Minimum: 7/16” thickness. (Exception: 3/8” for gable end walls structural sheathing.)

Is OSB safe for indoor use?

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, so using OSB instead of materials with higher levels of formaldehyde can contribute to a safer indoor environment.

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