DIY Builds
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What is an alternative to OSB?

In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels.

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For the past 30 years, the majority of new homes in the U.S. have been built with wood-framed walls sheathed with oriented strand board (OSB). Most builders are so comfortable with OSB wall sheathing that they never consider using an alternative material. In fact, a wide range of materials can be used to sheathe a wood-framed wall. In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool OSB user, it might be time to consider some of the available alternatives to OSB.

It’s sheathing, not “sheeting”

Before we compare different sheathing materials, we need to clear up a common misconception. Plywood and OSB are examples of sheathing, not “sheeting.” The word comes from the verb “to sheathe,” which means to encase something in a protective covering (as a dagger is protected by a leather sheath). Builders who talk about “sheeting” apparently assume that the word is derived from the word “sheet” (as in, “a sheet of plywood”). These builders are wrong.

Sheathing serves many functions

No one has yet invented the perfect sheathing material. Ideally, a sheathing material should:

meet code requirements;

be affordable;

be strong enough to brace a wall (provide racking resistance);

hold nails and screws well without being so dense that nails and screws have a hard time penetrating the material;

be airtight (or able to be rendered airtight fairly easily);

be vapor-permeable;

be easy to install quickly;

be a “green” material that can be produced locally from recycled or renewable raw materials. If you know of any material that complies with these properties, send me an e-mail. OSB. OSB panels are made of large wood chips and glue. OSB is strong enough for wall bracing, and holds fasteners well. The main advantage of… Weekly Newsletter Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. Signing you up... Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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Will marine grade plywood warp?

Use of Marine-Grade Plywood Lamination under high heat and pressure and the use of waterproof glue helps to make marine grade plywood more durable for wet environments. The glue fills all the voids to keep each layer tight to prevent any warps or rot.

Pressure-treated plywood is chemically treated to prevent insect damage and to protect against rot, and it can survive outside without added protection if exposed only to average amounts of water like an occasional rainstorm or garden hose. Damage occurs with submersion of the wood in water or its use as an exterior material in very wet environments. Manufacturers can apply a water-resistant finish that will reduce the risk of warping and rot when the plywood is in or on the water. The finish may extend the life of the material, but it is not a permanent solution. The problem is the voids in the wood caused by naturally occurring grooves and holes. Water can enter these voids and cause the wood to rot from the inside. Another concern with submerging pressure-treated plywood is the risk of chemicals leaching into the water. In the past, the chemicals used to treat the wood were arsenic and copper. Arsenic can accumulate in the tissue of fish and other animals, and high levels of copper are toxic to marine life. Today, many brands of plywood still use copper, but not arsenic. However, studies have been unable to produce any conclusive evidence that the level of the chemicals in the wood is enough to cause serious health risks to nearby marine life. So it is still legal to use pressuretreated plywood in docks and other structures in the water in Florida. Although, it is still not the most efficient material for this purpose. A better type of use for basic pressure-treated plywood is in yards that are not overly wet or directly against waterways. Use pressure treated plywood to build decks, steps, and picnic tables. The wood is also safe for raised-bed gardens and children's playsets.

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