OSB vs Plywood
OSB is cheaper and more uniform; plywood is stiffer, lighter, holds screws better and recovers better from getting wet. For roof and wall sheathing that will be covered, the two are interchangeable when they carry the same span rating. For subfloors, shelving and anything you will see or screw into, plywood is the better board. For roofing under shingles, either works at the right thickness.
OSB vs plywood at a glance
| Compared | OSB | Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Wood strands in crossed layers, with wax and resin | Thin veneers glued with crossed grain |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Stiffness | Good | Better, especially along the face grain |
| Screw and nail holding | Good in the face, weak at edges | Good in face and edges |
| Water | Absorbs slowly, edges swell permanently | Absorbs faster, swells less, dries back |
| Weight (23/32 in, 4 × 8) | About 70–80 lb (32–36 kg) | About 60–70 lb (27–32 kg) |
| Consistency | Uniform, no voids or knots | Knots, patches and core voids possible |
| Faces | Textured strands | Wood veneer, paintable or finishable |
Subfloors
Most new floors use tongue-and-groove panels, 23/32 in thick, rated for floors. Plywood holds screws better and dries back flatter if it is rained on before the house is closed; OSB is cheaper and stiff enough at the rated spans. Under tile or with long joist spans, many builders prefer plywood or a thicker panel.
Roof and wall sheathing
Here OSB is the most common choice in North America, because it is cheaper and meets the same span ratings. Leave a 1/8 in (3 mm) gap between panels, put the stamped face toward the framing for OSB as marked, and cover it quickly. Plywood is still used where it will see more moisture or must hold fasteners near the edges.
Shelving, workbenches and furniture
For garage shelves and shop fixtures, 3/4 in OSB is a cheap, stiff panel, but its edges crumble and screws in them pull out. Plywood holds screws in its edges, has a smooth face to paint and is lighter to handle, so it is the better choice for furniture, cabinets and any shelf you screw through its edge. Compare the shelf spans with our shelf sag calculator.
For the full comparison with MDF and particle board, see MDF vs plywood and particle board vs plywood.
Frequently asked questions
Is OSB as strong as plywood?
For sheathing, OSB and plywood with the same span rating carry the same loads. Plywood is stiffer, holds screws better and copes better with water, so it is the stronger choice for floors and furniture.
Which is cheaper, OSB or plywood?
OSB, usually by a noticeable margin for sheathing panels of the same thickness and rating.
Is OSB or plywood better for a subfloor?
Both are used. Tongue-and-groove plywood recovers better if it gets wet during construction and holds screws better; tongue-and-groove OSB is cheaper and very uniform.
Can OSB get wet?
Briefly. OSB takes up water slowly but its edges swell, and the swelling does not go back down. Plywood swells less and dries back closer to its original thickness.
Can I use OSB for furniture or shelves?
For shop shelving and rustic projects, yes. For furniture, plywood is better: it is stiffer, lighter, holds screws in its edges and has a finishable face.