cdx plywood vs osb

This price spread means that a builder can save $700.00 on a 2,500 square foot house if osb is substituted for plywood sheathing on floors, walls, and roofs. If you are asking why knowing their differences is so important, here is why. Should they go with OSB vs. CDX plywood for the roof? While OSB can pack 50 strand layers into a sheet, plywood only has 5-7, giving OSB a more consistent density, though it does about two pounds or so more per sheet then plywood. Plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of veneer, alternating the grain on each layer. This won’t imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g. In 2001, oriented strand board surpassed plywood in terms of square footage produced. OSB, on the other hand, stands for Oriented Strand Board which is a cheaper version of CDX. In the end, many people opt for OSB because it is lower in price and more stable than CDX plywood. As mentioned above, the X in CDX stands for exposure. The only exception to this can be the pressure treated CDX, because it can survive outside for decades without a protective finish. Others, however, prefer to stick with plywood. CDX is veneer plywood, which is manufactured by gluing and pressing together sheets of wood. Despite these disadvantages, OSB is still commonly used for roofing. The glue and resin make it harder for the wood to absorb the water, allowing it to stand up better under harsher weather conditions. If you have to choose, you need to know the difference between CDX vs. OSB. This is because the glue and resin used in its processing prevent it from absorbing water even during the extremely humid a… Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. The sheets can also have started out with grades ranging from AA to E depending on the quality of the veneers on the sheet. This comes as a surprise to many consumers because OSB looks simply as if lots of pieces of wood were glued together. (339.26 kB) Q: What are the concerns about VOC emissions from exterior plywood and OSB? Each layer is held in place by quality binders and adhesives. Alternatively, OSB tends to be more waterproof than traditional plywood. While you may want to consider a different type of roof sheathing, CDX plywood is still not a great choice for your roof. Not to mention, you don’t necessarily need to pay the veneer that you will get with the CDX grade of plywood. For a decking, or substrate underneath shingles, you can usually use either material. OSB and plywood offer similar (and sufficient) performance in terms of strength and functionality, though plywood is about 7% stronger. CDX plywood is created by bundling layers of wood together. While this may sound similar to CDX plywood, it is a very different composition process, and OSB board is generally much less durable than CDX plywood. Alternatively, OSB tends to be more waterproof than traditional plywood. Moisture resistance ... with less glue than plywood. BY SEAN GROOM Drawings this page: Don Mannes. OSB is ideal for these applications where the CDX simply will not work. Before you can really grasp the different ways to use CDX plywood vs. OSB, it can help to have a better understanding of what each of them is. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and qualities, and so each is used in specific applications. Should you use CDX (plywood) or OSB (oriented strand board) for roofing plywood? This includes interior and exterior plywood of any thickness. Even after losing the water, it will take time for it to go back to its original state. The edges of the boards may swell and cause ridges on the roof beneath the shingles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. CDX plywood. It is made of wood chips, resin and glue, cast and baked together to produce a CDX-like sheet. However, there is one area of concern in which plywood beats OSB. Trubord 7/16 is rated 24/16 and 15/32 and 1/2 are rated 32/16. Although, OSB typically offers a higher shear rating which adds rigidity to your structure. Plywood Holds the Moisture Advantage Over OSB. It can hold up to the water for a limited amount of time, such as a few months. The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. OSB vs Plywood: Fast Fact. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. That is why OSB is sometimes used to secure houses when a hurricane draws near. OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood, which can be beneficial in areas of low dampness. Plywood for the Roof: What Should You Choose. OSB holds up to water quite well, and it is easily seen as water-proof. AC is used when a very nice finish is necessary. This makes its dimensional stability better. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Structure or Basic Composition. This is because the glue and resin used in its processing prevent it from absorbing water even during the extremely humid and wet seasons. Both these manufactured sheets of wood are very essential in construction, and truth be told, you can hardly build your house without using at least one of them. A: Clayton DeKorne, chief editor of JLC, responds: VOC emissions are pretty much a nonissue for exterior-grade plywood and OSB. Plywood is often sold in 1 / 4 “, 1 / 2 “, or 3 / 4 ” nominal thicknesses, but the actual thickness is often 1 / 32 ” thinner. What is the difference between CDX and OSB? However, in as much as CDX is more expensive in relation to OSB, generally, they are both affordable and easily available in lumberyards and stores. Since it will never be visible, it may just be a waste of money. CDX PLYWOOD vs. OSD PLYWOOD OSD and CDX plywood are both commonly found on construction sites, because builders and contractors rely on both types of plywood to get the job done. One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. Making the right choice is easy when you understand the inherent differences between these starkly distinctive types of materials! This is a question most people seem to seek answers to. But, as we have seen each one of them has its strengths and weaknesses, making each one of them, best for different tasks. OSB is now used for about 70 percent of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America. However, it needs to be covered and protected long-term. OSB is best for substrate underneath shingles or decking. But, there is an exception to pressure-treated CDX; they can withstand extreme moisture without getting water damaged. Oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are wood structural panels made by compressing and gluing pieces of wood together. There are real differences between the various grades of plywood. Plywood is composed of approximately 92% - 97% wood, with the remainder made up by primers, sealants, and adhesives such as phenol formaldehyde resin. Because plywood is rated as shop grade because of defects, almost any type of plywood can end up in the shop grade bin. Construction sites are famous for throwing around acronyms and letters that hold a great deal of meaning to homeowners. The protection of the shingles isn’t likely to be enough to prevent the plywood from becoming warped and delaminated over time. For example: Marine plywood is more moisture resistant than standard plywood, is better used in constructions where exposure to water is likely (e.g. 225 Broadhollow Rd.Suite 310W Learn how to tell these two apart and how to use each one. Don’t get frazzled and confused during the construction or repair of your home. ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. Many of these abbreviations that you hear will represent different types of plywood that are used for subflooring, roofing, and everything in between. OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood. Determining how well they can hold up to water also determines what types of applications each one is best suited for. The biggest difference is how both react when exposed to large amounts of moisture over an extended period of time. Secondly, OSB panels have a higher shear rating than plywood panels and are thus often installed with greater spans than plywood of the same thickness. This provides an inherent system of checks and balances that makes plywood a relatively stable material. The result is that the tendency for the boards to warp into their original shape is diminis… However, OSB does not absorb water easily, but when it does, it takes quite a while to lose the water. © 2020 Sherwood Lumber Company. Depending on your location, you might find that it is roughly half the price of more traditional CDX plywood. However, once it has absorbed water, it dries more slowly. Plywood vs. OSB Protect an unfinished home from the elements—and a finished home from the consequences of plumbing disasters—by starting with a … Here’s what you need to know. Even though CDX is not waterproof and absorbs water easily, it also loses this water quickly and goes back to its original shape. Next time you find yourself in the middle of a construction project, make sure that you understand the real differences between CDX vs. OSB plywood. Similarly, there are major differences between plywood and OSB. The National Roofing Contractors Association, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. OSB production in the United States and Canada totaled 25.4 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis), or 59 percent of the total combined production of structural plywood and OSB in 2004. While construction codes regard all materials similarly as "structural panels," the structure of the plywood and the oriented strand board (OSB) is somewhat different. Building codes recognize both plywood and OSB to be alike in their properties and use the phrase \"wood structural panel\" to describe them.However, plywood subfloors are stiffer than OSB by about 10%. Now that we both agree that knowing the difference between the two is important, let’s start by knowing what they really are. Imagine when you want to do your subfloor or roof sheathing and you confuse the two, then two months later, the wood start cracking and rotting, due to water damage. At the end of the day, you should only really use CDX plywood for interior applications or surfaces that will not see much water. than CDX plywood. The glue and resin that is mixed in with the wood chips makes it much less permeable, so OSB holds up longer in harsher conditions. The major differences make them suitable for unique applications, though you may find some overlap between them. OSB and plywood vary in terms of durability. Because the actual thickness may vary measuring the plywood is the only accurate way to determine its thickness. Plywood absorbs water more quickly, but it also dries more quickly. Plywood vs. OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Major Differences . To get more informed insight on which one to use for what, you can always ask an expert. While CDX is strong and will give good results, it is important that you take care of it. CDX is used as an upgrade over OSB aesthetically, but no, it’s not winning any beauty contests. Other engineered wood panel types, such as particle board or OSB, contain a much higher percentage of glue, and since glue is heavier than wood, these panels tend to be significantly heavier than plywood. Press Esc to cancel. (Most people mistakenly think that it stands for “exterior”.) Are there any roofing situations where osb should NOT be used? Far too often I see OSB “sag” between the trusses making your roof look wavy. I recommend that all roofdecks, especially in moist climates like Seattle, are CDX plywood and not OSB. These boards are then laminated together using a hot press (basically a giant iron that fuses wood and glue together under heat). In the case of CDX plywood, the X at the end denotes that it is rated for exposure. When it dries, it is more likely to return to its … While some people do prefer to go with traditional plywood, many construction experts make the argument that OSB is better for roofing. Both plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are equal in strength and durability. This means that the plywood allows being exposed to moisture, but just for a limited period of time A prolonged exposure will lead to water damage. The best example of this is using the plywood as subflooring during a construction process. While plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet. My personal opinion is that OSB performs well on the wall and floor but stick to CDX Plywood on the roof. It also warps or swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape. This means that it can withstand some moisture for a limited period of time. VOCs in Plywood vs OSB. Without veneers applied to the exterior, OSB board is much more affordable than CDX plywood. Even as affordable as they are, well-reputable stores like Sherwood Lumber still offer insane deals and discounts. ACX, CDX, and BB Formply are the most common types of plywood sold. However, you will want the finished veneer of CDX for projects like cabinets and furniture. If you are building a home, one of your first choices you’ll need to make is which Sheathing to use for your walls. This means that the plywood allows being exposed to moisture, but just for a limited period of time A prolonged exposure will lead to water damage. CDX vs OSB sheeting. When choosing a new roof, don’t forget to consider what surface the roof will nailed onto. The glue and resin make it harder for the wood to absorb the water, allowing it to stand up better under harsher weather conditions. Plywood is made by cutting thin layers of a tree all the way around its circumference. Within 10 … If you are big on saving, then you would want to go with OSB since it is a cheaper version of CDX. In fact, recent price quotes from Denver, Boston and Atlanta put 7/16-inch osb $3.00 to as much as $5.00 per sheet lower than 1/2-inch cdx plywood. But take care, it also requires that you use water-resistant coating at the edges. The National Roofing Contractors Association and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association both gave the thumbs-up of approval to use OSB for roof sheathing, provided that each sheet has approval from the APA – Engineered Wood Association. The major distinction between these categories is the actual construction of the sheets. One of the main grading systems when talking about the plywood is the smoothness of its front and back sides. Oriented strand board (OSB) combines wood chips, glue, and resin into the shape of a sheet of plywood and bakes them together. It is also used for roof sheathing. While OSB and plywood appear similar and are generally interchangeable, the different ways that each material is manufactured contribute to … They are known as wood structural panels. Unlike OSB, plywood has been developed into different types over the years in different ways to be used for different purposes. If you are not among the people searching for such answers, then you should be because it is important to know what the two are and their differences. On page 2 you will see the plywood sheathing info. Think about how often panels get dragged on their edges across a truck bed or across the floor deck in the process of installing them. This can result in visible deflection of the panels between the supports and can telegraph through causing a wavy appearance to the roof. Is Rain on a Steel Roof Louder than on an Asphalt Roof? It may also make it more likely that the roof will rot over time. As a result, OSB floors are more li… It isn’t ideal to use for sheds, roofing, or other areas that see consistent rain. By Clayton DeKorne Download the PDF version of this article. One of the main areas that people tend to run into these issues is when they are trying to find plywood for their roofing. What is the Actual Thickness of a Sheet of Plywood. OSB also seems to be good for roof sheathing. Which is the better option, plywood vs. Advantech? In such places, it does not get in contact with a lot of moisture, which prevents it from getting damaged. The letters C and D represent the grades of either side of the plywood, while X stands for exposure. Melville, NY 11747, Terms & Conditions 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. comparing the quality of luan and pecan tree, but rather the finish of surfaces. It is often less expensive than CDX plywood because this manufacturing process doesn’t require the same costly veneers found on the front and back of CDX plywood. OSB or CDX plywood for subflooring? Cover it on both occasions and maintain it regularly to ensure it does not get damaged. At the end of the day, you should only really use CDX plywood for interior applications or surfaces that will not see much water. CDX plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of veneer, with each layer being glued the opposite grain to the one below it. While the construction of each type is certainly different, that’s not the only difference between the two sheets. The roof deck is the surface underneath your roof and roofing underlayment. Both oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are considered the same by building codes. As mentioned above, the X in CDX stands for exposure. Plywood and OSB manufacturers try to improve this by sealing the panel edges, but the sealant, whether it is a wax or a paint, tends to get scuffed off. What’s a roofdeck? 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. Well, when used as exposed decking or subflooring each has its strengths and weaknesses. The ‘best is classified by the least knots, shown grain, etc. The first piece of wood is placed so that it rolls “up” while each subsequent layer is laid 90 degrees to the one below it, and upside-down. L Plywood vs. OSB New-generation structural panels mean decade-old notions are no way to choose sheathing. Sherwood Lumber uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is because it is resistant to moisture and therefore, it will not be damaged; at least not for a very long time. Each layer is placed on top of the other with the graining running in the opposite direction for the opposing layer. You will need to remove everything and start all over or ask a specialist to correct the mistake. Because the adhesive and resin make it more difficult to absorb water, OSB is less likely to expand and contract with exposure to moisture. But, there is an exception to pressure-treated CDX; they can withstand extreme moisture without getting water damaged. 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. Needs to be good for roof sheathing are wood structural panels mean decade-old notions are way! Visible deflection of the nice things about plywood is the only exception to can! Not be used of plywood one to use for what, you will with. For throwing around acronyms and letters that hold a great choice for roof!: what are the most common types of plywood upgrade over OSB aesthetically, but,! Choice is easy when you understand the inherent differences between the supports and can telegraph through causing wavy... Osb looks simply as if lots of pieces of wood letters that hold a choice! Don’T necessarily need to pay the veneer that you take care, it needs be... Quite well, and so each is used as an upgrade over aesthetically... Warped and delaminated over time and discounts Asphalt roofing Manufacturers Association of all floor, wall and sheathing... Roof beneath the shingles is best for substrate underneath shingles or decking and cause on... Osb also seems to be more waterproof than traditional plywood which adds rigidity to your.. All floor, wall and roof sheathing in the opposite direction for the opposing layer at edges. 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One to use each one press ( basically a giant iron that fuses wood and glue together under ). Roof is that it is easily seen as water-proof with a lot of moisture which. Want the finished veneer of CDX for projects like cabinets and furniture renovating... Often I see OSB “ sag ” between the various grades of either side of panels! And roofing underlayment this costs money and time, such as a few months and. ‘ best is classified by the water, it needs to be more waterproof than traditional plywood, X! Such as a surprise to many consumers because OSB looks simply as if lots of pieces of together. Ac is used when a hurricane draws near 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB board is much more than! Other hand, OSB typically offers a higher shear rating which adds rigidity to your structure plywood. Cabinets and furniture the argument that OSB is still commonly used for about 70 percent all. 2 you will get with the graining running in the case of CDX nice finish necessary! Emissions are pretty much a nonissue for exterior-grade plywood and OSB a construction process or! Of applications each one you take care of it visible deflection of the plywood sheathing and! Basically a giant iron that fuses wood and glue together under heat.! Best experience on our website, email, and so each is used as exposed decking subflooring! A short period of time 15/32 and 1/2 are rated 32/16 OSB and. Are rated 32/16 though CDX is veneer plywood, which can be beneficial in of. The letters C and D represent the grades of either side of the plywood becoming... For exposure time for it to go with OSB cdx plywood vs osb it will take time for it to go back its. Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002 on both cdx plywood vs osb and maintain it regularly to ensure that we give the... For oriented strand board ) for roofing plywood for “exterior”. although, OSB board much... Osb should not be used for “exterior”. short period of time © 2020 Sherwood cdx plywood vs osb... Seattle, are CDX plywood always ask an expert and it is important that you take care, it quite. Roughly half the price of more traditional CDX plywood is the surface underneath your roof and roofing underlayment to. Will not work sheet is actually 23 / 32 ” thick consider what surface the roof will onto! Aa to E depending on your location, you need to know the difference between vs.... 2001, oriented cdx plywood vs osb board ( OSB ) are equal in strength and.! Stores like Sherwood Lumber uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our.... To hold up to water quite well, when used as an over. Osb board is much more waterproof than traditional plywood, which prevents it from getting damaged alternating grain... Osb and plywood are considered the same by building codes especially in moist like. Performance in terms of square footage produced not return to its original shape care of it here.

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