Photo: Julia Volk

Do you nail or screw OSB board?

Typically, screws are best for OSB and softwoods due to the heightened chance of splitting and easier removal at a future date. This results in a weaker connection and can damage the integrity of the subfloor or sheathing. Plus, OSB subfloors applied with nails rather than screws are more likely to creak.

us.sfs.com - OSB Screws - SFS Best Picks & Fastener FAQ

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Other considerations when choosing the best OSB screw

SFS picks for our best OSB screws

A sharp point enables smoother piercing of the wood and less physical pressure needed when applying.There is no one style of screw head that is objectively best for OSB construction. While a tall hex washer head provides added stability during the application, countersunk alternatives lay flush with the OSB, making it ideal for subfloor applications.Warping due to moisture exposure is considered the Achilles' heel of OSB, so it’s rare for builders to use it for exterior applications. However, there are lesser-known OSB board options with high water resistance, leading to some contractors bucking tradition and featuring OSB in ways that expose it to weather. In such cases, you will want fasteners that offer inherent rust resistance. #12 Woodgrip™ XG - If we were to recommend a single screw for OSB, it would be the #12 Woodgrip™ XG. Calibrated to fit most OSB and plywood construction needs, its purpose-driven aggressive screw design yields strip out value ratings 30% greater than those of standard wood screws. A sharp point combines with a tall hex washer head for easy, smooth self-tapping without the risk of over-drilling. This OSB screw is also suitable for outside use, thanks to its weathertight washer and protective VistaCoat® premium coating that wards off the effects of UV rays and moisture. #14 Type 17 A-Milled Point - Another member of the Woodgrip metal-to-wood fastener family, this fastener also offers the aggressive thread design necessary for screwing into OSB. It shares many other characteristics with the above-mentioned #12 Woodgrip™ XG, including the bond seal washer and VistaCoat® premium coating system. The biggest difference is the greater gauge diameter which accommodates even more weight than its smaller alternative. However, contractors will find that the #12 Woodgrip™ XG is suitable for most OSB connections, making related costs for the larger gauge unnecessary for many projects. #12-8 WoodZAC® XG Metal to Wood Fastener - A close cousin of the two OSB screws above, this member of the WoodZAC® family stands out for its zinc alloy cap head designed to combat damaging moisture and corrosive elements. Count on the #12-8 WoodZAC® XG for harsher exterior applications. #15 Phillips Head DF-#15-PH3 - Hailing from the widely celebrated Dekfast™ product line, engineers designed this fastener with ease of use in the forefronts of their minds. Even beginning contractors can fasten with confidence thanks to its stability-producing #3 Phillips drive and powerful drill point. The screw’s premium-level strength and cathodic epoxy e-coat make it a popular choice for OSB, metal, and even concrete.