OSB vs Plywood: Which Is Better for Your Build?
OSB vs plywood head-to-head: cost per sheet, shear strength, moisture resistance, and where each one wins for subfloors, walls, roofs, and sheathing.
Cost, Strength, and Moisture Resistance: Plywood vs OSB Showdown Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are the top choices for structural panels in construction, but deciding between them depends on cost, strength, and moisture performance. Here's the key takeaway: - Cost: OSB is 15–30% cheaper than plywood. For a 2,400-square-foot home, this could save around $700. - Strength: OSB has higher shear strength, making it better for structural uses. Plywood is stiffer, ideal for subflooring and roofing. - Moisture Resistance: Plywood dries faster and resists swelling better, outperforming OSB in humid or wet conditions. Quick Comparison | Feature | Plywood | OSB | |---| --- |---| | Cost | More expensive ($21.50/sheet) | Cheaper ($16.50/sheet) | | Shear Strength | Lower (600–1,000 psi) | Higher (1,000–1,500 psi) | | Stiffness | Higher (better for floors/roofs) | Lower (requires closer joist spacing) | | Moisture Handling | Dries faster, minimal swelling | Swells significantly, retains wat...