Plywood vs OSB Oriented Strand Board | Everything you need to know!

[@joshpit2003]

Asside from the swelling: OSB loses nearly all of its nail-holding strength after it gets wet (even after drying). Advantech OSB is no exception. There is an excellent demonstration video of this issue from a flooring company (who does not warranty a floor nailed to OSB for this reason). That said: OSB as sheathing and sub-floor isn't relying on nail-holding strength, so it's really only an issue for flooring.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks for sharing that info!

[@StrangerHappened]

Another issue OSB rots from within due to its loose (after being wet) internal structure and is more poisonous (unless it uses a rarer and pricier soy-based glue).

[@kalijasin]

​@@StrangerHappened osb absorbs moisture like a sponge which causes the dead mold spores in the wood to reactivate.

[@kalijasin]

@@StrangerHappened That's a very serious health problem. Black mold is worse than asbestos in insulation, lead in paint, etc.

[@ithinkdoyou]

@Jason C. I don't want to say you are wrong, but you are absolutely wrong that dead spores are reactivated. Dead spores are dead, however spores can be dominant for extended periods until conditions for growth are right (like moisture goes up)

[@JohnSmith-kf1fc]

You're killing it again Belinda! Thanks for talking about the soy based alternative to traditional phenolic glues for plywood. I didnt know it was out on the market. Its a pleasure to see you grow but not a surprise, you are the only one tackling basic building science and bringing it to everyone from homeowners to small contractors, this is great the world needed you. You rock!

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks, John!!

[@creature8297]

ditto!!

[@robhardy1109]

Another great video and it highlights possibly the most important thing in building: waterproofing. Flashing and sealing are neglected more than anything, and can literally knock 100 years of life from a home.

[@TheBeljames]

You're the most knowledgeable and trustworthy source of product information on the internet Belinda, my wife and I learn so much from you. Many thanks!

[@belaad]

These comparison videos are an absolute BLAST! It's much easier to understand the properties of something in comparison. Please keep making them!!!

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks! I will continue them :)

[@vijaymalhotra7046]

Good learning experience for me. I did not even know what OSB stood for until I had a shed made. The contractor introduced me to this OSB and the curiosity brought me to this web site. Thank you for educating me. .

[@benpearce5807]

Belinda Carr, you are the best... Absolutely love everything you cover in your vids... One day, do commercial roofing products... TPO, PVC and EPDM... Because I believe you'd knock it out the park with the pure knowledge... Absolutely love everything you do...

[@brockhebert9955]

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve always had your videos in my feed and they were always very informative but then when I saw the attack on you from that company on the installation video and then your response I am going to support you 150%. You’re just doing what you like and trying to make a decent living and you’re a great professional spokes person with a level mind. You will have nothing but success don’t stress out too much with all the success you’re going to have

[@milesobrien2694]

I worked at an Oriented Strand Board plant as a private contractor in Northern Alberta in the late 1980's. So OSB isn't all that new. It was amazing to watch the plant in operation. The wood source was Aspen, another fast growing softwood. The issue I was called in to remedy was the incredible voltage surge when the heated presses were turned on. I had to isolate all the computers and communications from that voltage spike. The induced current was high enough to burn out circuit boards in the main telephone switch several hundred meters from the actual operations building.

[@SoulisStar]

Are you talking about the OSB plant By GP?

[@milesobrien2694]

@@SoulisStar This plant was about 15 miles outside of Slave Lake.

[@Ntinosg]

they are using about 20.000v to freeze the glue

[@j3dwin]

What was the root cause?

[@milesobrien2694]

@@j3dwin of what? The inducted voltage on the communication wiring?

[@scottgray6276]

A friend made some countertops out of OSB, back in the 80s…he stained them a brilliant green, then antiqued them with opaque black paint, before sealing them. They looked a lot like malachite, which was the idea!

[@BelindaCarr]

Whoa, that's creative

[@scottgray6276]

@@BelindaCarr Larue was brilliant….I’ve lost touch with him, I’m afraid…

[@Ceshaujourdhui]

I would like to see a photo if possible ❤️❤️

[@scottgray6276]

@@Ceshaujourdhui not possible…l live 3K miles from there, and that friend died a couple of decades ago.

[@Rockefeller.69]

youre the only person on youtube going into the practical science of building supplies. ty

[@creature8297]

I used to work for a company that made some floor products. It is true that OSB has much greater shear capacity than plywood - therefore makes a much better shear wall diaphragm than plywood. When it comes to floors, the bending strength is more than adequate but the out-of-plane bending is more noticeable than plywood - the flex between floor joists. From my experience, use OSB for shear walls and plywood for floor sheathing. Belinda, thanks so much for these videos - keep it up. This is the only channel I subscribe to.

[@Krashlandon]

As a Floridian I've been wary of OSB after seeing some awful water damage. But your video gave me some great context so I'll be a bit better informed going forward. Thanks for the great work again!

[@ArcolaBridge]

Marine plywood is used on boats all the time. I wonder if there is Marine OSB?

[@BelindaCarr]

I haven't found Marine OSB anywhere. Maybe there's something similar?

[@ArcolaBridge]

@@BelindaCarr I just think that it is so inferior that at this point in time OSB just wouldn't be a good decision for a very wet and hot environment like a boat. And of course when it comes to framing a house plywood is still better than OSB but people use OSB because it's cheaper.

[@ArcolaBridge]

@@BelindaCarr also I'm starting to notice PVC sheets are becoming more common as well as other variations of plastic can be purchased in various sizes and shapes ordered from the manufacturer. I find plastic decking to be frustrating because it can't be recycled because of the wood pulp content.

[@joshpit2003]

@@BelindaCarr Marine OSB is an oxy-moron, like clean-diesel.

[@DatIIV]

I've been missing your videos! I watched all the time up untill 2 months ago when your videos just disappeared from my recommendations, really wish the algorithm wouldn't mess with a good thing

[@karenromero1703]

I remember while I in school (Construction Technology) I was rattling on about using OSB in my house and was told by my framers OSB was twice the strength of plywood. My instructor looked at me and said, oh really, then took a piece of OSB and Plywood slanted on wall and with his boot he easily broke the OSB in half and not the plywood. Plywood is superior!

[@lillithcollins5192]

It's good to know that the production of plywood and OSB are environmentally sustainable but I curious as to their environmental impact in regards to disposal. What is the average lifespan of these products? Do the adhesives break down when they become waterlogged and then enter the water table? What is the proper or most common method of disposal: Organic decomposition, burning, landfills or can they be recycled? Does the break down of these products add pollutants to air, soil, or water? I think it's important to consider these things when talking about their environmental impact. Many products, such as plastic grocery bags, have a low impact when manufactured but a high impact when disposed of. Conversely, paper bags have a higher carbon footprint when manufactured, but a lower environmental impact than plastic when disposed of.

[@VagabondTE]

Oh my God I just left a comment wondering the exact same thing. And I even use plastic bags as an example. I really wonder about the resin furniture craze. Aren't resins petroleum-based? Is that carbon negative or carbon neutral? I guess it's fine if it doesn't break down and poison water tables but I have no idea!

[@IngeniebrioCivil]

Pine forests are not sustainable when are grown in exotic enviroment, specially when it mean cut down native forests. Pines increment the acidity of the soil and impede the growth of any other plants, killing insects and with that birds and other animals. Also pine forests dry underwater reserves. Same thing happen with Eucaliptus forests grown to make paper or textile fibers.

[@jeffs7573]

@@IngeniebrioCivil I’m not sure what you say is true. Pine and spruce forests cover most of the northern hemisphere, pine and spruce trees are shallow root trees, they do not have deep root systems, that’s why they blow over so easily in strong winds. As for the acidity of the soil there are many plants that thrive in such conditions as well as wildlife.

[@TrogdorBurnin8or]

All wood-based and cellulose-based products are going to be significantly useful fixed carbon in the short-term ("carbon-negative"). There are some minor environmental problems otherwise, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face: The only alternative that's been developed are concrete & steel buildings, which are immensely carbon-intensive. Most plastics are even less harmful than that, frankly. Yes they come from oil, but when discarded they turn into stable fixed carbon, the very best case. The major pollution problems of plastics today involve marine threats from developing-nation waste disposal strategies, and unverified fears about microplastic pollution (principally from polyester clothing). Plastic microbeads in cosmetics were a watershed issue, but we banned them. Plastic shopping bags were a municipal cleanup nuisance issue, and we banned them.

[@juzoli]

I wouldn’t say “sustainable”, as it still causes damage. Even though it’s less damage than most other material. I would still be careful not to produce too much construction waste.

[@KaceyGreen]

I learn something at every video

[@johnx9318]

Word perfect. You are one of the very best of the best presenters. Thank you for your insights.

[@maxmintz511]

Excellent presentation. No fluff.

[@Harikusa]

You are well presented and I generally don't care about building materials but I do watch your every video because how comforting and interesting your videos are. Quite nice to watch while having a cup of tea :)

[@jackt6112]

We use it on inside garage walls and then use satin oil-based floor urethane on them so they stay nice looking. The only problem is the mill stamp on the nice side, but some like that look for a garage, along with diamond plate outlet and switch covers. We we ensure the mill stamp is right-side up on every panel. OSB walls add incredible strength to the walls and is not damaged by water, unless you mean under water. For a roof you need to leave 1/8th" between panels as they can be wet for long periods of time. Inside you don't need to do that. If you screw them in, the owner can remove and replace panels if necessary, and due to the wall pattern, it is almost impossible to notice old nail and screw holes when they move things around. Another advantage is you can mount almost everything anywhere without having to locate a stud, use special mounting systems or pegboard. We tend to do the walls first, then the front and back because the front and back are most at risk for damage and thus no other panels need to be removed to replace them. We also make the panel around the electrical easy to remove and replace in the even the owner wants to add circuits later. It would be nice if we could find OSB without the mill stamp.

[@ag-om6nr]

Brilliant young lady ! Always worth listening to her lectures !

[@4486xxdawson]

Thank you for your professional look at the 2 products . I never thought about the off gasses as something to think about 👍 this was a very educational look at things thank you ....

[@MS-tm2gp]

Very impressive! I’ve watched several videos on this subject, including very experienced Builders. Yours by far was the overall best!

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Thank You (again) Belinda. I learn so much about building materials from you!

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you!

[@drpk6514]

Use rice and wheat husk and sugarcane wastes for making OSB. Then you will have something decent both environmentally and economically.

[@garyevans718]

As a framing and structural repair contractor I've had lot's of discussions with people about plywood vs OSB, sometimes even arguments. My opinion is the only place plywood has an advantage over osb when building a home is for exterior decking, you must use it under vinyl flooring for instance. Few people pay attention to what Belinda said about osb having 2X the shear strength of plywood, when sheeting walls this is very important. I've used 7/16" osb for sheeting walls for many years, it is structurally far superior to plywood sheathing. Also, using a high grade 3/4" osb t&g for the subfloor gives you the best floor performance, better than 3/4" t&g plywood. Those are the facts. On a side note, the only time I had to replace floor sheeting was when some fir plywood delaminated from being wet too long.

[@OldSkullSoldier]

To comment on some errors: Plywood can have layers

[@aaronbono4688]

I really like these videos because it not only educates you on the materials but it gives you some contrast which emphasizes the qualities and helps understand the goods and bads of those qualities. Thanks so much

[@litrealred6840]

Thanks! I always wonder the difference! 💕🙏🏻

[@alanpickering8421]

Thanks for this video. i showed it to my woodworking class after showing them a couple of short videos on wood production. Yours was by far the most comprehensive ,easy to follow and informative. Great job.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you!

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@BelindaCarr is you were forced to choose between the 2, which would you go with?

[@walterpleyer261]

Plywood was also used for aircrafts, like the De Havilland Mosquito, aka "The wooden wonder",. For the Mosquito the layers of plywood were pressed and glued together in curved shapes which gave the plane remarkable strength (and made it harder to pick up on radar as a welcomed side effect)

[@collin4555]

These comparison videos always manage to reveal topics that I didn't know I was curious about, I quite enjoy them. I'm also glad you mentioned the off-gassing, I was wondering about that as soon as you mentioned how much resin/glue is involved.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks, Collin

[@RamonInNZ]

@@BelindaCarr What can be done to mitigate the VOCs off-gassing causes health issues

[@cletusvandam2110]

I love the way you explain these products i can't get enough of you

[@MoPoppins]

You’re an amazing teacher, Belinda! The way you curate your info is brilliant…very well-paced & unwaveringly interesting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jameshutchins3396]

All of your videos are excellent. Maybe because you do enjoy making them which does come across quite well.

[@VagabondTE]

I'm glad you like making them because these are fantastic. This is genuinely useful information and I sound much smarter than I am when my roommate walks in and hears you reading chemical names. One thing I wonder about tho is how much the resins and glues that go into these products break down. Sure, everybody talks about plastic bags and drinking straws but then we go home to a house that's full of glue and resin. Maybe these things break down just fine but I have no idea and I worry we're getting distracted by small-scale user products.

[@TrogdorBurnin8or]

One of the advantages of OSB panels is in the size you can attain, since you aren't tied to the dimensions of a tree even a little bit. Using the same panel of sheathing reduces the weak points between panels. If we could acquire full-size 'jumbo' OSB panels, like the 8x24ft ones they sell for SIPS (but usually cut up into six pieces for retail as 4x8), or even a little bit wider (10x40 could fit on a routinely licensed wide load truck), we could build a wall as an integral piece, with what they call "Portal Framing", for increased strength and potentially without using headers. You'd just need to employ a crane, like is common in some other countries, for assembly. On a more routine matter: There are plenty of people in hurricane country who sheath their houses vertically with extra long (10ft, 12ft) panels so that the sheathing rolls right over the band joist or raised-heel trusses.

[@renardjackson92]

Like information getting a better understanding of the difference in these because I really wanted to know which one would be good to use out side that wouldn’t rot from rain

[@charlesstratford1612]

You have done your homework. Would like to add how amazing you are and in doing what you do

[@mr_seth]

I love your look at these products. You present a very objective perspective.

[@NautilusGuitars]

Amazing video, as always! You've really carved your own niche here and I'm loving it. Always super informative and concise. To add a bit to the discussion: I used to hate OSB because of how weather sensitive it was. I remember when the smallest bit of moisture would destroy it. But I've noticed a massive improvement over the past 10 years. I was amazed last year that a few off cuts I left outside for almost a year, through rain and snow, had stayed perfectly intact and was still useable. It's definitely improving a lot over time.

[@flamencoprof]

FYI, here in New Zealand, what you call "OSB", is known as "particle board". I had a house built in 1975 with flooring of large sheets of it. It was built in a yard and trucked to the site. While in the yard the flooring was open to the elements for at least a couple of weeks. The wood particles swelled a bit, it was pretty rough when I took possession. I had to sand it heavily before coating it with polyurethane, which served as my floor for years until I could afford carpet. There is no way I would ever let water anywhere near that stuff. Whereas I had a glass panelled back door I thought was a security risk, too easy to kick in, so I covered it over with 17mm Marine Ply with some beading to cover the edges. Try kicking that in, LOL. Has been fine for maybe 45 years. TLDR, materials have their place in particular applications, none are "better" than others.

[@janderson8401]

Here in the US particle board is a different product from OSB. It looks a bit similar but does not have anywhere near the strength of OSB. I HAVEN’t actually seen any of it since the 1990s so it might have been phased out of production.

[@hunvelodrom]

Great timing, im planning to replace the floor in the kitchen and was hesitating what to use, i decided osb with vinyl top. Now i dont know what to use anymore. Thanks :P

[@therealzilch]

Another wonderfully informative report. I would just like to add to your explanation of why prices are so high for plywood: the changing climate, with all its influences, financial and otherwise, on many aspects of our life. cheers from cold Vienna, Scott

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

What an interesting video, I didn't know that the ply sheets were peeled of the log in such a manner, nor did I know how OSB was constructed. I wondered what the 'oriental' part of the name referred to, now I know. Not sure if you get chipboard across the pond as you didn't discuss this, but would like to see a video on that. 👍

[@BelindaCarr]

Yes, working on that video!

[@joshpit2003]

The O stands for "Oriented". As in: positioned.

[@robertwoodroffe123]

Limey

[@MarinCipollina]

@@robertwoodroffe123 Blimey !

[@Latinys]

thanks you Belinda, im Nicolás from Argentina!

[@russellswift2218]

For someoine in the trade across in the UK, I'm loving this video Belinda

[@TheRealBrook1968]

My house is one of the last sheathed in plywood and I am glad.

[@patrickfordyce2958]

You sure do your home work on how things are made that’s for sure !! I personally like plywood better because screw heads don’t come thru as easily as osb .

[@SgtMow]

This is a very informative and comprehensive video. Thank you for making this.

[@ohasis8331]

Nicely done, one of the better and more informative "difference" videos I've seen.

[@saltyroe3179]

Marine plywood is my favorite as it withstands wetting

[@RodRock6133]

lovely explanation of basic construction materials

[@martinschulz9381]

The many problems that they initially had with OSB, they also had many problems with plywood when it first came out. Plywood originally replaced tongue and groove because it was much faster and easier to build with. My dad use to tell me that many contractors and people didn't use it or trust it when it came into use.

[@BeYourOwnDoctor]

Belinda.....I have learnt so much from this video. Excellent and well informed channel

[@sterneis1]

OSB is forbidden in Switzerland for outer underlay ( roof, outside walls) we use wood boarding 2.5 cm for roof substructure. we have ventilated roof structure. wood boarding can take dry out when it gets moisture.

[@alfredmolison7134]

I've always wanted to know how plywood is made and applied. Thank you!

[@pcno2832]

6:37 I've always heard that the area most vulnerable to water damage, of an OSB assembly is where the edges of the OSB panels are cut, so it stands to reason that sealing those edges would make the assembly's performance closer to that of plywood. Of course, when used on the exterior of a building, either should be covered in properly flashed house wrap and a suitable rain screen siding.

[@Krunch2020]

OSB manufacturers don’t allow sealing housewrap at the bottom. Do not use it in high performance homes.

[@jamesbeecher4431]

The glues of plywood and osb are dangerous in fire situations. in general, the flashpoint of wood is ~700-750°F while the glues tend to be ~60% of that. About 350-400°F for some of the glues. Some of them, in transit, need to be labeled as "FLAMMABLE" because of a flashpoint ≤100°F {per N.F.P.A. classifications} . Anecdotally: I have, on a number of occasions, seen OSB show no signs of fire spread on second and then be completely engulfed in flame a few seconds later. The temperatures had not started to char the wood but the panels started to off gas the glues and those gasses ignited. And, because of the greater surface area if the chips in the osb boards, the entire panned started to combust.

[@Mimi-Forever]

I really love these comparison videos! I'm very new to DIY-ing and I feel both this video and the laminate vs. vinyl video helped me understand these types of products a lot more.

[@NoName-ik2du]

I've always preferred plywood since it seems like any projects I have that require one of these materials are always in places where they may occasionally see some moisture. I had no idea the products could off-gas, so that's good info to know for the future.

[@Kooma4Yew1600]

I think of these as some if your best work!!

[@michaelneville2915]

Just subscribed, the pricing issue is ridiculous. One positive is the designers are thinking how to innovate more cost friendly. I hope.

[@maddeusdoggeus1]

Outstanding Videos and Content! Thank You.

[@laurashelton9340]

Thank you so much for doing these videos! I am looking to insulate & sheath up a storage shed, & your videos have influenced me to take a closer look at which products I will use.

[@alsonngambom09]

This video is very informative. please make videos on exterior wall cladding materials found in Indian market.

[@aberba]

The plywood by local producers in Ghana have their glue mixed with floor to cut cost hence they develop moulds/fungi when moist for a while (sometime overnight). They are terrible. They use extremely cheap wood for outside layers too.

[@tomburns7544]

Niiiice! Thank you for this detailed information! I've been looking into plywood and OSB for wood-turning but need to know more before I actually started and you video helped a lot. 👍

[@4trees356]

Thank you so much for these comparison videos. It helps me with mindful building.

[@sk.sourov]

Thank you for your excellent demonstration. I've seen OSBs before but never knew it was called OSB.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

Well, they don't want to call it reclaimed splinters.

[@ChristianMartinez-jl5rr]

wow, just discovered this channel, now im a fan

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

This was FASCINATING!!! You really know your stuff but totally lost me when you mentioned all those chemicals and glues used hehe. Great content for me to learn from. You got a new subber. All the best from the UK : ]

[@JigneshChowatia]

We make from equalptus agroforestry logs & it’s very very strong with 750 density

[@WayoftheStag]

Hi Belinda. Id like to say thank you for the great work you are doing on these videos. I am currently researching materials for a modern post/beam build and your content has been of great help. Good luck to your work from Ireland!

[@OnHoldAt50]

I keep finding myself watching your videos to the end. What the heck - subscribed. Very very informative videos for news we can use. Thanks Belinda! Best wishes.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Thanks for this interesting video! When I had my roof redone last year, they were asking $100/sheet for plywood. Luckily I didn't need any.

[@jimurrata6785]

That $100 includes removing the old and installing the new?

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

@@jimurrata6785 It did.

[@jimurrata6785]

@@herculesrockefeller8969 Then that seems very reasonable from my perspective. 🤷 1/2" CDX was well over $50 at the height of this market stupidity last summer

[@Krupster_architect]

Belinda: Just crossed paths with your fantastic videos. I'm certain you've been asked a gajilliion times, but do you or have you considered making videos that qualify for CEU's? Honestly, your vids are FAR FAR better than any others I've watched. I actually WANT to watch them vs. feeling FORCED to do so. Please let us know if you have anything out there for CEU's? Thanks so much, Christopher Alan Krupp, ncarb, architect.

[@ivanobar1]

Thank you for your videos. They are a class above all others. I bought OSB for flooring; to raise existing subfloor/place atop the existing subfloor. It off-gases formaldehyde. The manufacturer recommended laying it on the a few days to remove most of the odor, and then paint it with acrylic-latex paint. I’m also adding a paper underlayment and then placing good quality vinyl laminate floor on top. Considering your experience and knowledge, will most of the off-gassing be addressed by my the actions I listed above? Thank you for any knowledge or suggestions you may have.

[@milanmedek3555]

great and informative as usual. Keep on comparing.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks, Milan!

[@ObiwanNekody]

Thank you for making this video, and videos like it. You answer questions I have had difficulty sifting through marketing information to try to find.

[@k4x4map46]

Nice presentation!!

[@jjohnson479]

Excellent video! You are amazing with your knowledge. Keep it up, I love watching your videos.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you!

[@statyoutube]

The video you made was great, I was wondering if pine needles or other plant materials could be used to make wood like OSB, if so would you be able to make a video on how to glue, bind, and treat them for a strong and longlasting material.

[@skimask5049]

those clayton homes are built with OSB in a closed factory its pretty nice i admit... if osb is sealed good i see zero problems

[@giovannip.1433]

Formaldehyde was classed as a Class C carcinogen 30+ years ago. Unsealed chip board floors in cheap housing - and the off gassing of volatile organics have resulted in many health issues. Finding a glue which 'off gasses' water vapour or some other non toxic gas would be more beneficial...

[@SteveWhiteEEAMPS]

Excellent Video. I really enjoy your approach and thoroughness.

[@isdecor]

Belinda-great! so informative....really happy to have found your channel!

[@EmmaGoodwinGeek]

I just found your channel. Subscribed and will start watching more. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@Kyle-gq7tk]

I would love to see you do furniture build videos!

[@scottt.4596]

So so good. Love these comparison videos. Incredibly educational. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks, Scott!

[@moxiesir1]

To just add my 2 cents, when driving a nail through OSB as in vinyl siding, the back side can have "blow out and not hold to the nail" as plywood has a better grip. We see more siding ripped off houses with OSB than with Plywood with moderate winds of 60-80 MPH. NY State

[@francisexperience]

Very well informed presenter exceptional!

[@genoangelica1354]

Really enjoy the videos also very informative

[@RogierYou]

Awesome content 👍

[@hipporage18]

I love these videos. Thank you for these fantastic deep dive comparisons

[@billb3565]

you are always so informative thank you.

[@eaglebend3131]

We bought a house built mid-90s in Oregon with Louisiana Pacific OSB siding. There were issues with swelling at the base of the panels. I hired a siding inspector and she told me the builders neglected to install a zinc strip between the concrete footing and the siding. That resulted in the LP siding wicking up damaging moisture from the concrete. She also mentioned another OSB problem that I would like to ask if you know whether it's true or not: Do OSB strands sometime get "folded" in the manufacture, and get embedded into the product like springs always trying to "unfold" open, which is exacerbated when exposed to moisture?

[@austinryan6466]

One interesting aspect of the OSB vs Plywood debate is PERM rating of either of the products. This may be important especially in sidewall or roof sheathing applications.

[@RebbyG]

Thank you for this! I was looking at plywood to build some shelves for my home and I actually have the purebond maple plywood bookmarked! Appreciate the insights and learned a bunch!

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks, Rebecca!

[@SurmaSampo]

Something to remember with plywood is that it is flexible and will bow under its own weight without structural support. Laminated chipboard is much stiffer but it isn't as pretty and will break rather than bending. I have built a lot of home projects out of plywood and it works very well within its limitations and can be very attractive.