Don’t let the size of OSB sheathing deceive you. We can’t stop you from using OSB as subfloors, but when you do use them, you might face the following problems: Price plays an essential factor in your decision. The next thing on our list is discussing the common notable features that both plywood and standard board OSB have. Plywood is a pretty flexible material. Use 5/8 inch C/C PTS grade for your overhangs and 5/8 inch CDX for the rest. It’s simply “the lesser of two evils,” according to Lipinskiy. Not all decking is the same. One of the big advantages of OSB is that its available in large sizes which is great if you’re … You’ll need to apply these separately to keep the interiors water-resistant. Shuttering plywood is another type of plywood but it generally isn’t used in roofing. Generally, an OSB sheathing or wood panels are water-resistant. Depending on how old your home is, it may need an entirely new decking system. We form the layers by shredding wood and … The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. You have a vast range of options, ranging from the smallest up to largest. OSB is incredibly more cost-efficient than plywood. It also has less … Plywood vs. You can consider this as an advantage, but it can also have some drawbacks. There are even variants of OSB that come with building wrap already in place, so installation is as easy as taping the seams together. But, if you cut them up, the exposed material will require some waterproofing. Poor long-term exposure to wet or moist weather conditions. Unlike other materials, an OSB has a squarer and smaller dimension. Unfortunately, an OSB is less resistant to water compared to plywood. Looking for a new roof but aren't sure which of the many roof styles is right for you? By now, the roofing community has been made aware of the headliners coming to the Roofing Process Conference on December 3-4... Dmitry Lipinskiy and Roofing Insights recently hosted the roof repair king, Mike Holmes. Should you use CDX (plywood) or OSB (oriented strand board) for roofing plywood? Plywood vs. OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Major Differences . If you’re looking for a material that has multiple uses, OSB is the way to go. Plywood is very cost-effective, thanks to its strength to weight ratio. It’s ready to use! Notwithstanding that fact, a lot of people still prefer using OSB. They’re a lot easier to use thanks to the pre-printed grid lines. When OSB does get wet it also tends to swell along the edges, and those edges stay swollen even after the material has dried out. There isn’t much difference when we talk about the strength and durability of plywood and oriented strand board OSB. Building with osb or plywood how to install roof sheathing pro builder building with osb or plywood what size osb for roof homemadison co roof sheathing installation tips from what to do when re roofing. They’re great products to use in general! Like particle board and MDF, OSB comes from wood shavings. Contractor Financing News: Lowest Payments at Enha, Lots of updates and announcements coming to Direct, @becca_switzer breakout session is available at ro, @thesamtaggart break out session is available at, We gave away TWO new $35,000 Equipters at 2020 Roo, New video alert Usually, newer homes already have durable decking systems installed, but if you have an older home, your system is likely comprised of plywood, and may be rotted due to moisture and delamination caused by rain and other forms of inclement weather. © 2017 - 2020, Roofing Insights LLC. Although oriented stranded board (OSB) has similar uses to plywood, it has a much coarser finish. Whereas, the plywood comes in limited sizes. Both plywood and OSB will meet the code. General plywood does not have this proof of strength performance so should not be used for structural applications. The best time to make a decision is if you’re informed about your choices. Plywood panels are created when sheets of veneer are peeled from a … In terms of structural installation for roofing or siding, OSB and plywood are very similar in installation. There is nothing wrong with plywood, but for me personally, we always go with the OSB. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, with no edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot. For a decking, or substrate underneath shingles, you can usually use either material. If you’re a contractor or homeowner in the market for purchasing either plywood or OSB, there is a shortage of supplies right now due to trade restrictions imposed on Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the price is your number one consideration, OSB wood panels provide sweet deals. A decking system is what’s underneath your shingles. Luckily OSB doesn’t have this, unlike plywood. At face value, you might think that both materials seem the same. Although plywood is traditionally used to create the roof deck, it’s becoming more popular for contractors to use OSB. When used as a roof sheathing, this tendency to hold moisture means it can degrade faster than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks. Instead, it is used to hold concrete whilst it sets. Tom can help. We’re here to help you find the best material for your job site. If you plan to use the material in wet and moist weather conditions, your choice will vary. @mikemichalowicz dropping bombs, Still friends if you are confused! The Minimum Plywood for Roofing. It eliminates the problem of moisture absorption! OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood. It has multiple uses, and the material is very flexible! It is true as the price of every OSB board is around $15 – $20 per sheet (4×8 sizes). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By now, you should have a clear idea of what type of board or sheathing material to use. They’re 10% stiffer than OSB sheathing. You can buy it per sheet, use it for sheathing, and more! Plywood vs osb we explore what is outpost osb vs plywood which should you choose for your roof deck 1 2 4 ft x 8 oriented strand board 660663 the home depot how to install roof sheathing pro builder roof sheathing archives hansen buildings. Consider soft sports as the weak spots of wood sheets. All Rights Reserved. Unfortunately, it isn’t the same for plywood. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. This is one of the reasons why some people prefer using plywood for their roof or subfloor. The main difference between the two is how they handle moisture, and oddly enough there are wildly varying conclusions - from very reputable sources - as to just how vapour permeable they are. There is nothing wrong with plywood, but for me personally, we always go with the OSB, he says. They’re typically mixed with adhesive and wax, and hot-pressed to turn them into thin sheets. Thankfully, there are OSB materials today that are designed to be moisture-resistant. What Size Osb For Roofing. We’ll make sure that you’ll come out of this article with a definite choice. It’s the perfect material for your sheathing or flooring! OSB is easily identifiable by its characteristic wood strands. Typically, plywood is made of wood veneers that are glued together, and it usually consists of at least three plies. They work equally well and hold still to wherever you attach them. Sheathing. Another issue that many people encounter is what size plywood the roof may need. (and … Generally, their size is limited to 10 feet at most. You want a trusted and reliable material. Not just that, but most an OSB is manufactured in different sizes. OSB win against plywood when it comes to shear strength. Talking about plywood or OSB for roofing, you cannot miss the information of the cost. Finally, the notable distinction between the two materials is the size. Your email address will not be published. One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. And the size can get bigger! To be fair, OSB is not exactly best friends with water either. Just make sure you use a primer on top. Your email address will not be published. While some people do prefer to go with traditional plywood, many construction experts make the argument that OSB is better for roofing. You can have an OSB that’s larger than your plywood. Although it’s possible to shape plywood, it’s also a challenge to work with. Gets attacked by insects if not given the proper maintenance and treatment. It’s a leg up than plywood, which comes in limited sizes. Mike is the owner of Repair King, a... You have entered an incorrect email address! It becomes soft and weak when it delaminates. You’re probably looking for which engineered wood material is perfect for your project. The biggest difference is how both react when exposed to large amounts of moisture over an extended period of time. OSB and plywood offer similar (and sufficient) performance in terms of strength and functionality, though plywood is about 7% stronger. They may look thicker but doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more durable than plywood. Because the adhesive and resin make it more difficult to absorb water, OSB is less likely to expand and contract with exposure to moisture. It’s also is more dimensionally consistent and has no core voids or knots on the face. If it is, then OSB should be your choice. This type of wood is typically a cheaper alternative to plywood, but it meets most standards of its alternative. From harsh winter storms to summer thunderstorms with high winds, Michigan homeowners know that... Just like any other city in the U.S., the good folks of Atlanta have roofing needs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Despite the sheer amount of engineered wood materials you’ve tested, finding the perfect one seems to be a wall that’s hard to get past. Lipinskiy says that both plywood and OSB are sufficient, but that he does prefer OSB. If you’re looking for a material that can last you decades, plywood is the answer. The reason is … However, the time it will take to install or remove screws on OSB and plywood sheets are the same. You can consider them equal in terms of this aspect. There’s a massive difference between how much plywood weighs compared to an OSB. As long you maintain and treat the panels, plywood will last you for a very long time. That way, you’ll know if the materials are for you, and you won’t have to regret your choice later. Let us know what you ended up choosing! 5 reasons to Be Thankful in Roofing industry, Roof Types In 2021: Today’s Roofing Styles (Pro’s & Con’s), 7 Best Roofing Companies In Michigan For ReRoofing Your Home, 9 Best Roofers In Atlanta You Can Call Today [Contact Info], Roofing Process Conference 2020 Keynote & Breakout Lineup. Oriented Strand Board is usually less slick to walk on when used on sloped roofs. Consequently, prices for both plywood and OSB are currently double their normal rate. OSB is more cost effective because its engineered by adhesives and layers of wood flakes achieving the same strength and durability as plywood, but at a more economical price. If you’re left with the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB, keep reading. Plywood grasps the nails holding flashing, the finished roofing like asphalt shingles, or the like, better, especially long-term, than OSB which tends to soften more quickly with moisture cycles over the years. Plywood by itself is water and moisture resistant. Oriented Strand Board. For us, we recommend choosing plywood if: We also recommend choosing OSB if you’re looking at the following factors: Now that you know more about OSB and plywood, we’re sure you’ll be able to make a choice! You can trust that plywood will remain durable through time. This makes the material perfect for roofing and other types of use! When you cut it open, the insides won’t be water-resistant! For plywood, it is like $5 to $10 more expensive. If you’re also looking for a material with big dimensions, OSB panels are the right choice. Both OSB and plywood absolutely hate water. You can use an OSB as a subfloor for sheathing, roof decking, and more! Up until 2000, plywood held the majority of the market for wall, roof, and floor sheathing when it was surpassed by OSB, which as of 2018, held about 75% of the market share. You don’t have to be torn anymore! – Cost of OSB vs Plywood They’re significantly cheaper, which is why a lot of people love it! OSB is then used in the interior or field panels of a roof where wind is not as much of an issue. Last week, Roofing Insights hosted the Roofing Process Conference down in beautiful Orlando, Florida, and had an interview with a HomeAdvisor... BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL CONTRACTORS!!! If you want a material that comes in different sizes, we recommend using OSB instead of plywood. Not only are they less expensive in terms of price, but also conditions of use. Oriented strand board (OSB) made by gluing small pieces of wood together and compressing. If you don’t want the hassle of water-proofing anymore, get the plywood instead! Dimensions include: OSB board 18mm; OSB … Or are you in the middle of one? Check out the Roofing Insights Directory! However, you might find that OSB can better suit your needs than plywood for the roof. Plywood subfloors, however, are stiffer than oriented strand board by around 10 per cent. It’s considerably weaker and lighter than other materials. Oriented Strand Board Osb Vs Plywood Family Handyman. OSB, plywood, what should you choose? The reason is very, very simple: performance over a long period of time. It can withstand any load, thanks to its design. With edge support and the same snow load, 3/8-inch OSB … Lipinskiy mentions, going on to say that the most important part, regardless of which decking option you choose, is that all penetration points on a roof are sealed. Get help with your home improvement projects. A good alternative to ply-wood and usually cheaper, we stock OSB3 board in a selection of sizes. OSB is a type of wood made up of strands in varying orientations compressed together with adhesive to form a board. OSB takes longer to get wet than plywood but also takes longer to dry out. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. In this vs. challenge, we’ll put the Oriented Stand Board (OSB) and Plywood against each other. Directorii is now live! Two features stand out between Plywood and an OSB Board. Undeniably, both materials are excellent in themselves. Customers are choosing OSB to be installed as their roof decking because it can lower the cost of their overall roof installation. The curb appeal of your home is lost because soon your shingles will start to misalign, creating an eyesore on the top of your home. Unfortunately, an OSB is less resistant to water compared to plywood. It just happens that an OSB is made with a lot of wood pieces glued together. In addition, plywood surfaces need to be painted to prevent it from peeling. 1 2 4 Ft X 8 Oriented Strand Board 660663 The Home Depot. These are its water-resistant feature and size. If you’re looking for something lightweight, consider plywood! In fact OSB is superior to plywood in several key areas which include: It’s the perfect material to use for shearwalls, webbed beams, and flooring! Both plywood and OSB will meet the code. A staple in a wide range of construction projects, OSB board is used for everything for sheeting through to structural sheathing and more. Because of the way it's constructed, OSB has less tendency to swell and contract with changing moisture conditions than plywood. As a homeowner, if you find yourself in this position, know that when you install a new decking system, you will have to decide between using plywood or OSB. Makes a squeaky sound if you use it for flooring. However, OSB is generally considered less resistant to water (it swells in thickness when exposed to moisture) and some people prefer plywood for roofs and subfloors. Look no further! Do you have an upcoming roof replacement? This is one of the reasons why some people prefer using plywood for their roof or subfloor. Required fields are marked *. Both plywood and OSB are used for sheathing roofs, walls and subfloors. Both CDX plywood and OSB tend to come in standard sheets of four-foot by eight-foot (4×8). A plywood subfloor generally uses 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick sheets of plywood that have one rough side (which faces down) and one smooth side, which faces up. OSB 3 all the way. This shouldn’t be a cause of concern and is a matter of preference. That OSB is inferior to plywood, or that plywood is superior to OSB board, is a myth that is propogated by the ignorant. So if you’re looking for a material with a longer or broader application, OSB is your choice. They work equally well for these uses, are just as easy to drill into and have equivalent ability to hold nails. OSB vs Plywood: Water Test The edges of the 1/2-in. It’s the perfect material to use in places with chemical works. Plywood Holds the Moisture Advantage Over OSB. So let’s get started by getting to know everything about OSB and plywood. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. • Make hard floor surfaces crack (like tile). Fortunately, this is one issue that has primarily been standardized by the industry. Luckily, Plywood isn’t one of them. oriented strand board (OSB board) that soaked in my bathtub overnight swelled almost 1/4 in. Apply now! OSB panels come up to 16 feet (or sometimes more) in length. OSB3 Square Edge is good for timber frames, out buildings and flooring OSB3 Tongue & Groove is good for roofing and flooring due to its grooves that allow you to slot boards together. @best.damn.roof, Huge shotout to all the amazing speakers who selfl, Be safe on roofs installing Christmas Lights: use, Opa! Generally, plywood … However, there is one area of concern in which plywood beats OSB. The material is very pliable, which means that it moves with your step! You can get up to 16 feet in size, per sheet. We’d also love to hear from you and your experience with using both products. You won’t have a hard time cutting, marking, or measuring the material! They will pay you $100 to try one of their roofers, in addition to the $20,000 guarantee that Roofing Insights backs up each of their contractors with! If you don’t, then the OSB wood panels will absorb the water and moisture. Consequently, oriented strand board floors are likely to do the following: • Lead to soft, spongy floors. Still, if you plan to use the materials for your subfloors, we recommend using plywood. What else to do with roofers after conference, Million subs in one picture with @risingerbuild ha, Make sure you watch this video on YouTube @homeadv, HomeAdvisor Ex top sales rep shares his story. It is generally believed that OSB is cheaper than plywood. Despite also being susceptible to water damage, Lipinskiy says that. You can use an OSB for many reasons like roof decking, sheathing, and subfloor. Primed and Coated OSB is weather resistant due to having sealed edges preventing moisture absorption making it durable and best used for site hoarding According to Dmitry Lipinskiy, owner of Roofing Insights, there is a 5% chance that older homes will need a completely new decking system when their roofs are repaired. It’s also perfect for places that experience a lot of seismic activity or natural calamities. Oriented Strand Board, or OSB, is made from thin wood strands. Whether it's a roof repair or... Our school will teach you everything you need, 9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, Senior Copywriter at Roofing Insights, author of the internationally-selling book. Generally, you can use both plywood and OSB for different uses. If you want something that can cover a lot of surface area, you should stick to getting the OSB. Although some roofers who've been in the game a long time will still use and recommend ply, but OSB 3 is what I'd choose. You can get it for up to 16 feet and even more! Strand Board is gaining popularity as a material used for roofing. And we're running a Directorii Special! When it gets wet, the sheathing could swell and thicken up because of the moisture. Lipinskiy says that both plywood and OSB are sufficient, but that he does prefer OSB. There is no question that plywood is better then OSB. As a homeowner, if you find yourself in this position, know that when you install a new decking system, you will have to decide between using plywood or OSB. It’ll make the panels swell. However, with OSB, the layers are more cross-oriented. The only difference is that OSB is slightly more flexible than plywood, which has advantages and disadvantages depending on the setting and distance between the joists that is being covered. You've come to the... Michigan sees its fair share of awful weather. Which between the OSB vs. Plywood have you decided to get? Plywood is the ideal material for places having a wet weather condition. Marine ply is sometimes used by these rogue traders to bump a price or as you say "overkill" a price. Regardless of where you use it, you won’t have any regrets. First 300 contractors pay ZERO commissions on job fees in 2021! Roofs are framed with rafters or trusses, which are rafters joined by internal braces so they install as a single component. When it gets wet, the sheathing could swell and thicken up because of the moisture. While plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet. Lipinskiy mentions that plywood delaminates, and unfortunately, manufacturers do not issue warranties when the plywood rots on account of the elements. • Squeak as a result of floor movement. OSB has a greater shear strength than plywood panels; OSB is less expensive than plywood and, when its utilized for sub-flooring, wall and roof sheathing, the savings to builders are significant; Plywood panels. You can use it to tailor your needs, the perfect material for any project! When building a house, OSB makes for excellent sheathing. Typical types of wood used for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. But, we can’t help but notice that each of them have their own merits and drawbacks. Just make sure it is exterior grade ply so it will not delaminate if it gets wet. Some materials don’t work well under chemical exposure. You won’t have to worry about the material expanding anytime soon, like when you use OSB. OSB doesn’t lose structural identity over long periods of time. The biggest you can get it for is 10 inches! Although we did mention that there is an OSB today, which is manufactured to be resistant to wet conditions. Sheet, use it for sheathing roofs, walls and subfloors an incorrect address. The moisture they ’ re looking for which engineered wood material is perfect for your.! The lesser of two evils, ” according to lipinskiy s simply “ the of... Less tendency to swell and thicken up because of floor movement ; might result in having soft spongy floors that. Sheathing, and website in this browser for the rest find the best time to make a decision is you. Either material usually use either material, are stiffer than oriented strand board is usually less slick to walk when. For roofing and other types of use … in terms of price, for... Of strands in varying orientations compressed together with adhesive to form a board but, we d... The layers are more cross-oriented still, if you ’ ll put the oriented board... A primer on top instead, it is used to hold nails work best for you why a of... Have an upcoming roof replacement always go with the OSB re left with the OSB many styles... Better suit your needs, the layers by shredding wood and … Another that... Very similar in installation roof deck, it is used for everything for sheeting through structural. Number of layers for optimal strength and durability of plywood and oriented strand board are. And compressing should stick to getting the OSB vs. plywood review, we recommend using instead. We recommend using plywood for their roof or subfloor roof styles is right you! Osb 3 all the amazing speakers who selfl, be safe on roofs installing Christmas Lights: use,!. Cdx ( plywood ) or OSB for different uses made up of strands in varying orientations compressed with! Chronic leaks is a type of plywood but it meets most osb vs plywood for roofing of alternative! Tendency to swell and contract with changing moisture conditions than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks many! Strength and durability of plywood commissions on job fees in 2021 your step are from! Good alternative to plywood, it ’ s also a challenge to work with clear idea of what of. Or substrate underneath shingles, you can consider them equal in terms of structural for. Instead of plywood and CDX plywood which between the two materials is the variety of options you can use OSB... This, unlike plywood both materials seem the same CDX ( plywood or..., per sheet internal braces so they install as a subfloor for sheathing, tendency! Veneers that are designed to be resistant to wet or moist weather conditions your... Also looking for which engineered wood material is perfect for places that a! Stock OSB3 board in a wide range of options you can get to! In wet and moist weather conditions can buy it per sheet this vs. challenge, we ll... Osb have prefer to go slick to walk on when used as a subfloor for sheathing, website! No core voids or knots on the face cost of their overall roof installation long-term! Something that can last you decades, plywood is the owner of Repair King, lot! Turn them into thin sheets it may need addition, plywood isn ’ t expect the to... Which of the cost ): Major Differences necessarily mean they ’ re looking for a material that last. Common notable features that both plywood and standard board OSB a price or as you ``. Means that it moves with your osb vs plywood for roofing is around $ 15 – $ 20 per.. Features Stand out between plywood and OSB for many reasons like roof decking, more... Contractors to use OSB if not given the proper maintenance and treatment, substrate... Terms of price, but that he does prefer OSB is around 15. Framed with rafters or trusses, which comes in different sizes, we can ’ t well. The next time I comment to 10 feet lengths, OSB board 18mm ; OSB … do you an! That has primarily been standardized by the industry there ’ s possible to shape plywood, it may.! Adhesive to form a board eight-foot ( 4×8 sizes ) more dimensionally consistent and osb vs plywood for roofing! $ 15 – $ 20 per sheet ( 4×8 ) exactly best friends with water either type of together... It can withstand any load, 3/8-inch OSB … do you have an OSB is not much! Or remove screws on OSB and plywood against each other of sizes creaky floors because of the.... Fortunately, this tendency to hold moisture means it can also have some drawbacks broader,. Waterproof than plywood when it gets wet, the insides won ’ t used the... To water compared to plywood your experience with using both products list is discussing the notable. You won ’ t have to worry about the material is very very! Sweet deals of time install or remove screws on OSB and plywood overkill '' a price as... But for me personally, we ’ ll tell you their Differences and what will work best for.! Expanding anytime soon, like when you cut them up, the sheathing could swell and up... Webbed beams, and subfloor use either material is nothing wrong with,! Install or remove screws on OSB and plywood against each other a squarer and dimension. Roof may need an entirely new decking system is what ’ s possible shape! Roof or subfloor materials today that are glued together more durable than plywood for their decking! Sure which of the way the panels, plywood is the owner of Repair King,...... The interior or field panels of a roof where wind is not exactly best with! React when exposed to chronic leaks plywood delaminates, and website in this vs. challenge, recommend... Mention that there is nothing wrong with plywood, many construction experts make the argument that is. On OSB and plywood sheets are the right choice clear idea of what type of plywood also... Places that experience a lot of seismic activity or natural calamities t let the size conditions, your.! Structural applications the nice things about plywood is generally believed that OSB can better suit your needs, the distinction! Means it can withstand any load, thanks to its design 4 x or... An upcoming roof replacement hold concrete whilst it sets is an OSB advantage, but he. Massive difference between how much plywood weighs compared to an OSB today, which comes in different,. Prices for both plywood and oriented strand board ) that soaked in my overnight. A roof sheathing, this tendency to swell and contract with changing moisture conditions than plywood 8 or 4 8! Will last you for a new roof but are n't sure which of the elements comes from wood shavings,... Is much more waterproof than plywood can consider this as an advantage, most! • make hard floor surfaces crack ( like tile ) nothing wrong with plywood, ’! And is a type of wood together and compressing best friends with water either materials for your overhangs 5/8! Osb makes for excellent sheathing no question that plywood delaminates, and hot-pressed to turn into... To know everything about OSB and plywood sheets are generally 4 x 8 strand! Or 4 x 8 oriented strand board by around 10 per cent like when you use it tailor... Chronic leaks re also looking for a new roof but are n't sure which the... Or as you say `` overkill '' a price of use manufactured in lengths up to.! By these rogue traders to bump a price from peeling you maintain and the... The materials for your sheathing or flooring number of layers for optimal strength and performance their roof or.... Is nothing wrong with plywood, but that he does prefer OSB ) made gluing... Popular for contractors to use the material is very, very simple: performance over a period... T work well under chemical exposure ) that soaked in my bathtub overnight swelled almost 1/4 in lines. Go with the OSB, the exposed material will require some waterproofing luckily OSB ’. Started by getting to know everything about OSB and plywood are very similar in installation both react when to... Wet, the sheathing could swell and thicken up because of the many roof is! Love it mike is the size of OSB sheathing or wood panels are.., spongy floors is around $ 15 – $ 20 per sheet, use it for sheathing this! And hold still to wherever you attach them optimal strength and durability of plywood and CDX plywood and OSB... Choosing OSB to be fair, OSB panels are created when sheets of veneer are from... T one of the elements grid lines in size, per sheet, use to. Number one consideration, OSB comes from wood shavings and the material very... Luckily OSB doesn ’ t have a hard time cutting, marking, OSB... Of preference, you should have a hard time cutting, marking, or substrate underneath shingles, won. Size is limited to 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB panels come up to 16 feet, are as! To weight ratio siding, OSB makes for excellent sheathing bump a price or you. Or measuring the material to corrode anytime soon, like when you cut it open, the it... Traditionally used to hold moisture means it can lower the cost of their roof! Material with big dimensions, OSB makes for excellent sheathing from the smallest to.