Could OSB be BETTER than Plywood????

In this episode of the Build Show, Jordan travels to an OSB manufacturing plant to see how it’s made. The process may surprise you!
Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Polywall, Huber, Dorken Delta, Prosoco, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

[phillhuddleston]

The one advantage of OSB over plywood is you can have a half inch thick sheet of OSB and after it gets rained on a few times you now have a three quarter inch thick sheet of OSB :)

[christiamhaagensen]

Been a carpenter for 30 years, I'll choose plywood
Every time, I've seen too much osb fail.

[curtcmiller]

The title doesn’t match the video, where is the comparison?

[mrMacGoover]

OSB when used as roof sheeting has always caused sagging valleys between rafters after several years as the heat from the shingles heats up the glue or binding agents allowing them to become soft and pliable in summer allowing it to give under the constant weight of the shingles.

[Phylonyous]

As a 40 year old wood working novice, I appreciate all these techy videos... helps me learn about all stuffs better and expedient.

[jenniferwhitewolf]

Wrong title... How OSB is made, not compared to plywood in any meaningful way.

[williamheadford]

Very clear and informative presentation of the OSB making process. As a board I was doubtful about its durability, this has given me confidence to use it as a Home DIY user. - Thanks. Bill, Cornwall, England.

[NishraRama]

I've been working with wood for over 40 years, the Plywood cost twice as much of the OSB maybe even more, but it lasts 20 times more than OSB, I stopped wasting time and money on OSB.

[gonedmtns]

New game... drink a beer every time he says "I won't get into all the detail"

[StoneHouse]

Which one is better then? I didn’t hear anything about plywood? Eh?

[canadianoddy]

I worked at the worlds largest OSB factory called Footner Forest Products in High Level Alberta for two years. I was in charge of the forming line and tank farm. I'm a millwright. It was a continuous press not multi opening.
The plant was ALWAYS full of smoke. A severe health hazard. Most times (depending on board size) the smoke was so bad you couldn't see the other end of the plant. You can see a small amount of smoke at about the 1 min mark of this video. Every time the compensation guy showed up, amazingly we were always running the small board so little amount of smoke or we were down for "repairs". LOL. Yeah the government and the companies don't give a shit about working people. I'll go on welfare before I ever work in OSB again. Obviously they weren't doing much when you were there with the camera. Show up unannounced with a camera one day and post that. Bet you won't even get in the door.

[Rexsus]

I used this on my subfloor up here in the Pacific NW right before we got dumped on with rain. Even when we couldn't get the water off we ended up with only about 1/16 of swell on A FEW edges and other than that the whole thing is strong and flat. I actually have a few pieces that have been sitting outside in the weather as temporary decking for about 4 months with no deformation or structural issues. Plywood will often return to size and shrink back down, but I've found there's more squeaks and when it swells it delaminates so the damage is already done.

[MDC]

I wouldn't use OSB on a bird house

[subeyguy]

I upgraded my 2700sq ft build to 2x6 and plywood only 1/2 sheathing, decking, and 3/4 subfloor. The cost increase was $8500 give or take. 6 months of house payments, worth it.

[JeoWilson]

When wet... Plywood warps. OSB falls apart. Hmmm. Both are bad but I'd rather have an uneven floor than a hole. lol

[tedpendlebury]

Lots of comments about mistitling, and I agree, but I just wanted to say what a great explanation of how the stuff is made, beginning to end. Well done.

[cristianmolinaroa]

Very well explained Matt, I'm an engineer and I worked in the development of it about 20 years ago. Congratulations!

[ImAChristianFirst]

My dad built a doghouse out of OSB a couple of years ago. It sits outside in the rain. He did paint it. However, it has held up just fine in the elements. So obviously the best use is to put a covering on it whether that is paint, siding, shingles, etc.

[hudsonkeelin]

Osb when it gets wet or damp will flake apart and rot. No way is osb better than plywood

[jaye]

Matt, sorry for all the negative comments here. I enjoy all the information you bring. Thank you. I’ve learned so much!