Plywood will absorb moisture quicker than OSB, but consequently it will also dry quicker. Both products will swell when wet, but plywood will return to almost its exact shape when it dries. OSB is less forgiving of being left out in the rain and will show more deformities after a wetting and drying cycle.
Plywood is stronger, more durable, and has better moisture resistance than OSB, making it a good choice for exterior wall sheathing. However, it is more expensive than OSB. OSB is less expensive, but it can be more prone to swelling when exposed to moisture and may have lower overall strength.
Sheds are made up of two major parts: a structural frame and sheathing that covers them. A shed's walls and roof are usually made of oriented strand board (OSB) because it's the least expensive siding option. That's why sheds and homes use it so frequently.
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).
Yes, oriented strand board (OSB) can be used for interior walls. It is commonly used as a structural sheathing material in both residential and commercial construction. Here are some key points to consider:
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.
Minimum: 7/16” thickness. (Exception: 3/8” for gable end walls structural sheathing.)
12mm thick plywood is suitable for most interior linings. Any thinner and the panels are prone to warp, while thicker panels are difficult to handle and fix.
Nails are a popular selection for roofing, siding and sheathing projects. The amount of fasteners that are needed in these projects makes nails a more attractive choice because they offer a lower price point.
Fiberboards share several problems, but susceptibility to moisture damage is the most common.
Plywood is moisture-resistant, but it is not waterproof. It is important to seal plywood if it will be exposed to moisture. OSB is not waterproof, but it is more moisture-resistant than plywood. It is still important to seal OSB if it will be exposed to moisture.
Plywood is a popular choice for shed walls due to its durability and affordability. It provides a sturdy surface that can be easily painted or stained to match your shed's interior. Similarly, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is another cost-effective option that offers similar properties to plywood.
23/32 inches is slightly less than 3/4 inches but more than 5/8 inches.
Plywood is better at handling tension and maintaining strength while being shaped or flexed into specific requirements. Plywood is also more resistant to moisture naturally and avoids the type of swelling that can be experienced when using OSB before treatment is applied.
“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.
Plywood weighs less than OSB. Nails, screws, and fasteners are more likely to remain more firmly in place with plywood than OSB. Plywood panels swell less than OSB when they come in contact with moisture. Swollen plywood will also usually return to its nominal thickness when it dries out.
Correct placement of the sheathing is when the edge of the sheet lines up perfectly with the outer wall, and the other end of the sheet is on the center of a stud.
Here, it's clear that horizontal sheathing outperforms vertical, especially at higher wind speeds. For example, in areas categorized as Exposure B— places where obstructions, such as suburban or wooded areas, temper the wind—a 3⁄8-in.
Using ½” thick plywood for walls is standard, although the International Residential Code specifies only 3/8” wall sheathing when studs are spaced 16” apart and the siding is attached to the studs and not just the plywood. For buildings with siding attached only to the sheathing, the IRC requires ½” plywood.
Plywood makes an excellent choice for wall lining by creating a natural and interesting surface. We specialise in high quality European Birch plywood, Decorative Pine Plywood and Veneered Plywood, suitable for wall panelling in commercial spaces. The popular face grade for birch plywood wall lining panels is B/BB.
That, in a nutshell, is the one big advantage plywood holds over OSB. The greater ability a wall has to dry, the more durable it will be, and everyone agrees that more moisture will pass through plywood.
Using OSB Safely
The side stamped “This Side Down” is typically the smooth side. This is mostly for roofers so that they lay the smooth side down and can stand on the rough side facing up. When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you'll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out.
9mm OSB 3 board is a moisture-resistant, structural panel purposed for use in a variety of internal and external applications including roofs, floors and walls.