What are builders using instead of plywood?

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) was introduced to the building industry in the late 1970s and quickly became the sheathing material of choice for North American home builders in place of plywood.

Is OSB sheathing better than plywood?

Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications.

What is the difference between OSB and chipboard?

The characteristics of chipboard are low cost, high thickness and the capability to manufacture large dimension boards. OSB is characterised by its constituent strand elements which vary in size and aspect ratio and are larger than the chips from which chipboard is pressed.

What is the difference between sheathing and plywood?

These thin layers, also called plies, are glued together in alternating, perpendicular directions to create a cross-graining pattern. Sheathing refers to the board or panel material used in floor, wall and roof assemblies of both residential and commercial construction.

Can chipboard be used outside?

The density of the chipboard gets to determine how it’s used. Typically, chipboards are used for all sorts of decorating and interior building projects. As such, it’s not feasible to use them outside.

What is Waferboard called?

Melamine covered waferboard. Also known as oriented strand board or OSB, waferboard is a wood panel composed of flakes that are compressed to create a sturdy and workable building material.

What is sheathing plywood used for?

Sheathing: Standard construction plywood used for wall sheathing, roof decking, floor structures (subflooring) and general rough construction where looks and surface imperfections aren’t important.