OSB vs. Plywood 3/4 T&G for Floor Deck?
doitall
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Besides being about $5.00 less in cost per 4×8 sheet, is there any advantage/disadvantage of OSB vs. plywood.
For an attic floor remodel in an old home. I’ve always used plywood for floor decks in the past but thought I’d use OSB if there is no downside.
Also, do you have to leave a 1/8″ gap at the ends of an OSB sheet like you have to with plywood, or is OSB more dimensionally stable?
Pros/Cons?
Thanks for the help!
DIA
Replies
OSB (Advantec) with T&G works. I have a whole house full of it.
advantech,can't beat it. strong,flat,holds together with water on it.not that you care on a attic conversion. larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
One huge disadvantage with OSB (not advantech) is that when it gets wet and swells, it will not return to thickness when it dries. Plywood will return very slightly thicker than original if it get wet. Bottom line is OSB does not handle water well at all.
Also, some people do not like cutting or handling osb vs. plywood, because of the chip construction.
Supposedly, OSB has less weak spots due to voids or knots in the plies. I don't find any downside to OSB, especially in an attic conversion. If you've got a bathroom planned, I'd use advantech in that area, so that you won't have to worry about moisture swelling.
I always leave the 1/8" gap.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"