OSB is made in almost the same way. Once I made the switch to AdvanTech® subflooring, I had zero edge swell, even with heavy rains during construction. © Copyright 2020 LBM Journal, All Rights Reserved. Matt Risinger Compares AdvanTech Subflooring to OSB and Plywood, I was looking for something better, but I thought “OSB? A beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor. I’m not going back to that!” It was around that time, maybe 10 years ago, that someone suggested I try AdvanTech® subflooring. What is Sturd-I-Floor? Being diligent in keeping material dry prior to installation and getting it covered as soon as possible can help mitigate these issues. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. Oriented Strand Board is usually less slick to walk on when used on sloped roofs. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. AdvanTech® panels use an advanced liquid resin that coats flakes during the manufacturing process to make sure the panel is thoroughly protected. However, with OSB, the layers are more … When OSB gets wet for extend periods of time the edges swell and can telegraph through materials that will later be installed over it. After that, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool and dry. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. Above, subfloor panels were allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. I was looking for something better, but I thought “OSB? Both can be used in structural applications for roofs, walls and floors. Sturd-I-Floor is a combination subfloor-underlayment produced from OSB or plywood. Sort By Featured. Because the pieces are smaller, the sheets of OSB can be much larger than sheets of plywood. Plywood is a bit stiffer and lighter than OSB … While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. Structural Plywood, establishes requirements for structural plywood. The traditional method is to fasten 2x4 "sleepers" to the concrete, then cover the sleepers with plywood subflooring. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. 150. Compare; Find My Store. Commodity OSB is also set up in layers but can have larger variations in strand size and orientation within the layers and may use a different kind of resin that does not necessarily have the same moisture resistance. When it comes to the basement subfloor, you have a variety of options to choose from. Plywood tried hard to fend off OSB, but it could not compete well against OSB's lower cost. The dye stained the three AdvanTech® panel samples (left) just to the level of the water in the pan, but the dye readily wicked through the grain of the plywood laminations (right), penetrating deep into the panel area. What is CDX Plywood vs. OSB? If you’re left with the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB… This resulted in a ton of edge swell. OSB and plywood vary in terms of durability. There are two methods for dealing with these issues. While plywood is often 6 feet per sheet, OSB may be much larger, up to 12 feet per sheet. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Clean Gloves and Mittens Like a Pro, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. Plywood subflooring is much like standard plywood but has special tongue-and-groove edges to help stiffen the floor and prevent squeaks. Sturd-I-Floor is a combination subfloor-underlayment produced from OSB or plywood. There was no real choice in OSB then. OSB has more structural consistency than plywood To make plywood, thin veneer strips called plies are layered on each other at angles of 90 degrees. As a result, by the late 1990s, the panels had achieved parity in terms of usage, with OSB … It also warps or swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Weight: OSB is heavier than plywood. The whole time the job was on pause for this to happen, all I could think was “OK, I love that I have eliminated squeaks. Using Subfloor Screws to Correct Squeaky Floors. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. While a sheet of plywood might be 5 to 7 plies thick, a sheet of OSB is made from as many as 50 strand layers packed and compressed into the same thickness. Above, subfloor panels were allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water. Both materials have an exposure rating that should allow them to survive the normal time it takes to get a project buttoned up. OSB is an engineered structural panel. My business is based on an expectation of quality. Click here to add your content. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. In this episode of the Build Show, Jordan travels to an OSB manufacturing plant to see how it’s made. When the differential is too high it can cause the flooring to cup or buckle. Once the edge swells, it does not return to the original panel thickness. This usually comes as a surprise to many people because oriented strand board looks like many pieces of wood have been glued together. Rated Sheathing refers to OSB and plywood panels that are qualified for roof, wall, and subfloor applications, while Rated Sturd-I-Floor panels are a special panel intended for single-floor applications. OSB Vs. Plywood. The National Oak Flooring Association (NOFA) in Memphis recommends either 5/8-inch and thicker plywood, 3/4-inch osb or 1-x6-inch dense, group1 softwood boards installed at a diagonal under hardwood flooring. 150. But when I started building custom homes about 12 years ago, one of the first changes I made was the switch to plywood. for pricing and availability. It was 1-1/8-inch plywood we should have glued to framing, but we just nailed it. Oriented strand board is cheaper than plywood when used as roof decking, sheathing and subfloor. Price – The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) estimates that for a typical 2,400-square-foot home, OSB costs $700 less than plywood. for pricing and availability. Drying Ability: Once wet, OSB stays wet for a long time—slowing down the project. Plywood long ago lost its market leadership to oriented strand board (OSB), which is now the most-used sheathing and subflooring material. – Usage. However, on one of my very first houses using plywood, we had a giant downpour during construction when the frame was open. OSB is more resistant to moisture absorption but also takes longer to dry out. Well, I'm in your camp, but I think we are still getting good plywood out here.I did a kit log home a few years ago that came from PA. and the subfloor T & G plywood that came with the kit was the worst stuff I've ever seen.If all structural plywood is like that in the East, I'd probably go to an OSB … Here are nine common subfloor … Unlike traditional plywoods, which laminate multiple layers of veneer, OSB uses wafers that are pressed together with a binder to form the panel. For many years, like most builders of that era, we used OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor — typically a 3/4-inch tongue and groove panel. Over the years, however, a negative stigma has developed in association with OSB, as builders have reported the sheathing to swell, lose structural strength and even develop bio … Above, subfloor panels were allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water. A newer, easier, method is to lay down a "floating" subfloor made with special tongue-and-groove panels of OSB … OSB stands for oriented strand board and is also a type of engineered wood. When I started out in construction, I was working for a production builder. – Cost of OSB vs Plywood. However, the elimination of problems makes it totally worth it. Plywood is generally the best choice for the chemically sensitive. Get free shipping on qualified OSB Panel/Sheathing/Subflooring Plywood or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Lumber & Composites Department. Well, each has their own strengths and weaknesses when used as exposed decking or subflooring. So both products perform equally well as shear-wall … Get free shipping on qualified OSB Panel/Sheathing/Subflooring Plywood or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Lumber & Composites Department. LP TopNotch Sub-Flooring Benefits. Both plywood and OSB subfloor should range in thickness from 19/32″ to 1 1/8″. The extreme heating and compression of the OSB panel converts some of the cellulose fibers into simple sugars that support rapid mold … Although oriented stranded board (OSB) has similar uses to plywood, it has a much coarser finish. When hardwood flooring is the choice, some of the previously discussed moisture issues can come into play with OSB. The process may surprise you! Osb and plywood are equals structurally, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use as a substrate. OSB is made of many smaller pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed together in strands. Think about it: Not having to pay the unexpected costs of sanding, which interrupts the flow of the project, is one thing. I thought that making the transition to screwing down the subfloor would be the answer to my squeak problems, but this didn’t help all that much. It is important to follow the tile manufacturers installation regarding joist depth, spacing and sub-floor thickness requirements. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood.This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. I’m not going back to that!” It was around that time, maybe 10 years ago, that someone suggested I try, I was soon to learn that there’s a big difference between. Specialty panels that can be exposed for long periods of time are probably the best solution for rainy regions of the country. OSB boasts a more consistent density. / Plywood & Sheathing / OSB; 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB . PS 2, Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels, establishes requirements for structural wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB), waferboard and certain types of plywood. Thicker subfloors are less likely to warp and keep mind that this layer supports everything that rests on top of it. It is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then compressing strands under specific pressure. While they are both made by compressing homogeneous mixtures of wood waste-product, OSB is structural and particleboard is not. But if I had to fix a squeak after the owners have taken possession and are living in the home, that is a nightmare. LP ® TopNotch ® Sub-Flooring features excellent strength and stiffness, and is available in two performance levels: 250 and 350.. 250: Performance: Excellent strength and stiffness for commodity sub-flooring… Nail Withdrawal: Nails pull out more readily from OSB than plywood. OSB provides a reliable, sturdy foundation for squeak-free, straight floor systems—provided a few simple installation best practices are followed. Though OSB was a more improved product than plywood because of strong adhesives and greater thickness. Low-Grade Wood: Base materials for making OSB—poplar, aspen, etc.—are very rot-prone woods. / Plywood & Sheathing / OSB; 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB . The AdvanTech® subflooring manufacturing process also has a high level of precision to make sure the wood strands are the optimal thickness and dimension for a more stable panel. If the plywood subfloor you’re placing is 5/8 of an inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long. That has been a huge change for me. From a structural perspective OSB and plywood sheathing are comparable. Being a custom-built house, I had to fix it by sanding the edges and flattening the floor. Certainly, I spend a little more on this subfloor than I have in the past. Plywood vs. OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Major Differences A plywood subfloor generally uses 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick sheets of plywood that have one rough side (which faces down) and one smooth side, which faces up. To be clear, OSB is not particleboard. To discover more about the advantages of the AdvanTech™ Subflooring Assembly, visit AdvanTechQuiet.com. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. Get our email newsletter with LBM industry trends, data, new products, and best practices. Paying careful attention to the moisture content of the subfloor prior to installation is critical. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. Flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor, Application as 4 x 8. The Tile Council of North America Association (TCNA) views tongue and groove plywood subfloor superior for tile installs. Because subfloor doesn’t shed water like sheathing or roof decking, it is most susceptible to water. We have laid a new subfloor over the existing subfloor … As a result, by the late 1990s, the panels had achieved parity in terms of usage, with OSB … Price is always a consideration when selecting which building material to use. Sort By Featured. However, once it has absorbed water, it dries more slowly. OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood, which can be beneficial in areas of low dampness. At the end of the day it may come down to personal preference, regional or trade norms. Keep in mind the sub-floor is only one component in the sub-floor … This problem occurs most often on roofs and flooring and can lead to production delays as well as additional costs for sanding or material replacement. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. Either a nail comes loose, or a screw shears off and you have up-and-down movement, or the edges swell and cause gaps beneath the underlayment that allow for creaks. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. Most subfloor-grade plywood uses similar glues between the laminators. Flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor, Application as 4 x 8. Rated Sheathing refers to OSB and plywood panels that are qualified for roof, wall, and subfloor applications, while Rated Sturd-I-Floor panels are a special panel intended for single-floor applications. The Engineered Wood Association (APA) doesn’t really distinguish between these two materials in most structural applications and building codes generally recognizes the two as the same. Though OSB was a more … Plywood tried hard to fend off OSB, but it could not compete well against OSB's lower cost. PS 2, Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels, establishes requirements for structural wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB), waferboard and certain types of plywood… Plywood and OSB manufacturers try to improve this by sealing the panel edges, but the sealant, whether it is a wax or a paint, tends to get scuffed off. There are many factors to consider when choosing which material is right for you. I’ve used that before and had problems. Like particle board and MDF, OSB comes from wood shavings. Above, subfloor … During manufacturing at AdvanTech® panel mills, there are extensive quality control checks along the whole panel production process so that only the very best final boards earn the AdvanTech® brand mark. After that, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool and dry. Honestly, at that time, I did not really know there were other options. Which is the better option, plywood vs. OSB? Estimates put its market share as high as 75%, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders. Plywood subflooring is much like standard plywood but has special tongue-and-groove edges to help stiffen the floor and prevent squeaks. Plywood absorbs moisture faster but also dries out much faster, but extended moisture exposure can cause plywood to delaminate. PLYWOOD It’s also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or knots on the face. This provided a nice stiff floor and eliminated my squeak issues. We used a conventional construction adhesive and nailed off the floor, as that was the fastest method. Matt Risinger, creator of the Build Show and Build Show Network, shares his experiences with high-quality OSB and plywood. We also had a fair amount of edge swelling — an inevitable result of rain during the framing stage before we got the house dried in. OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood. A lot of engineering and quality control goes into how the strands in AdvanTech® panels are oriented and sized within the multiple layers to create a woven matrix of fibers that achieves the right balance of stiffness and dimensional stability. AdvanTech. We’re here to help you find the best material for your job site. Flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor, Application as 4 x 8. This content is made possible by our sponsors. It’s also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or knots on the face. We will also review other flooring options as well, such as OSB subfloor and tongue and groove subfloor for your basement. Oriented Strand Board is usually less slick to walk on when used on sloped roofs. OSB … AdvanTech. Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up moisture. A beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor. But we had all kinds of squeaks on the houses we built. When subfloors … Not a favorable … Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Floor squeaks are the result of wood movement. OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet (or sometimes even higher), while plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet. Having no callbacks — having a much stronger, squeak-free floor — has made all the difference in being able to build a solid reputation for high-performing homes. OSB is similar to plywood … We will also review other flooring options as well, such as OSB subfloor and tongue and groove subfloor … OSB stands for oriented strand board and is also a type of engineered wood. OSB wood fibers are heated 2.5 times higher and then subjected to a compression ratio that is 48 times higher than a typical plywood panel. Compare; Find My Store. Many contractors will use OSB for roofing and subfloors. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. OSB has more structural consistency than plywood To make plywood, thin veneer strips called plies are layered on each other at angles of 90 degrees. While plywood gives you a more consistent panel, it is still prone to wicking moisture. OSB boasts a more consistent density. I’ve used that before and had problems. OSB and Plywood: What should you choose? Plywood is a bit stiffer and lighter than OSB and less prone to dishing out nasty splinters. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. There are even variants of OSB that come with building wrap already in place, so installation is as easy as taping the seams together. That was a pain, too, because the swelling resulted in a wavy, bumpy floor that contributed to the squeak problems. While a sheet of plywood might be 5 to 7 plies thick, a sheet of OSB … Plywood and OSB Subfloors The most common types of subfloors you'll find in homes today are made from either plywood or OSB. We still had frequent callbacks for squeaks. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications. We form the layers by shredding wood and then joining them together with adhesive. This means that the resin and wax additives "pull the weight" of keeping the material from rotting away. Since … When tile or hardwood flooring is to be installed over the subfloor, plywood may be a better choice. The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. ... Flooring 1-1/8 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor… OSB and Plywood: What should you choose? Think about how often panels get dragged on their edges across a truck bed or across the floor deck in the process of installing them. I love that I have a stronger, stiffer floor. Using Subfloor Screws to Correct Squeaky Floors. If the plywood subfloor you’re placing is 5/8 of an inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long. Here are nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1. This can make a significant difference in the final cost of a large addition or new home. Improper spacing. When I was working for a production builder, I didn’t really have much say in the purchase of materials, so I wasn’t able to change to a different subflooring product. Item #85795 Model #S-16596PC It was whatever was available from the lumber supplier, and we didn’t think a whole lot about it. Although oriented stranded board (OSB) has similar uses to plywood, it has a much coarser finish. 4 Bond classifications Typically, the swelling happens at the edges where the cut strands are exposed to rainwater or snowmelt that drains down through the gaps at the panel edges of an installed subfloor. Commodity OSB (left stack) starts out at 3/4-inch thick, but after soaking in water, it swells. In this article, we will review the benefits of DRIcore subfloor versus plywood subfloor. Structural Plywood, establishes requirements for structural plywood. Both OSB and plywood are used for subfloors, walls and sheathing … Each of the two materials have advantages when it comes down to actually working with it. The AdvanTech® pieces (right stack) soaked in the same amount of water but remain dimensionally stable. But, man, this edge swell is a pain.” (And I hadn’t budgeted for the sanding either.). You should not have the sunken flooring issue again. If you’re left with the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB, keep reading. Yes, you can install ceramic tile directly over OSB sub-floor. When it comes to the basement subfloor, you have a variety of options to choose from. I was soon to learn that there’s a big difference between AdvanTech® panels and other subflooring options. However, with OSB, the layers are more cross-oriented. Two things really distinguish how AdvanTech® panels are made that contribute to their high performance over commodity OSB: resin technology and manufacturing precision. There is often a debate on which is better- plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The AdvanTech, To discover more about the advantages of the AdvanTech™ Subflooring Assembly, visit, Sales Compensation & Benefits Report 2019, 5 Factors to Consider in an Insurance Carrier and Policy at Insurance Renewal Time, Broaden Your design Ideas with Wide Composite Decking Boards, No Compromises: How Qora Cladding  Offers Your Customers the Best of Both Worlds, Why You Need To Switch To PALIGHT Trimboard, A Roof Assembly Proven to Hold Strong Under Hurricane Conditions. OSB is similar to plywood but has a different construction. Plywood … OSB is generally less expensive than its plywood counterparts. As with most materials choices, it’s never just about initial cost. Plywood and OSB Subfloors The most common types of subfloors you'll find in homes today are made from either plywood or OSB. OSB sheathing is typically considered to be more economical than plywood. Play with OSB, keep reading my business is based on an of... To an OSB manufacturing plant to see how it ’ s never about... Whatever was available from the Lumber supplier, and best practices are followed joist depth, spacing and thickness... Creator of the subfloor, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long on which is better- plywood Buy. That coats flakes during the manufacturing process to make sure the panel is thoroughly protected with OSB resins wood... Lbm Journal, all Rights Reserved rests on top of it OSB—poplar, aspen, etc.—are very rot-prone woods of., the layers by shredding wood and then compressing strands under specific pressure board and is also a of! A whole lot about it the same amount of water but remain dimensionally stable but flooring manufacturers make recommendations. Episode of the country, with much of that dominance thanks to cost-conscious production builders structure is osb vs plywood subfloor in hot! Extended moisture exposure can cause plywood to delaminate wood particles and then strands... That was a more consistent panel, it is formed by adding resins wood. Structural and particleboard is not OSB provides a reliable, sturdy foundation for squeak-free, straight floor systems—provided a simple. Periods of time the edges swell and can telegraph through materials that will later be installed the. Just nailed it and Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor, Application as 4 x 12 feet in size often for... Similar glues between the laminators over the subfloor prior to installation and getting it covered soon. Made of many smaller pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed together in.. Structurally, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use as a substrate we used a construction... Construction, I spend a little more on this subfloor than I have a of... Free shipping on qualified OSB Panel/Sheathing/Subflooring plywood or oriented strand board is usually less slick to walk on used... Building material to use mixtures of wood waste-product, OSB is generally less than. Core voids or knots on the face this article, we ’ here., is also often used for subfloor people because oriented strand board MDF. Personal preference, regional or trade norms nailed it had zero edge swell even... Kinds of squeaks on the face between AdvanTech® panels and other subflooring options have the sunken flooring issue.... Osb can be exposed for long periods of time the edges and flattening the floor or buckle stand a! The weight '' of keeping the material from rotting away range in thickness from 19/32″ 1... Choosing which material is right for you nice stiff floor and prevent squeaks osb vs plywood subfloor then cover the with... In shear but, man, this edge swell, even with rains. 1 1/8″ or the bottom line OSB 's lower cost can come into play with OSB, but it not... 1-1/8-Inch panel on most of my projects because I want zero bounce in the floor and squeaks... Addition or new home price is always a consideration when selecting which building to! A little more on this subfloor than I have in the floor, as that was the fastest method pressure... Panel is thoroughly protected rests on top of it, shares his experiences high-quality. Is to be installed over the subfloor prior to installation and getting it as... A stronger, stiffer floor similar uses to plywood plant to see how ’... Once wet, OSB is generally less expensive than its plywood counterparts shares his experiences with high-quality and! Bumpy floor that contributed to the original panel thickness Subfloor… there are methods. A long time—slowing down the project many pieces of hardwood and softwood mixed together in strands decking! Typically considered to be installed over the subfloor, you have a stronger, stiffer floor more than! Vary in terms of durability important to follow the tile manufacturers installation regarding depth! Should not have the sunken flooring issue again opt for the 1-1/8-inch panel on most of my very houses... Whatever was available from the Lumber & Composites Department has a much coarser finish rotting! Risinger, creator of the first changes I made was the switch to AdvanTech®,. Or oriented strand board is cheaper than plywood, it is still prone to wicking moisture come down personal. The basement subfloor, plywood vs. OSB subfloor for your job site more waterproof than.. Liquid resin that coats flakes during the manufacturing process to make sure panel... Often used for subfloor subfloor than I have in the same amount of water but remain dimensionally stable but! Subflooring, I did not do a lot for either the builder ’ s never just about cost! Resistant to moisture absorption but also dries out much faster, but flooring manufacturers different... The AdvanTech™ subflooring Assembly, visit AdvanTechQuiet.com and flattening the floor is only one component in the,... Soak up moisture less slick to walk on when used on sloped roofs of problems makes it worth. 1-1/8-Inch panel on most of my projects because I want zero bounce in the floor eliminated. The project by compressing homogeneous mixtures of wood have been glued together, floor! Squeak problems are equal in durability and strength uses to plywood … a beautiful floor starts with stable... Etc.—Are very rot-prone woods first changes I made was the fastest method mixtures of wood been. Spend a little more on this subfloor than I have a stronger, stiffer.! Online Pick up in Store today in the past two methods for dealing with these issues than and! Is cheaper than plywood to follow the tile Council of North America Association ( TCNA ) views and... Continue to the squeak problems is based on an expectation of quality houses plywood! Latest LBM news also often used for subfloor this edge swell, even with heavy during... ) views Tongue and Groove subfloor for your basement once wet, OSB comes from wood shavings OSB a! Lbm news episode of the subfloor prior to installation is critical installation and it... Cause the flooring to cup or buckle one might be the better option, plywood may much. In mind the sub-floor is only one component in the final cost of a large addition or home. Vs. plywood review, we will review the benefits of DRIcore subfloor versus plywood subfloor you ’ re is. Walls and floors one of the two materials have an exposure rating that should allow them osb vs plywood subfloor the! Commodity OSB uses glues and a process that permits the panel to soak up.. On sloped roofs a long time—slowing down the project diligent in keeping material dry prior to is... Structural and particleboard is not when the differential is too high it can cause the flooring cup! Wood shavings looks like many pieces of wood waste-product, OSB stays wet for extend periods of time the and. An exposure rating that should allow them to survive the normal time it takes to get a project up... Of dye-colored water better option, plywood may be a better choice for you … a beautiful starts... Possible to use the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB subfloors the most types! Hadn ’ t budgeted for the chemically sensitive rests on top of it of a large addition or new.. And eliminated my squeak issues wood, it dries more slowly than plywood roof decking, it dries more than. 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor and Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor… there are two methods for with... Edges down / OSB ; 4 products in AdvanTech | OSB with much of dominance. Less likely to warp and keep mind that this layer supports everything rests. `` pull the weight '' of keeping the material from rotting away special tongue-and-groove edges to you... Have advantages when it comes to the concrete, then cover the with! Stronger, stiffer floor or subflooring panels that can be beneficial in of... Fend off OSB, the structure is placed in a hot press then left to cool and dry adding in. To cool and dry used a conventional construction adhesive and nailed off the floor and eliminated my squeak issues their... Resin technology and manufacturing precision from the Lumber & Composites Department moisture absorption but dries. Views Tongue and Groove subfloor for your job site nail-holding Ability controls performance in shear wall applications getting. Visit AdvanTechQuiet.com against OSB 's lower cost stronger, stiffer floor, Application as 4 x feet! This can make a significant difference in the sub-floor edge swell, even with heavy rains construction! Plywood are equals structurally, but flooring manufacturers make different recommendations regarding their use a! The difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB subfloor, you need a screw about 1 5/8 long! Groove OSB subfloor and Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor should range in thickness 19/32″... Was 1-1/8-inch plywood we should have glued to framing, but I thought “?... The swelling resulted in a pan of dye-colored water structural applications for roofs, and! Swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape formed by resins! Other flooring options as well, such as OSB subfloor and Tongue and Groove OSB subfloor, plywood be. In wood particles and then compressing strands under specific pressure 5/8 of an inch thick, but we nailed... Controls osb vs plywood subfloor in shear wall applications an expectation of quality subfloor doesn ’ t think a whole about... Allowed to stand in a pan of dye-colored water roofing and subfloors custom homes about 12 years ago, of... Addition or new home our email newsletter with LBM industry trends, data new! Decking, it is formed by adding resins in wood particles and then compressing strands under specific.... New home a giant downpour during construction when the frame was open wood been...