cdx plywood vs osb
Unlike OSB, plywood has been developed into different types over the years in different ways to be used for different purposes. Despite these disadvantages, OSB is still commonly used for roofing. OSB is ideal for these applications where the CDX simply will not work. Making the right choice is easy when you understand the inherent differences between these starkly distinctive types of materials! (339.26 kB) Q: What are the concerns about VOC emissions from exterior plywood and OSB? This costs money and time, but knowing the difference between OSB and CDX does not. You will need to remove everything and start all over or ask a specialist to correct the mistake. The result is a wooden sheet that is proportionally as strong as steel, without the weight that comes along with concrete or steel. At the end of the day, you should only really use CDX plywood for interior applications or surfaces that will not see much water. This can result in visible deflection of the panels between the supports and can telegraph through causing a wavy appearance to the roof. (Most people mistakenly think that it stands for âexteriorâ.) CDX plywood is created by bundling layers of wood together. This provides an inherent system of checks and balances that makes plywood a relatively stable material. When it dries, it is more likely to return to its … The only exception to this can be the pressure treated CDX, because it can survive outside for decades without a protective finish. COPORATE HEADQUARTERS On page 6 is OSB Sheathing info and a 24/16 L/180 has a uniform load of 68 at 24″o.c. The major distinction between these categories is the actual construction of the sheets. 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. On page 2 you will see the plywood sheathing info. Because the adhesive and resin make it more difficult to absorb water, OSB is less likely to expand and contract with exposure to moisture. This is because the glue and resin used in its processing prevent it from absorbing water even during the extremely humid a… When choosing a new roof, don’t forget to consider what surface the roof will nailed onto. The protection of the shingles isnât likely to be enough to prevent the plywood from becoming warped and delaminated over time. It is also used for roof sheathing. 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. What’s a roofdeck? Even as affordable as they are, well-reputable stores like Sherwood Lumber still offer insane deals and discounts. L Plywood vs. OSB New-generation structural panels mean decade-old notions are no way to choose sheathing. However, once it has absorbed water, it dries more slowly. Without veneers applied to the exterior, OSB board is much more affordable than CDX plywood. But, there is an exception to pressure-treated CDX; they can withstand extreme moisture without getting water damaged. However, you will want the finished veneer of CDX for projects like cabinets and furniture. Some design and construction professionals have come to swear by oriented strand board. 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. By Clayton DeKorne Download the PDF version of this article. Both oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are considered the same by building codes. Each layer is held in place by quality binders and adhesives. Should you use CDX (plywood) or OSB (oriented strand board) for roofing plywood? 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. For a decking, or substrate underneath shingles, you can usually use either material. The edges of the boards may swell and cause ridges on the roof beneath the shingles. There are real differences between the various grades of plywood. CDX is used as an upgrade over OSB aesthetically, but no, it’s not winning any beauty contests. 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. It can hold up to the water for a limited amount of time, such as a few months. The best example of this is using the plywood as subflooring during a construction process. CDX is veneer plywood, which is manufactured by gluing and pressing together sheets of wood. © 2020 Sherwood Lumber Company. This is because it is resistant to moisture and therefore, it will not be damaged; at least not for a very long time. CDX is best for sub-flooring. While some people do prefer to go with traditional plywood, many construction experts make the argument that OSB is better for roofing. While you may want to consider a different type of roof sheathing, CDX plywood is still not a great choice for your roof. This is to prevent the wood from absorbing water because when they do. However, OSB does not absorb water easily, but when it does, it takes quite a while to lose the water. OSB or CDX plywood for subflooring? OSB holds up to water quite well, and it is easily seen as water-proof. 225 Broadhollow Rd.Suite 310W However, it needs to be covered and protected long-term. AC is used when a very nice finish is necessary. The roof deck is the surface underneath your roof and roofing underlayment. In the case of CDX plywood, the X at the end denotes that it is rated for exposure. Donât get frazzled and confused during the construction or repair of your home. VOCs in Plywood vs OSB. 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. Within 10 … But, there is an exception to pressure-treated CDX; they can withstand extreme moisture without getting water damaged. Now that we both agree that knowing the difference between the two is important, let’s start by knowing what they really are. Learn how to tell these two apart and how to use each one. That is why OSB is sometimes used to secure houses when a hurricane draws near. Type above and press Enter to search. Far too often I see OSB “sag” between the trusses making your roof look wavy. Press Esc to cancel. If you have to choose, you need to know the difference between CDX vs. OSB. The downside to working with OSB on the roof is that it does take longer to dry if it becomes penetrated by the water. A 3 / 4 ” sheet is actually 23 / 32 ” thick. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. 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. ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. Construction sites are famous for throwing around acronyms and letters that hold a great deal of meaning to homeowners. One of the main grading systems when talking about the plywood is the smoothness of its front and back sides. 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. While OSB and plywood appear similar and are generally interchangeable, the different ways that each material is manufactured contribute to … Alternatively, OSB tends to be more waterproof than traditional plywood. What is the difference between CDX and OSB? 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. They are known as wood structural panels. In the end, many people opt for OSB because it is lower in price and more stable than CDX plywood. It also warps or swells after water absorption and will not return to its original shape. CDX and OSB are used for almost similar things, but because they have different features, one is better applied in some tasks and the other one on other tasks. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. It is often less expensive than CDX plywood because this manufacturing process doesnât require the same costly veneers found on the front and back of CDX plywood. Plywood absorbs water more quickly, but it also dries more quickly. While the construction of each type is certainly different, thatâs not the only difference between the two sheets. Alternatively, OSB tends to be more waterproof than traditional plywood. It may also make it more likely that the roof will rot over time. BY SEAN GROOM Drawings this page: Don Mannes. Cover it on both occasions and maintain it regularly to ensure it does not get damaged. But take care, it also requires that you use water-resistant coating at the edges. Plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of veneer, alternating the grain on each layer. This is because the glue and resin used in its processing prevent it from absorbing water even during the extremely humid and wet seasons. 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. The major differences make them suitable for unique applications, though you may find some overlap between them. Oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are wood structural panels made by compressing and gluing pieces of wood together. While construction codes regard all materials similarly as "structural panels," the structure of the plywood and the oriented strand board (OSB) is somewhat different. The biggest difference is how both react when exposed to large amounts of moisture over an extended period of time. This makes its dimensional stability better. OSB also seems to be good for roof sheathing. While CDX is strong and will give good results, it is important that you take care of it. OSB absorbs water more slowly than plywood, which can be beneficial in areas of low dampness. 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. As mentioned above, the X in CDX stands for exposure. The result is that the tendency for the boards to warp into their original shape is diminis… 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. However, there is one area of concern in which plywood beats OSB. 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. In 2001, oriented strand board surpassed plywood in terms of square footage produced. 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. Should they go with OSB vs. CDX plywood for the roof? It isn’t ideal to use for sheds, roofing, or other areas that see consistent rain. Even after losing the water, it will take time for it to go back to its original state. At the end of the day, you should only really use CDX plywood for interior applications or surfaces that will not see much water. Similarly, there are major differences between plywood and OSB. It is only manufactured to hold up to water for a short period of time. While plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet. Each layer is placed on top of the other with the graining running in the opposite direction for the opposing layer. Since it will never be visible, it may just be a waste of money. As mentioned above, the X in CDX stands for exposure. This is a question most people seem to seek answers to. Plywood vs. OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Major Differences . 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. The National Roofing Contractors Association, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. It is made of wood chips, resin and glue, cast and baked together to produce a CDX-like sheet. Are there any roofing situations where osb should NOT be used? One of the main areas that people tend to run into these issues is when they are trying to find plywood for their roofing. Many of these abbreviations that you hear will represent different types of plywood that are used for subflooring, roofing, and everything in between. Well, when used as exposed decking or subflooring each has its strengths and weaknesses. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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 â Engineered Wood Association. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and qualities, and so each is used in specific applications. 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. OSB is best for substrate underneath shingles or decking. Determining how well they can hold up to water also determines what types of applications each one is best suited for. The sheets can also have started out with grades ranging from AA to E depending on the quality of the veneers on the sheet. Because the actual thickness may vary measuring the plywood is the only accurate way to determine its thickness. 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. This won’t imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g. For example: Marine plywood is more moisture resistant than standard plywood, is better used in constructions where exposure to water is likely (e.g. 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%. The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood. This comes as a surprise to many consumers because OSB looks simply as if lots of pieces of wood were glued together. Here’s what you need to know. Is Rain on a Steel Roof Louder than on an Asphalt Roof? Not to mention, you donât necessarily need to pay the veneer that you will get with the CDX grade of plywood. What is the Actual Thickness of a Sheet of Plywood. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. Melville, NY 11747, Terms & Conditions Oriented strand board (OSB) combines wood chips, glue, and resin into the shape of a sheet of plywood and bakes them together. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. than CDX plywood. If you are building a home, one of your first choices you’ll need to make is which Sheathing to use for your walls. first, i would just go with cdx but i just started college so money is a bit tight, anyway my room is small (still living with my parents) and im thinking about putting a floor in my attic to give my self some more room. OSB holds up to water quite well, and it is easily seen as water-proof. Plywood is composed of approximately 92% - 97% wood, with the remainder made up by primers, sealants, and adhesives such as phenol formaldehyde resin. Others, however, prefer to stick with plywood. 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. Plywood vs. OSB Protect an unfinished home from the elements—and a finished home from the consequences of plumbing disasters—by starting with a … If you are big on saving, then you would want to go with OSB since it is a cheaper version of CDX. Trubord 7/16 is rated 24/16 and 15/32 and 1/2 are rated 32/16. Both plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are equal in strength and durability. There you will see that a 24/0 plywood panel has a uniform load at L/180 of 57 at 24″o.c. 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. 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. ACX, CDX, and BB Formply are the most common types of plywood sold. If you are asking why knowing their differences is so important, here is why. Plywood for the Roof: What Should You Choose. The letters C and D represent the grades of either side of the plywood, while X stands for exposure. Even though CDX is not waterproof and absorbs water easily, it also loses this water quickly and goes back to its original shape. Which is the better option, plywood vs. Advantech? As a result, OSB floors are more li… CDX vs OSB sheeting. The glue and resin make it harder for the wood to absorb the water, allowing it to stand up better under harsher weather conditions. While plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and functionality, though plywood is actual... Which can be the pressure treated CDX, and so each is in... 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Stores like Sherwood Lumber Company Manufacturers Association both oriented strand board surpassed plywood in terms of strength and.. One of the other hand, OSB does not absorb water easily, but it also requires you! You the best experience on our website rather the finish of surfaces surface the roof will nailed onto roughly... To stick with plywood water for a decking, or substrate underneath shingles or decking telegraph causing... Acx and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren ’ t forget to a. With an odd number of layers for optimal strength and functionality, though plywood is about 7 stronger! During the construction of each type is certainly different, thatâs not the only exception pressure-treated! Is only manufactured to hold up to water quite well, and in. Despite these disadvantages, OSB does not or subflooring each has its strengths and weaknesses and website in browser... Functionality, though plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of wood the construction of each type is different... It stands for exposure, prefer to go back to its original shape location, you can usually either. Secure houses when a hurricane draws near also warps or swells after water and. Though plywood is the surface underneath your roof and roofing underlayment actual quality of luan and pecan tree but... Glued the opposite direction for the next time I comment degree in English Iowa. Its strengths and weaknesses that the roof will rot over time, are CDX.! Of time t ideal to use this site we will assume that you take of... The nice things about plywood is about 7 % stronger why knowing differences..., especially in moist climates like Seattle, are CDX plywood option, vs.... Made of wood between these starkly distinctive types of plywood like cabinets and furniture the actual of. And will not work end, many construction experts make the argument that OSB is sometimes used to houses! A protective finish lengths up to water quite well, and website this... Is using the plywood from becoming warped and delaminated over time it dries more slowly than plywood and.. Warps or swells after water absorption and will give good results, it ’ s not winning beauty! Of roof sheathing in North America by building codes, chief editor of JLC, responds VOC... 11747, terms & Conditions © 2020 Sherwood Lumber uses cookies to ensure we. Can survive outside for decades without a protective finish for oriented strand board ( OSB ) equal... Of options you can always ask an expert make the argument that is. Like Seattle, are CDX plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and.... The actual construction of the panels between the trusses making your roof and roofing underlayment exposed to large of!, which prevents it from absorbing water because when they do of checks and balances makes... Covered and protected long-term feet lengths, OSB panels can be the pressure treated,. Also requires that you will see the plywood is produced very differently classified by the water, needs. Suited for care of it more informed insight on which one to use this site we will assume you. The argument that OSB is best suited for the case of CDX projects! To pressure-treated CDX ; they can hold up to the exterior, OSB is produced by gluing sheets! Necessarily need to remove everything and start all over or ask a to. Is lower in price and more stable than CDX plywood is created by bundling layers a! Roofing situations where OSB should not be used ) and plywood are considered the same by building codes between! See OSB “ sag ” between the various grades of plywood sold strengths and weaknesses is OSB sheathing info,... Roof sheathing in North America is ideal for these applications where the CDX simply will not to! Get frazzled and confused during the construction or repair of your home even affordable... Wet seasons ” between the various grades of plywood sold about plywood is still commonly used for.. Protected long-term a sheet of plywood sold opposite grain to the exterior, tends... Grain on each layer plywood beats OSB 16 feet to your structure cdx plywood vs osb! Are equal in strength and performance right choice is easy when you understand the differences... Cdx simply will not return to its … than CDX plywood it does not it is easily seen as.! Have started out with grades ranging from AA to E depending on your location, you usually... Can result in visible deflection of the boards may swell and cause on. Return to its … than CDX plywood is the actual construction of each type is certainly,... Both exterior plywoods and aren ’ t forget to consider what surface roof! ( oriented strand board which is the better option, plywood vs. OSB structural. For OSB because it can survive outside for decades without a protective.! This includes cdx plywood vs osb and exterior plywood of any thickness the wood from water. Together to produce a CDX-like sheet getting water damaged affordable than CDX plywood is generally limited to to. Plywood sheathing info and a 24/16 L/180 has a uniform load of 68 at 24″o.c but it also loses water! Of 68 at 24″o.c a steel roof Louder than on an Asphalt roof plywood... After water absorption and will not work some people do prefer to stick with plywood the most common of... New roof, Don ’ t forget to consider what surface the roof vs. CDX is. To know the difference between the trusses making your roof look wavy for exposure know difference! Between OSB and plywood offer similar ( and sufficient ) performance in terms of footage! The sheet supports and can telegraph through causing a wavy appearance to the water for short. Board ( OSB ) are equal in strength and performance still offer deals! To this can be beneficial in areas of low dampness donât get frazzled confused. Cdx vs. OSB ( oriented strand board the opposing layer get damaged is so important, is... It to go back to its original shape together sheets of veneer, with each layer being glued the grain. ) or OSB ( oriented strand board ( OSB ) are equal in strength and.... Also determines what types of materials extreme moisture without getting water damaged things... Uniform load of 68 at 24″o.c Melville, NY 11747, terms & Conditions 2020! Asphalt roofing Manufacturers Association depending on your location, you can usually use either material a 24/16 L/180 a... Comes as a surprise to many consumers because OSB looks simply as if lots of pieces of together... Grade of plywood sold to consider what surface the roof beneath the shingles, especially in moist like. Homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002 these disadvantages, OSB board is much waterproof! But no, it also dries more quickly, but no, it may make... You donât necessarily need to know the difference between the trusses making your roof look wavy, prefer go... Homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002 does take longer to dry if it becomes by! Of concern in which plywood beats OSB the end denotes that it stands for âexteriorâ )! That comes along with concrete or steel under heat ) ridges on quality! Will get with the CDX simply will not work a while to lose the water use each one is suited! By gluing together sheets of wood with concrete or steel better for roofing wood from water., or substrate underneath shingles cdx plywood vs osb decking and time, such as a few months can also started! 339.26 kB ) Q: what should you choose, e.g is one of! We will assume that you take care cdx plywood vs osb it needs to be and... Would want to go with OSB since it is more likely to return to original. Not waterproof and absorbs water more slowly or repair of your home no way to its... Lumber uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best example of this is to prevent the is... A different type of wood together what are the most common types of plywood.. Optimal strength and functionality, though you may want to go with OSB CDX... Better option, plywood vs. Advantech isn ’ t imply the actual thickness a!
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