Which is better - chipboard or OSB, comparison of material characteristics and their applications

Features Overview

But before moving on to a detailed consideration of these materials, you need to understand what the main environmental characteristics are.
There are many manuals and techniques in which the authors see them in their own way. However, in general, it is customary to distinguish 4 such basic characteristics. OSB, like plywood, is an environmentally friendly product because it is made from chips of various trees.

1. Fire safety. As a rule, there are several fire safety categories of group “G” from 1 to 4 or 5, depending on the methodology. And the higher the number, the greater the risk of fire. So, plywood products used for the construction of entire or parts of indoor floors must have category G1 - that is, optimal safety. When constructing a wooden building, the fire safety of the materials used must be at least level G2.
2. Physical security. Here, such basic coefficients as thermal conductivity and thermal resistance are of greatest importance. They must be within acceptable values. This suggests that plywood products for finishing residential premises should not accumulate charges, absorb sounds well, and also not create sound vibrations and various types of frequencies harmful to the body.
3. Biological safety implies the use of impregnations against fungi and pests with compositions that will not harm human health. Due to the fact that today there are many impregnations that have a certain degree of toxicity, this indicator cannot be neglected.
4. Chemical safety is another fairly important indicator of plywood materials. This is where the MPC (maximum permissible concentration) indicator comes into play. It concerns substances and volatile materials released into the air. As a rule, each substance has its own permissible concentration according to safety standards. And in this case it should not be exceeded. This applies to poisonous and toxic substances in general. Of course, ideally they should not stand out at all in a living space. But if this cannot be avoided in any way, then it is necessary to at least minimally follow these concentration standards.

These were the main environmental indicators of products based on plywood and chips. Taking into account these four parameters together will protect you from the wrong choice, which can cause significant harm to your health. Now let’s look separately at the characteristics of OSB and plywood in this regard.

Comparison of characteristics

To choose the most suitable option for rough or fine finishing of a floor structure, it is necessary to take into account the main parameters of the product.

Environmental friendliness

Health safety is one of the main factors. The indicators of wood-based panel materials comply with the standards reflected in standardization documents.

1. Plywood. Eco-friendly option. The most harmless products are those that are glued using natural resins.
2. OSB. It does not pose a threat, but only if the production technology is followed. It is better to choose trusted manufacturers.
3. Chipboard. This variety causes the most controversy regarding health hazards, since formaldehyde resins are used for gluing. Products must comply with standards (marking E1 or E0.5).
4. Fiberboard. Does not pose a threat provided that high-quality raw materials are used.
5. MDF. Eco-friendly material made using urea resins. These products must also comply with class E1 or E0.5.

Since the outside of all materials is finished, harmful fumes are minimized.

Strength

To choose the most reliable option, you need to take into account the density and structure of the product:

• OSB and plywood. Oriented strand panels can withstand heavy loads well: the layers are placed in different directions and glued together extremely firmly. But wood-laminated board may have a significant disadvantage - the possibility of deformation due to non-compliance with the technology.
• Chipboard and fibreboard. They have sufficient hardness. Their areas of use are somewhat different. Wood-shaving parts are thick, and wood-fiber parts are very unstable in bending, so they cannot be used for leveling voids.
• MDF. A relatively soft material that is not used in places with high loads.

It is difficult to compare all products on this parameter, since they have different sizes.

Dimensions

The length and width of all varieties are approximately the same, so it is necessary to compare the thickness:

1. Hardboard. The thinnest material. Its thickness can reach up to 7 mm, but the most common is 3.2 mm.
2. Plywood. For the floor, products with a thickness of 12–15 mm are selected.
3. OSB. Can be of different sizes, but for flooring options from 10 to 22 mm are used. If you need to level the existing base, then a thickness of 1 cm is suitable, but in order to lay the material on wooden logs, the parts must be more durable.
4. MDF. Due to their softness, the recommended thickness of the slabs varies from 18 to 25 mm.
5. Chipboard. For horizontal structures with increased load, a tongue-and-groove version with a thickness of 16–22 mm is used.

The thickness and structure of the parts also affects protection from sound penetration and heat retention. If the noise pollution is very strong, then it is recommended to give preference to medium-density fiberboards of maximum thickness. They also serve as additional thermal insulation, which is similar to OSB.

Price

The difference in the price of materials depends on many factors: production method, raw materials used, additional processing, size and even place of sale.

• The most expensive is high-grade plywood.
• The cost of MDF is calculated per square meter and depends on the manufacturing method.
• The price of OSB-3 and 2 corresponds to wood-laminated boards of grade 3 or 2 of a smaller size.
• The lightest and cheapest option is fiberboard.

To ensure that the total work budget does not amount to too significant an amount, it is necessary to immediately determine the scope of application of each type of product.

Easy to install

Laying wood boards is not difficult; it does not require professional skills or complex tools. The order of work depends on the specific situation:

1. If a frame structure is being erected, then OSB would be the best option.
2. The light weight and thickness of hardboard make processing the fastest, but it is not suitable for serious leveling.
3. Chipboard and OSB panels are cut and fixed almost identically. They are much easier to trim than MDF, which due to its dense structure offers more resistance.
4. The most labor-intensive material to process is plywood. It will take much longer to place the product. It is more difficult to drill or adjust to size due to the presence of layers of natural wood in the structure.

All floor slabs are mounted on glue or joists, the only exception is the fiberboard covering: these sheets are not intended for laying on joists, they need a flat and durable base

Manufacturability

In our case, manufacturability means ease of use. Let's try to analyze this quality using the example of different actions.

Storage and transportation

Wood boards are stored and transported in the same way. The only difference is the laminated particle board. It requires careful handling so as not to damage the decorative layer.

These sheets are cut in the same way, using the same equipment and tools. When cutting with a hand jigsaw, large flakes may appear on OSB due to the structure of the material. When fine-tuning parts using a belt sander, OSB may require more work.

When drilling holes in OSB, flakes may also appear that are absent or almost absent on chipboard. For some cases this is important and must be taken into account when working.

Installation of fasteners

Self-tapping screws (screws with a sharp end) fit into the particle board without pre-drilling. OSB is also included, but it requires a force close to the tensile strength of self-tapping screws. Pre-drilling may be required to install fasteners into OSB.

When installing countersunk screws in OSB, countersinking must be done. In chipboard, in many cases this is not required - the head is recessed due to the pliability of the material.

In terms of manufacturability, a slight advantage remains with chipboard.

Technology for constructing a subfloor from sheet materials

Sheet materials can be laid on old coverings (plank floors, linoleum), on screed-leveled floors or on joists. In the first two cases, in addition to fastening with screws, glue is used.

Flooring on screed

A cement screed is used to level the surface. To do this, using a level, a line is drawn on the walls along the perimeter of the room, which will serve as a guide for the height of the screed.

Then bars are laid on the base, forming a grid of squares with a side length of about 1 meter. Their thickness should be slightly less than the thickness of the future screed.

Next, a cement-sand mortar is prepared in a ratio of 1:3, which is poured into the mesh cells and smoothed.

Leveling screed device

Note. To prevent the screed from cracking, it is necessary to ensure that a certain level of humidity is maintained during drying.

To do this, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it for 7-10 days.

After the solution has dried, the instructions require priming the surface with bitumen mastic and letting it dry. After this, you can begin laying the subfloor.

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The sheets are laid on a surface greased with glue with a slight indentation from the walls and with a gap between them of 2-3 mm, necessary for temperature and humidity expansion. They should be laid out with offset joints: the corners of four sheets should not meet at one point.

Chipboard fastening

After laying the chipboard or plywood on the floor, it is drilled and screwed to the base, first in the center, then along the perimeter.

Laying on joists

This method is less labor-intensive and more environmentally friendly. If necessary, insulation or soundproofing material is laid between the joists.

Floor insulation

However, thicker and stronger sheets must be placed on the joists to avoid their deformation. What is stronger - chipboard or plywood? This depends on the thickness of the sheet and the distance between the joists.

For example, 12 mm plywood can be placed on a solid base, and at least 20 mm on logs, provided that the distance between them is no more than 40 cm. The thickness of the chipboard should also be 18-22 mm.

1. Draw a diagram for laying the joists depending on the size of the sheet material (see also the article Plywood flooring on joists - a simple technology that requires a thoughtful approach). The joints of the sheets should be on the center lines of the joists. In this case, take into account the shift of the sheets to offset the seams. You should end up with a mesh with a cell size of 30-50 cm.
2. Lay longitudinal joists on the floor and level them using spacers. Secure.

Attention! The distance between the wall and the outer joists should be no more than 30-40 mm

1. Mark the position of the transverse joists and attach them to the longitudinal ones with nails driven in diagonally.

Photo of the finished frame

1. Place the first sheet in the corner of the room, retreating from the walls by 10-15 mm. To avoid straying from the center line when attaching to intermediate joists, apply pencil marks to the edges of the sheet corresponding to the middle of the bars and connect them with a straight line. Screw in the self-tapping screws along these lines in increments of 100-150 mm, recessing the caps into the body of the material. Then secure the sheet around the perimeter. It is best to use an electric screwdriver.
2. Mount the remaining sheets in the same way, leaving a gap of 2-3 mm between them. If it is not there, the floors may begin to creak over time.

Attaching sheets to joists

1. When using tongue and groove sheets, there is no need to leave a gap. In this case, the tongue and groove joints are lubricated with glue and compacted by tapping each other with a mallet.
2. Remember to offset the sheets to prevent the four seams from intersecting at one point, and to leave a gap between them and the wall. Subsequently, they will be covered with a plinth.

It remains to be said that when laying in rooms where increased humidity is possible, sheet materials must be covered with drying oil or other protective agents before laying. If the room is dry, then from the point of view of cost savings and ease of processing, chipboard for the floor is better than plywood.

What's best for the floor

This is the question that most often arises among those who choose between the materials under consideration. Given the data from the previous chapter, the answer is not difficult. The most suitable material for flooring is OSB sheets. They are more durable, more reliable and stronger. In this area of ​​application, their biggest competitors are plywood and wood laminates than chipboard. Laying can be done either on a lattice base or on a concrete screed.

Chipboard sheets are not at all suitable for creating a floor on logs, unless the step between the bars is minimal. But you can use it on a concrete screed. In this case, the sheets are secured to the floor with dowels, after making holes with a puncher.

The choice of building material largely depends on the purpose for which you decide to buy chipboard or OSB. What will best help realize your idea depends on various factors. If saving comes first, then choose the first option. The second one is suitable for more serious tasks.

Source: https://baoyuan-osb.ru/article/chto-luchshe-vybrat-dsp-ili-osb

Comparison of both materials

If we try to determine the differences between these two materials, then, in addition to the production method and performance characteristics, we can highlight the following:

1. The basic price tag of plywood exceeds the cost of average quality OSB. However, heavy-duty and luxury grades of OSB can be more expensive than plywood. Manufacturers justify this fact by the fact that the chip material uses expensive impregnations, varnishes and decorating additives. At the same time, decorative varieties of plywood significantly exceed the cost of OSB with average strength indicators.
2. The structure of the OSB board is represented by 4 layers, and as for plywood, the number of veneer layers is not limited, thereby increasing the strength of the product.

If you compare the properties of OSB, plywood and chipboard, which is better is difficult to immediately understand. If you need a lightweight and affordable material, choose OSB; in cases where the budget is very limited, use chipboard. However, remember that the edges of this material may break off over time. If strength is your first priority, it is better to choose plywood. But this option will be the most expensive.

Final comparison of chipboard and OSB

	OSB-3	Chipboard-P1
Strength	More durable	Less durable
Wear resistance	High	Low
Moisture resistance	More stable	Less stable
Flammability	Group G4	Group G4
Environmental friendliness	No difference	No difference
Manufacturability	Less technologically advanced	Has a slight advantage
Price	Higher	Below

How to choose

The construction of frame houses for any purpose requires a serious approach to the choice of DSP and OSB

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Manufacturer of slabs.
2. Sheet size.
3. Sheet thickness.
4. Compound.
5. Appearance: evenness, uniformity of texture, absence of voids and knots.
6. Storage conditions.

The relatively low cost of DSP and OSB boards with decent technical characteristics makes them very popular as cladding for frame houses.

Building a house using frame technology promises many benefits to the future owner of the house. Such a house is built much faster than traditional brick or wooden houses. It does not require a powerful foundation, since it has significantly less weight, and with the right choice of materials it also allows you to save on interior and exterior decoration. However, if construction technology is violated, all the advantages of a frame house instantly turn into disadvantages. How to avoid this? There are a few trivial things that you shouldn’t forget:

1. Build a house according to the project. Having a project linked to the area, with a pre-calculated estimate, and linking all communications on the site has never harmed construction.
2. An experienced team is always better than covens. And having an agreement listing all the main responsibilities and stipulated responsibility for failure to complete the work will undoubtedly add confidence in the final result.
3. Use of quality materials. A dry calibrated board as a frame is significantly superior to other lumber. Of course, there is always a desire to save money, but this is exactly the case where saving can lead to large losses in the future.
4. Use suitable materials for insulation and sheathing. The insulation can be polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, basalt or mineral wool, ecowool, etc. The cladding can be made of OSB, DSP, Plywood and even edged boards.

Let's look at the last point in more detail. Plywood is an excellent material for building frame houses, and if it were not for its price, frame houses would be built primarily from plywood. The cost of covering a house with plywood will be about a third higher than the cost of OSB or DSP. Edged boards require a large amount of manual labor: planing, drying, fitting, and so on. Therefore, construction may take a long time. But DSP and OSB wood boards do not have these disadvantages. Let's talk about them in more detail.

How else do OSB and chipboard differ?

Chipboard is cheaper than the oriented option. However, given the weaknesses of this material (and, above all, poor mechanical characteristics), its choice is justified only as a last resort. The overall reliability of chipboard is very low. Yes, both materials - if the technology is sufficiently followed - will not delaminate. But still, relatively fragile chipboard sheets are susceptible to crumbling at the ends.

An important difference between the two concerns processability. Both strand and oriented structures can be:

• saw;
• drill;
• polish.

But chipboard material tends to crumble, and therefore its processing is less convenient. After its completion, more garbage has to be removed. And it is impossible to tighten a screw or screw twice into the same hole without adding epoxy resin.

Comparison of chipboard and OSB is also possible based on other parameters. Connecting chips using the first technology forces the use of more resins. Therefore, the intensity of toxic fumes will be higher.

In this sense, we can firmly say that chipboard is more harmful in this pair, and OSB, on the contrary, is safer. And such a risk should not be neglected. After all, we are not talking about some tree resins, but about formaldehyde, which is recognized as one of the most toxic substances used in woodworking. Environmental qualities are especially important when it comes to using structures in children's rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

A serious difference concerns the appearance. Oriented strand material has long been recognized by all experts as a more aesthetic solution. Its texture is much closer to natural wood. This coating is often used to decorate interior walls and partitions “under varnish.” But chipboard can be used for finishing only when using an outer layer (special film).

The density and mass of both design options are approximately the same. Likewise, resistance to insects and microscopic fungi is identical. If we compare it with plywood, then the oriented board turns out to be noticeably cheaper.

A variety of materials are used in the production of chipboard, including sawdust. Oriented strand boards are produced strictly on the basis of high quality chips. The chips themselves are not laid out “haphazardly”, but in a clearly defined order.

What are the advantages of plywood over OSB?

In short, one of the big advantages of plywood over OSB is that the higher the drying ability of a wall, the more durable it is, and everyone agrees that more moisture will pass through plywood. This is not a recommendation to never use OSB, but it is a reason to consider all the variables and make sure that all the components of your wall will not trap moisture inside.

Project for finishing a living space with plywood

Application in frame walls - OSB vs plywood:

For better or worse, the market has stepped up and provided many additional solutions to meet these demands; for example, rigid insulation with membranes attached, or sheathing with foam insulation attached, as shown in the picture above of the corner of a house under construction.

“Some rigid insulation products, such as extruded polystyrene, are also relatively impermeable to vapors

When using them, care must be taken in selecting the facing material to ensure that significant amounts of water do not reach the interface between the extruded polystyrene insulation and the vapor permeable membrane shell. This risk may dictate the use of insulation products with high vapor permeability and low water retention, such as mineral fibers

Where to install a vapor barrier:

“Materials that act as vapor barriers, including certain types of insulation, must be located within the structure so that moisture moving from the inside to the outside does not condense and accumulate within the assembly. This means that the vapor barrier should be located on the warm side of the insulation materials.

With all the conflicting findings from credible researchers, we wanted to take into account this basic law of physics—warm, moist air condenses and leaves moisture on cooler surfaces. Anyone who's ever held a cold drink on a hot day knows this. So, if you keep heat on a condensing surface, you reduce the risk of moisture buildup.

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Today, in this advanced world of software modeling, the "old two-thirds rule" still makes sense, which involves applying 2/3 of the total volume of insulation to the exterior wall, a formula that has been tested and meets all its stated specifications. This keeps the home warm and there is no doubt that it reduces the likelihood of condensation forming inside the walls. And if you're sticking a large amount of rock wool onto an exterior wall that allows vapor to pass through, the whole mess of estimating all the processes becomes a moot point.

Which is stronger: OSB or plywood?

Generally speaking, plywood of the same thickness bends slightly less than OSB. For use on the floor, this characteristic is important. Strength is assessed by bending along and across the long side of the material.

• Longitudinal bending strength: OSB 3 - 16 to 22 MPa;
• FSF - 25-60 MPa.

Buckling strength:

OSB 3 - 10-18 MPa;

FSF plywood - 35-45 MPa.

Chip strength:

OSB 3 - 0.34-0.13 N/sq. mm;

FSF - 1.2-1.3 N/sq. mm.

Plywood differs from OSB in the production method.
Strength measurements are also carried out after “soaking” the materials. In OSB, the indicator drops by almost half (so the bending was not too high and has also decreased significantly). With plywood it is practically unchanged both when wet and after drying. So the choice in terms of strength between plywood and OSB is clear: plywood is stronger. But the data is given for coniferous plywood of the FSF brand - it is the most moisture-resistant and practically the most durable of all.

Which material is more resistant to moisture?

The wear resistance of the compared materials is entirely determined by the surface structure. Chipboard consists of small chips, which chip quite easily under abrasive loads. And since the outer layer has the greatest density, the wear rate increases over time.

On the surface of an oriented strand board, most of the area is occupied by large chips with an intact wood structure. When abraded, it is almost not damaged and can withstand heavy loads.

When choosing what is better to lay on the floor, chipboard or OSB, the answer will be in favor of OSB. However, it is worth remembering that none of these materials are intended for use as the front, finishing layer of finishing, therefore their wear resistance is not standardized, but only determined from practice.

In humid conditions, chipboard very quickly loses strength, and with strong moisture it completely collapses.

When testing for moisture resistance, OSB-3 is placed in water at room temperature, the bath is heated to 1000C for 90 minutes, kept for 2 hours, and then cooled to 200C in an hour. After drying, the sample shows a flexural strength along the main axis of 7 - 8 MPa. That is, its strength decreased by approximately 2.5 times, but the sample retained its integrity and part of its structural strength.

Laying technology

The installation process does not require special knowledge or talent, so even a beginner can handle this work. OSB, chipboard or plywood is laid on the floor in two ways - on a flat surface and on logs. The first option requires the presence of the most durable and even base, which can be either a regular screed or a boardwalk. The floors must be clean so that nothing interferes with the adhesion of the glue to the base.

The second option is more labor-intensive, but it allows not only to level the surface, but also to efficiently insulate the underground space. Preliminary measurements of the area are carried out so that plywood and OSB, the dimensions of which are slightly different, are laid with a minimum number of joints.

To install the slabs on the screed you will need:

• roulette;
• level;
• a circular saw;
• OSB sheets;
• primer;
• notched spatula;
• dowels;
• rubber based adhesive.

First, the screed plane is checked with a level to eliminate differences in height. Next, chipboard or OSB is laid out on a dry surface and cut lines are marked for precise fitting of the sheets. After cutting, cover the back side with glue and place it in pre-marked places. Press firmly with your hands to the floor, be sure to check the horizontal level with a level. Plywood (OSB) is laid on the floor quite quickly, so the work will not take much time.

When installing USB, a gap of 10-15 mm wide should be left around the perimeter of the room and seams 3-4 mm wide between the plates themselves. This is necessary to compensate for material deformations due to changes in humidity and temperature conditions. After installation is complete, you need to wait for the glue to dry and additionally secure the flooring with dowels. They are screwed into pre-drilled holes in the corners of each slab.

OSB or plywood is installed on a wooden floor in a similar way. The base must be strong and level, without serious defects. If there are large gaps or the board bends under your feet, you first need to fix the problem and only then begin installing the sheets. In this case, OSB can be laid on the floor without glue, using only wood screws for fastening. The latter are screwed in increments of 20-30 cm around the perimeter of each slab.

To lay the floor along the joists, you will need:

• strong timber with a section of 100x150 mm;
• OSB sheets;
• level and tape measure;
• self-tapping screws;
• anchors;
• screwdriver

It should be noted that the choice of sheet thickness depends on the distance between the logs: with a step of 40 cm, the minimum thickness is 15 mm, with a step of 50 cm - 18 mm, with a step of 60 cm - no less than 22 mm. The logs are laid on the floor, which is best done with an assistant, and set strictly according to the level. Next, holes are drilled for the anchors and the timber is secured to prevent it from moving.

Clean sheets are tried on and cut out, after which they are laid on top of the joists, with the seams obligatory to be shifted in each subsequent row. The flooring is fixed with self-tapping screws every 15 cm around the perimeter of the sheets and at a distance of 10-15 mm from the edge. This is how plywood or OSB is simply laid on the floor, after which the finishing coating is laid.

Difference between plywood and OSB

OSB and plywood offer similar (and sufficient) performance in terms of strength and functionality, although plywood is 7% stronger. The main difference between them is how they handle moisture, and surprisingly there are quite varied conclusions - from very reputable sources - as to how breathable they are. We don't do any internal testing, so all we can do is report others' findings. In the absence of consensus among researchers, we will start with the general conclusions that all parties agree on - plywood is more permeable to vapors than OSB.

Project of finished room decoration from OSB

Plywood absorbs moisture faster than OSB, but therefore it also dries faster. Both products will swell when wet, but when dry, the plywood will return to almost its exact shape. OSB is less likely to be left out in the rain and will show more deformation after wetting and drying.

In addition to concerns about moisture exposure during construction, there is moisture that can penetrate wall assemblies after completion. How durable a wall is depends largely on its ability to dry, and how well it can dry depends on the materials you choose to build the wall.

Preparation

If you set out to get a perfectly flat floor, you should first lay the joists. However, careful horizontal leveling may not be required; in this case, it is necessary to check how suitable the floor is for further use.

The plank floor must first be cleaned of old coating, debris and dust. After which you can proceed to checking the boards for strength; they should not be damaged or creak under mechanical stress; this can especially occur near doorways.

Technological diagram of the production process in the manufacture of plywood.

You can strengthen the floors in places where there are creaks with nails, the length of which is 150 mm. If the boards are deformed or show signs of rot, they will need to be dismantled and then replaced with new ones.

OSB, plywood or chipboard must be laid to ensure a temperature gap between adjacent sheets, as well as canvases and walls. The step from the wall to the subfloor slab can reach 20 mm, which can then be covered with plinths and decorative coverings.

When laying OSB on logs, you should create a temperature gap around the slab, the minimum width of which is 3 mm. But the wall should be 12 mm away from the slab, which is true when installing floors using floating technology.

Plywood is also subject to deformation caused by temperature changes, and if the sheets are laid too tightly, you can get squeaks. You can eliminate unpleasant consequences by laying plywood with a gap between the sheets of 5-10 mm.

The distance from the walls to the plywood sheets should be 10-20 mm. The plywood must be cut first, during which a hacksaw should be used, which has fine teeth. After making the cut, apply masking tape to the cut site. Before installation, the slabs must be treated with drying oil.

In the case of chipboard, the temperature gap should be 10 mm.

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If you still can’t make your choice - plywood or OSB, then you should take into account that plywood is easier to saw, but in the places where OSB is cut, you should also stick tape to prevent the fibers from peeling off.

Plywood and chipboard, like OSB, can be sawn with a jigsaw or fine-toothed saws. The plywood must be sawn along the grain, and then the cuts can be processed with a plane; it is preferable to use an end tool for this. Then you can sand the cut until it becomes shiny. Plywood may be of low quality; in this case, its slabs have delaminating fibers. In order to arrange the floors, you should choose high-quality material.

Comparison by characteristics

Most often, either plywood or OSB is placed on the floor. But what's better? Most will say that plywood is stronger in bending and therefore it is better to lay it on the floor. It's stronger. That's for sure. But if the material is laid on a concrete base, or a floating floor is made from it, or it is placed on a subfloor along joists, why is high bending strength needed? More important is the tendency to delamination and warping, and these are precisely the problems of plywood. In general, it’s up to you to decide which is better - plywood or OSB. Below is information to help you make an informed decision.

The comparison is given in points and it is difficult to judge objectivity, but...

Moisture resistance and environmental friendliness

Oddly enough, moisture resistance is directly related to environmental safety. The fact is that in the production of materials a synthetic binder is used, and it is possible to say which is more environmentally friendly - OSB or plywood, specifically for each material. Although, generally speaking, plywood is safer: there are brands that use safe substances in their production. But not all. For example, FSF is one of the cheapest types. It is made using a phenol-formaldehyde binder. So this brand is no different from OSB in terms of environmental friendliness.

The most reliable test carried out independently with materials intended for purchase

In the case of oriented strand board, phenolic resins are always used. They give the material high strength and moisture resistance. But it is phenol that is dangerous to health. Its release is controlled by the sanitation station. A special classification has been introduced - formaldehyde emissions. Each batch must be checked and, based on the measurement results, an emission class must be assigned. Safe ones are E0 or E1. And E2 and E3 can only be used outdoors. By the way, the same characteristic should be indicated in the technical parameters for FSF plywood.

Water resistance of OSB

Oriented strand boards are available in four water resistance categories:

• OSB1 and OSB2 - not moisture resistant, for use in rooms with normal operating conditions;
• OSB3 and OSB4 - waterproof, for use in conditions of high humidity.

Making a choice - plywood or OSB is not easy

If they are making a floor, they usually use OSB3. Its water resistance is sufficient for use in any floor pie, so the material is universal. If significant strength is required, you can take a higher grade.

Waterproof types of plywood

With plywood it's a little more complicated. In its production, various glues are used and it is this that affects the properties of the material. The following types are used in construction:

• FC - on urea glue. Good environmental performance, but moisture resistance is average. If you lay it on the floor, then in dry rooms where access to moisture is unlikely. There is waterproof plywood of this brand. The marking has added the letter B - FKV, sometimes the letter G is added - waterproof. But moisture resistance is achieved not through glue, but through wood additives/impregnations.
• FSF - on phenolic glue. This type has high moisture resistance, but phenolic glue releases formaldehyde. So you need to be sure that the material is safe. This is one of the cheapest types, often called construction. They are used more often for temporary structures - formwork.
• FKM - on melamine glue. Waterproof, but expensive.
• FB - bakelite with a water-soluble composition, BS - with alcohol-soluble glue. BS plywood is most often called aviation plywood. Light and durable, waterproof, expensive. The FB subtype is used more often in the construction of ships and railway cars, where the weight requirements are lower.

So it’s difficult to compare plywood and OSB in terms of water resistance. There are different brands and it’s a matter of specific choice. It’s just that in terms of water resistance, OSB is more reliable, since the wood chips are in a layer of glue that simply does not allow moisture to pass through to the wood. With plywood it is more complicated: the outer layers are wood veneer, and the veneer cuts along the edges of the sheet also remain open. So even moisture-resistant plywood often begins to warp - the top/bottom layer swells and the edges swell.

Chipboard or OSB: which material is better?

Building materials made from natural wood are quite expensive, so during large-scale construction they try to minimize their use. As a substitute, slabs made from wood processing waste - sawdust and shavings - are used. The most popular are chipboard and oriented strand board - chipboard and OSB, respectively. Which of these materials should you choose?

Production technology

In both cases, the basis of the products is wood, the percentage of which can reach 90 percent. However, production technologies have significant differences:

• Chipboard. A composite solution, slabs are obtained by hot pressing of chips with the addition of special binding compounds.
• OSB. As in the previous case, hot pressing is used, and synthetic resins are used to combine the structure. The amount of resin is small, so the chip structure retains the characteristics of natural wood. In addition, the binders provide excellent moisture resistance.

In some cases, plywood can be an alternative; it can be purchased in bulk from our company - this material is in many ways similar to OSB, it also uses a multilayer structure, with longitudinal and transverse fiber orientation. The issue of using plywood is considered based on the characteristics of a particular project.

Performance Comparison

There are a number of criteria that can be called decisive when choosing one of the building materials under consideration. It is recommended to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Resistance to deformation and reliability. Chipboard panels are much more susceptible to deformation. Both materials do not dry out or come apart.
• Strength under external static and dynamic influences. According to this indicator, OSB boards will be the clear leader.
• Resistance to moisture. Chipboard structures do not tolerate excess moisture very well, while their OSB counterparts retain their performance characteristics even if they are in water for hours. This statement is true for the third and fourth modifications of OSB panels, designed specifically for operation under conditions of constant exposure to moisture.
• Environmental parameters. OSB panels have a significant advantage; the content of harmful components does not exceed permissible standards. However, it is always necessary to look at the quality of the material.
• Price. Chipboards are cheap, OSB products are more expensive, but the cost depends on the modification. The fourth is the most expensive, but in terms of performance characteristics it has no competitors.

Despite all these parameters, the first thing that needs to be taken into account is the scope of application of the building material. In some cases, the affordability of particle boards may be a determining factor, but where quality and durability are required, OSB will have a clear advantage.

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Oriented Strand Board Dimensions

Since OSB boards have different purposes, different sizes may be convenient. The situation with the sizes of OSB boards is not simple. 1220*2440 mm and 1250*2500 mm are always on sale. There are also formats 1250*2800 mm, 1250*3000 mm, 1200*6000 mm, but they are extremely rare in our market, although in many cases they are much more convenient to use. By choosing the right size, you get rid of the need to “grow” the missing centimeters or saw off the extra ones. But there are not many of them on the market, since these are imported slabs, and importing is difficult now...

The OSB board can be of different thicknesses - 9 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm. Each type of use has its own thickness:

• Wall and ceiling cladding - from 9 mm.
• Continuous sheathing for roofing materials - from 12 mm.
• An OSB board of 15 mm thickness will be used on the floor.

OSB board is a convenient building material. You can cut it with a regular wood saw, use a grinder with a cutting disc, or use a jigsaw. The material drills well; screw nails can be used without pre-drilling. But then their hats stick out, which is not always convenient.

Before finishing, the OSB board is coated with a primer. It is selected depending on the finishing materials - to equalize absorbency and improve adhesion to other materials.

What is chipboard

This board is made from small shavings and sawdust, which are combined with resins by hot pressing. Residues and sawdust from wood processing enterprises are used for production. In a word – wood waste. The result is a universal and inexpensive sheet material. If chipboard is covered with a laminated film, the result is laminated chipboard - a more expensive material with a presentable appearance. Laminated chipboard is usually used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture in the mid-price category.

Chipboard is classified according to its quality characteristics:

• I or II Grade (depending on the quality of the material and the evenness of the surface;
• Number of layers from 1 to several;
• Degree of strength and moisture resistance;
• Surface type – polished and unpolished;
• Presence of toxic resins.

Application of chipboard

• Formwork;
• Construction of partitions and structures;
• Wall cladding;
• Arrangement of floors before laying the main covering (leveling);
• Furniture manufacturing;
• Manufacturing of doors, window sills;
• Construction of temporary technical structures.

Features of chipboard

Chipboard or chipboard is a sheet material made from wood chips, which are pressed and bonded with a special adhesive. Thanks to special production technology, the slabs have identical characteristics and parameters over their entire area.

The important point is that the material is extremely easy to process, and at the same time has high thermal insulation and resistance to high humidity.

These factors helped it gain its place in the construction market and today chipboard is actively used for cladding, as a base for flooring, as well as in other areas. Additionally, you can find laminated sheets on the market, which are actively used for the production of budget furniture and cabinet products.

Material classification

Sheets of OSB boards have standard overall dimensions: length - 2500 millimeters, width - 1250 millimeters, thickness - 9; 12; 15; 18; 22 millimeters.

According to technical characteristics, products can be divided into 4 groups:

1. OSB - 1 is a material with the lowest density, strength and moisture resistance. Similar slabs are used to make furniture.
2. OSB-2 - products of the second class are recommended for indoor use. Such slabs can be used to construct interior partitions.
3. OSB-3 indicates a material that is resistant to mechanical damage and moisture and is used for a wide variety of purposes.
4. OSB-4 is considered the most dense and durable products. They can be used in conditions of high humidity, for example, for wall cladding in the bathroom. In addition, the panels are used for roofing and floor leveling. The slabs are often stitched together and used as floor beams.

Which is better to choose?

Taking into account all that has been said, it becomes clear that it is most correct to lay OSB on the floor. Particle board is nothing more than a compromise option for limited budgets or in secondary buildings. The laying of both materials can be done both on the sheathing and on the concrete screed, because in this regard they are equally versatile.

But it is also worth noting that chipboard can be placed on the joists only with a minimum distance between the bars; in the case of a concrete base, there is no such problem - fastening is carried out using dowels, and the holes are made in advance with a hammer drill.

But even taking into account the almost always clear choice in favor of OSB, it is necessary to understand that this material may have significant differences. It is recommended to use a tongue-and-groove type for flooring. Completely even products have to be placed with a gap, and then filled with sealant. OSB-1, OSB-2 are designed for work in rooms with low humidity, where there are no significant mechanical loads. OSB-3 and OSB-4 boards are more versatile in terms of resistance to moisture and mechanical strength, but also more expensive.

Oriented structures are most often taken to pre-level horizontal surfaces. But under favorable conditions they are also used for facial finishing. Simple leveling of subfloors in dry rooms usually involves the use of OSB-2. A slab of the first category is acceptable only for ceilings and walls in a warm (heated) room.

Chipboard and OSB can be used equally under tiles in a bathroom or in a swimming pool, provided they are impregnated with water. However, given the initial increased hydrophobicity of the second material, the choice is obvious. If treatment is not carried out, the coating may be damaged by nests of mold and other microscopic fungi. The same requirement applies when finishing:

• kitchens;
• open balconies;
• showers;
• hallways;
• attics;
• floors and walls in cellars, basements, ground floors;
• sheds;
• baths

OSB is excellent for laying out under:

• carpet;
• linoleum;
• laminate;
• parquet;
• various types of parquet boards.

Important: for residential premises, category E1 coating is best suited. This group is the safest among all particle board materials. OSB panels are suitable not only for floors, but also for walls. In this sense, they are much better than any drywall. This material is used for:

• attaching decorative lining;
• upholstery with various other panels;
• painting with all kinds of dyes (without treatment with putty, with the exception of joints in isolated places).