Plywood and oriented strand board are both engineered wood products that are used mainly in the construction industry during the building of residential or commercial buildings. Both products come in different thickness and sizes.
Plywood
Plywood is composed of thin sheets of wood veneer bonded together with adhesive. Plywood can come in different thicknesses and strengths depending on the specification of the customer.
OSB
Oriented strand board is composed of particles of wood approximately three to six inches long. The wood particles are placed in layers and then pressed into hardened sheets.
Manufacturing
Both plywood and OSB are manufactured by placing the grain of the individual wood sheets or particles at right angles to each other to give the wood product strength.
Uses
Plywood and OSB have similar uses in the construction industry as floor, wall or roof sheathing. Secondary applications include use in the manufacture of furniture.
Wood Source
Oriented strand board can be made from fast-growing trees that lack sufficient strength to be used in other construction projects.
Cost and Durability
OSB is generally less expensive than plywood. Plywood is stronger, but OSB may hold up better under damp conditions.
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