Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Aug 10, 2005 08:58am | #1

   Stronger under what kind of load?

2. 
   BossHog | Aug 10, 2005 04:02pm | #2

   Try searching the archives on OSB. You'll find about 50 heated debates on the subject that should keep you entertained for a long time.

   BTW - There is no simple "one is stronger than the other" answer. Different manufacturers make their products differently, so not all plywood or OSB is exactly the same.

   I have not yet begun to procrastinate.
3. 
   jjwalters | Aug 11, 2005 12:15am | #3

   in the old days plywood ruled, but today I'd use osb.....something I don't like doing but.......I put 5/8 on my roof

    

   "Strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold"

4. 
   4Lorn1 | Aug 11, 2005 12:28am | #4

   Depends on what you mean by "Stronger".

   In my experience structural, exterior-grade plywood is stiffer and less prone to water damage. Some say the advantage on this point has shifted to the better formulations of OSB.

   The heads of nails and screws don't seem pull through plywood of any decent grade and nails or screws shot into plywood hold better. With OSB this was an issue. But again one which seems to have been improved by the manufacturers.Stil think Ply has the advantage in this.

   Plywood is also more rugged. You can beat a hole in 1/2" OSB with a claw hammer in a few strokes. Plywood takes more time and effort. Something to think about with wind blown debris coming at your house at 120 mph.

   Of course on a "strength" per dollar basis OSB is "Stronger". Also it is a question of how strong does it need to be. You could build a house out planks of carbide faced nitrogen-foamed titanium, or other blindingly expensive exotic materials, and have a "stronger" house.

   Everything is a tradeoff. Builders like OSB because it is strong enough and it is cheaper. Forestry folks like OSB because it can be made of wood products that would otherwise go to waste.

   I understand, from a few courses and talking to engineers, that 16"OC 2by4 studs make walls that are massively overbuilt on a structural basis. Of course while the walls are overbuilt the connections between major parts and vital pieces that determine survival of the structure in high winds, like windows and garage doors, are a joke. Something that has only started being addressed in the last twenty years.

   You want strong you could build a reinforced concrete bunker. Strength is a broad brush. Question is what are the site conditions. What defines acceptable performance, longevity and cost. I'm no fan of OSB but it has been around for a long time now and ,discounting some early poor formulations, most of the houses built with it are still standing. At some level this speaks to it being "strong" enough.

1. 
   Pierre1 | Aug 11, 2005 07:35am | #7

   Insightful post there 4Lorn1.

5. 
   Tim | Aug 11, 2005 12:35am | #5

   OSB definitely, because it comes with its own TLA (three letter acronym).

6. 
   CAGIV | Aug 11, 2005 03:35am | #6

   There was a good article in either FHB or JLC a few months or more back.

   I can't remember the specifics, but each is "stronger" in different ways.