Plywood Versus OSB in Roofing

Using quality decking material beneath your shingles is essential for a durable roof.

Homeowners and home builders have to decide whether to use plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) for floor and roof decking. Although both plywood and OSB are used for similar purposes, there are differences in the two products that need to be considered.

Strength

Both plywood and OSB are strong enough to handle standard roof loads. OSB, which is constructed from wood chips, has a comparable weight threshold and thus can be used for roof decking.

Durability

Although OSB may be strong enough, there are questions about OSB durability, particularly after getting wet. Plywood has a much higher tolerance for water, and therefore may be a better choice. OSB tends to expand more rapidly when exposed to moisture.

Price

There is only a slight difference in the cost of OSB versus plywood. A sheet of plywood typically runs only $4 to $6 more than a sheet of OSB.

References

• UMass: Building and Construction Technology
• SBE Builders: Plywood versus OSB