Is OSB Bad?! (Oriented Strand Board--What It's For / When To Use It...House Sheathing/Subfloor)

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2 жыл бұрын

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Many people don't know what to make of this strange-looking sheet/panel lumber that you see on houses everywhere. In this short video, The Honest Carpenter discusses what OSB is for, and why it still has a crucial place in the construction market!
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Is OSB Bad?! (Oriented Strand Board--What It's For / When To Use It...House Sheathing/Subfloor)
OSB is short for ORIENTED STRAND BOARD.
It first showed up in the 1970s, when the APA approved it as a multi-purpose construction panel.
OSB is typically used as sheathing for floors, roofs and walls in residential construction. Many builders turned to it in the 80s because of its low price point.
OSB is made up of small wood strands mixed with various waxes, resins and adhesives and pressed into mats and panels.
Despite its ugly appearance, OSB actually has better shear strength than plywood--this is, essentially, the property that prevents houses from collapsing sideways
If OSB has a serious weakness, it has always been with MOISTURE PENETRATION.
When OSB sits out in inclement weather, it absorbs moisture. This causes EDGE SWELLING--pronounced swelling at the edges.
Edge swelling can cause problems in construction if it pushes up shingles and thin flooring. This is known as "Expressing" or "Telegraphing."
OSB has a lot of competition in the market these days. The ZIP WALL SYSTEM is sort of like a house sheathing and house wrap in one, which is getting used a lot. And ADVANTECH is a very stable subfloor material that many builders prefer over OSB these days.
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

Пікірлер: 645

@joeyager8479 2 жыл бұрын

I used 7/16 OSB to finish the walls in my shop instead of drywall 20 years ago. I put it up with the more textured side out. Painted white it gives an interesting texture wall finish. And being in a shop, you can attach anything anywhere without needing to attach to find a stud or girt.

@trumpisaconfirmedcuck5840 2 жыл бұрын

Better: install OSB then install drywall on top of that. You get the benefits of both (can hang stuff anywhere, fire resistance of drywall, finish capabilities of drywall with mud and tape, etc.) It's also a HARD surface you can't punch through like with drywall. Not easily anyway. When you hang your drywall you don't even need to find a stud for the drywall screws. The downside is of course the cost and time of installing both. I did both in my garage though, OSB then drywall and it's awesome.

@toonybrain Жыл бұрын

Good idea

@chriscolameco6850 Жыл бұрын

Or you can skip the drywall and just skim coat the OSB with compound. Im doing that for radiator covers in one of my rentals now. If it holds up over the years, I might just do that instead of sheetrock for walls. It’s cheaper. Goes up faster, is more “tenant proof.” Gonna do one with hot mud, one with mud and oil based primer. I might plaster one since I want to learn how to do that too.

@bologna1670 10 ай бұрын

@chriscolameco6850 was thinking of doing something like this in my garage. Any updates?

@utpharmboy2006 6 ай бұрын

its nice yes but may not pass fire code and insurance issues

@jenlong9905 Жыл бұрын

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzfaq.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

@louislandi938 2 жыл бұрын

Another great lesson. Men of your caliber do not just pop up. You had to have had outstanding parents. It really shows. And you never waste our time. Always direct and to the point. Looking forward to the next time.

@incognitonegress3453 2 жыл бұрын

Y is this comment so underrated? Good people r few n far n between n indeed, he appears very secure thus perhaps was raised correctly. Bless his wife/children. 🙏🏽

@markb.1259 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!! Ethan is very well spoken, kind and is the definition of "Professional"! Thank You for what you do Ethan!!!

@thedewaltcarpenter5401 2 жыл бұрын

Ethan is awesome right on everytime always to the facts

@jobacuda4472 2 жыл бұрын

I can attest to the fact that Ethan has great parents! ;-)

@jaxflfreebird 2 жыл бұрын

@@incognitonegress3453 You feel this way simply because you haven't seen his rap videos, nor have you owned any of his cds. This guy is such a thug. Under that t-shirt his body is covered with tattoos. You should see his videos. He puts Eminen to shame. Right now DJ Carpenter is at home smoking blunts with his homeboys. I can't believe you fell for his "Mr Honest Carpenter" line of videos. This is just a sideline to help him financially. In reality this guy is just a white man struggling to get his raps heard by the mainstreamers. Support his real passion, Rap Music!!!

@kevinharding2099 2 жыл бұрын

You cover the basics and essentials that many of us are just not aware of in a clear, comprehensive manner. Thanks.

@michaelpenyak2329 2 жыл бұрын

I’m really enjoying your channel. As a DIYer with an MBA, I have A LOT to learn. Between your videos and on the job training with my father in law (plus access to all his tools), I’m getting fairly proficient with small carpentry projects.

@joeolejar 2 жыл бұрын

The first horse stalls I built was done with 3/4 plywood. Learned that a horse could dent and even break through with a swift kick. Last ones I used OSB. In 10 years, the OSB has remained undamaged. I'm sold on its durability and structural integrity.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Supposedly it has far fewer voids than plywood, Joe. That’s why some people prefer it for subfloors-it’s just denser.

@desertodavid 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter right. Not only is OSB more dense then plywood, I think the most important aspect is because of the oriented cross layering of the chips it's also far more Superior in resistance to warping-- don't you think? Honestly I think that's one of its main advantages.

@matthewwasserman7709 2 жыл бұрын

I covered my shop walls in OSB for this reason! Heavy coat of white paint and it looks great!

@gulzeb 2 жыл бұрын

@@matthewwasserman7709 horses in the shop is not a good idea

@matthewwasserman7709 2 жыл бұрын

@@gulzeb HAHAHA!! They're great for glue ups!

@flagmichael 2 жыл бұрын

That explains a lot! A couple weeks ago I replaced much of the carpet and other flooring in our house with LVP. The last room was the master bath, but there I noticed the plywood subfloor was overlaid with 1/4 inch OSB. It was glued down as well, so I was stuck with a transition. When I pulled up the existing vinyl flooring I saw vinyl tile, and around the toilet it was not adhered at all. Under the vinyl tile was the OSB that had apparently been receiving water (my guess, from the pattern, was a neglected tank leak) for many months at some point before we bought the house 20 years ago. It was rather thoroughly rotted - fortunately I had recently bought an N100 respirator - but the remains were still glued to the subfloor. I used an entire 50 lb bag of leveling cement to get it and the affected surroundings filled. I understand it has its place, but in the vicinity of water it seems out of place.

@misskim2058 2 жыл бұрын

Ya, cement board would be better over the plywood in a wet zone.

@snowmonk1867 2 жыл бұрын

Super helpful, OSB is all around me, I on a crew finishing an enormous retirement living center that has become incredibly frequent site for me. I was wondering about all the uses. Seems vital in many large, commercial projects. Thanks for all the advice and alternatives, your videos are really stimulating.

@feathermerchant 2 жыл бұрын

When contemplating OSB, I am somehow reminded of the line from the Christmas Story movie: "My old man's spare tires were only actually tires in the academic sense. They were round and had once been made of rubber."

@catherinegrace2366 2 жыл бұрын

That’s hilarious. I’ve watched that movie every year and don’t remember hearing that line. Hilarious.

@southern842 2 ай бұрын

Only I didn't say fudge.

@DanKoning777 2 жыл бұрын

My buddy worked for "Heartland" a big shed/storage building co. During that time they did a: OSB vs plywood test. They repeatedly parked a 1/2 ton pickup truck on a 10' x 16' mock sub-floor using 1/2" and 5/8" flooring, and treated 2 x 4's [4' on center so the flooring would bear most of the load]. In the end the OSB out performed the plywood with regards to sagging, and damage; *but* like you said, just don't get it wet. ;)

@johnhansen2187 2 жыл бұрын

I was taught to prime the wood after cutting to size with a white lead oil paint, then let it dry before installing the wooden pieces. Today, I will prim large pieces like flooring on both sides and the edges with a decent primer before installing them, now I use water based primer. I was trained as a carpenter by my father, but became an electrician. (The Carpenters were not taking any apprentices when I was ready.) So I only do the carpentry work on my home. I have never found anyone else who believed in priming the cut boards before installing them. I still do, although I only work on my home.

@seymourwrasse3321 2 жыл бұрын

not cost efficient

@Luchy137 2 жыл бұрын

Great job

@jamespatterson1433 Жыл бұрын

Great presents of mind to do the right thing. You can wire my house anytime. Most only think....get ur dunn.

@fionnmoranobriain3615 Жыл бұрын

If you want timber to last you have to use a water based microporous paint as to not clog but allow the timber to breath so it doesn’t get dry rot, I would only recommend that on timer that is on the exterior or exposed to the elements. Inside your house though is sealed so there would be no need for the paint as it doesn’t need moister or UV protection. It’s definitely smarter and cleaner to paint timber before installing if you have the intention of painting it after installing anyway 👍

@kshxfkt76pz7 10 ай бұрын

Water-based anything causes swelling, but stuff like Woodlife Classic is OK on something like a fence picket. Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES) is what you really want to use, but it is pricey.

@mahmoodchaudhry7195 2 жыл бұрын

Iv just watched 1 vedio briefly.. Brush vs brushless.. Very impressed.. Delivery and explanation is fantastic.

@dariushmilani6760 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are always helpful Ethan. Keep up the good work in educating the DIYers 👍❤

@kevindrevik7351 2 жыл бұрын

Very Helpful. Didn't know the difference between this and normal plywood, and always looked down on it. Thanks for the info!

@chrisk7118 Жыл бұрын

Great info, thanks for sharing.

@chefspenser1480 2 жыл бұрын

Once again, great info in a short, well produced video - thanks!

@laurareese5880 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing on this video! I just bought a sheet for my workbench I'm building. Now I know I need to put a coat of finish on it but it's not exposed so I'm going for it. Thanks for the very interesting videos. As a female just getting into DIY you make accessible videos without being condescending. Thank you for that.

@dustinbird2090 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! If you're just getting started in diy projects and are looking for more good sources of info, I'd recommend Rex Krueger. He's got an excellent humorous presentation style with great tips on woodworking in general with a focus on using traditional hand tools. Best of luck!

@jhans3278 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ethan, for another informative video. As a homeowner, I’ve always stayed away from OSB because it looks cheap. To me, cheap usually = failure. Plywood has served my purposes.

@johnkelley9877 2 жыл бұрын

This was interesting and there are some things I learned about OSB. Thanks for sharing this.

@flaviorodmarques 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks!

@1ijak 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your shared information. Your videos are always great and to the point.

@kennethspengler9934 2 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy your informative videos. Keep them coming.

@jblocksmith 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT Info !!!

@Silverdragon517 2 жыл бұрын

Such a simple and awesome explanation of OSB . I had always wondered why this was used

@glenschumannGlensWorkshop 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have used OSB as wall material in a workshop and plan to use it again in a small storage shed.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect place for it, Glen!

@AnthonyIsToeKnee 5 ай бұрын

Great video! Someone that makes a straight to the point content.

@dirtyvet5404 2 жыл бұрын

the video was informative. I could not help notice how organized your shop is. You gave me inspiration. thanx

@Dbb27 2 жыл бұрын

I showed my husband his shop. I think he got jealous!

@dougc78 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Learned about alternative products, thanks.

@catherinegrace2366 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I don’t know jack about plywood or OSB but I saved your video to help me out when I go shopping. Thank you!

@Steven.Thrash Жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thanks 👍

@spencerbass7142 2 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@superwout 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful product, good video, thank you

@patricklyon7026 2 жыл бұрын

OSB is good stuff. I hang on to scraps for backer when I do drywall. It's also great if you need to pad some framing out. Very versatile material.

@manuelurdaneta8649 Жыл бұрын

Very useful information,

@rollthers3157 2 жыл бұрын

Good info in this video.

@CorinthWright-uh8sc 3 ай бұрын

Very helpful... good job

@jonathanthink5830 2 жыл бұрын

i just finished learning new topic. thanks.

@ParniyanKarimi 6 ай бұрын

what a great wrap-up! thanks!

@VNaik713 Жыл бұрын

Super clear, concise and helpful as are all your videos, thank you very much 😊

@mercoid 2 жыл бұрын

This was informative. You put out very good, to the point, no nonsense content. 👍

@brucebissell7626 2 жыл бұрын

AWESOME INFO. THANKS. I WILL USE THIS ON MY NEXT DIY.

@Spaced_Out_Bill Жыл бұрын

Super helpful video! Thank you.

@rtorres732 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are really useful!!! Thanks

@mohammedhariesalumthottath2193 2 жыл бұрын

Hi from India...I have made my whole shop interior by this material, but seriously I didn't know it's name,after watching this video I came to know it's OSB...thank you brother.....

@Ambrolite 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I did learn alot

@hassanal-mosawi4235 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing those tips!

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, Hassan!

@richardstrada212 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for some great insights.

@jons2447 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, Ethan; Thank you for all you do. OSB is really far superior for replacing the "particle board/"dust board"" in mobile homes. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Jon!

@spemper Жыл бұрын

I am working in a 1969 mobile home now replacing the particle board floor in the kitchen after a long slow leak did alot of damage. Especially to the floor. The OSB that I used to replace subfloor was great until it came time to flatten or level the surface of the kitchen and dining room. I called 3 manufacturers today and not one of them even MAKES a product to patch and level the surface in preparation for vinyl plank flooring. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this??? Live the videos honest carpenter.

@vit1844 2 жыл бұрын

great! thank you!

@dionpayne6088 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very helpful 😊

@nicolabellomo6049 4 ай бұрын

Your knowledge is impressive. Thank you from Italy

@vince6829 Жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thank you!

@sjohnson9403 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thanks for helping us use our money most efficiently.

@ItsAsparageese 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for always providing phenomenally clear and accessible info! I'm designing a tiny house trailer for now and a small cabin to build after that, planning to use largely salvaged materials (and some aspen deadfall) for both. Everything you've taught me about materials has really helped illuminate the nuances and given me a really strong foundation for making structural and design choices. I really appreciate it 🙏 (When I get further along in drafting stages on the cabin, I definitely plan to hit up your consultants for extra insights/cautions before and after I get things more locked in with a local contractor to help finish the plans!)

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

I’m really glad it’s helpful, Emerald! Unfortunately we’re not consulting anymore 😕 But I do think I’ll be covering a lot of topics in the near future that’ll be good for your build!

@ItsAsparageese 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter Aww haha I hadn't looked at the site again for a while! All good, just an opportunity to keep exploring and find even more awesome helpful people to learn from, love learning from as many resources as possible :D And I have no doubt your videos will just keep getting better and better and piling up in my reference playlists! Thanks for all your hard work!

@MsDaddyrabbit1 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@larryproffitt4729 2 жыл бұрын

A very informative video thank you for making it.

@freddielee8500 Жыл бұрын

Great video with lots of good information.

@tomrunning357 2 жыл бұрын

I like that it has a rough side to take out some of the slip hazards when using for roofs.

@FritsvanDoorn 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thank you. Very useful information.

@frankbullitt4556 11 ай бұрын

good info. hanks

@worstuserever 2 жыл бұрын

I always learn something from your material studies, Ethan, thank you. Before really starting to get into woodworking, I had a lot of home repairs to deal with and discovered 18mm OSB as an inexpensive option for replacing broken floorboards. Appearance didn't matter as there was nothing special about the original wooden boards and it was all to be covered. The only drawback is where an obstruction, such as a pipe I'm not ready to move, sits high under the boards. For these I use solid wood as I can cut a groove to accommodate, finding that weakens OSB too much.

@flagmichael 2 жыл бұрын

I had a very bad experience with OSB glued to the plywood subfloor under a toilet. A water leak destroyed the OSB and I had no choice but to fill the area with self-leveling cement.

@michaelfrost5868 2 жыл бұрын

Another educational and interesting video. Thank you Ethan

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Michael!

@charlesviner1565 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video ✌

@IgorFitz Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@ronfowler6804 2 жыл бұрын

That was interesting, filled in the blanks from what I knew. Thanks

@rolandmetayer7210 2 жыл бұрын

" As always " thank you honest carpenter, you nailed it ! ! Cheers from Canada.

@rolandmetayer7210 2 жыл бұрын

@David.M. 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, good information.

@edreusser4741 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton. I apprteciate the information. It was very useful.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ed!

@moeswartz888 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought some sanded osb-3 as an interior flooring for a workshop in the house. If sealed it is pretty durable and can even look great.

@edm26849 2 жыл бұрын

I always enjoy your very informative videos ... great tips and knowledge ... and the presentation/communication is excellent.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ed!

@MyMy-tv7fd 2 жыл бұрын

very enlightening

@namritawebster9613 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Ethan, thanks!

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Namrita!

@melinda5777 2 жыл бұрын

Great informative video! Thanks 😊

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Melinda!

@ibrahimaldossri2646 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for good video we are learning something new keep it up 👍

@paulschwartz6074 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your very helpful videos and information, Ethan, and I really appreciate your no-nonsense approach to your videos - just really solid, understandable and helpful tips and advice. One question when it comes to sheathing the inside of exterior walls (e.g., finishing the inside of a garage): Is there a general rule to follow for the vertical spacing of the screws/nails along the studs (how far apart/close together they should be)? Thanks again for all the great info.

@JackKirbyFan 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. I knew little of OSB or it's purpose and that cleared it up.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thanks Dave!

@gsftom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Confirmed what I thought that I knew 😎

@billjohnson4626 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@jamescalkins8803 2 жыл бұрын

Engineer/large home project DIYer. This is a great video on content - I haven't found an equal to you on YT. Keep up the great work!

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, James!

@peterbarlow8912 2 жыл бұрын

They used to recommend painting all cut edges in the field. ‘Paper’ over installed exterior faces ASAP. Thanks for the straight scoop. Can’t get a screw to hold in the edge of plywood either.

@gilbertlopez8285 3 ай бұрын

Enjoyed this video as I learned a lot. Will keep it for future reference.👍

@YouTubeCertified 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent thank you for the vid

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Certified!

@LuciFeric137 2 жыл бұрын

I remember paying ~ $6 a sheet for 7/16 OSB. Sheetrock was $5 so i did everything in OSB. $22 per at HD yesterday

@SirCatWaffel 2 жыл бұрын

It's cool you uploaded this video so soon around the time of my project. I'm building my own travel trailer guy recommended OSB but I've decided against it I'm going to just go with standard 3/4 plywood.. going to coat the outside with some sort of goop. Not sure yet. Thanks for the advice

@brucenovotny5924 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely helpful and informative...definitely for me 🙏🙏🙂👍🇨🇦

@repapeti98 2 жыл бұрын

Robert Dunn used his CNC router to surface it and make a table for itself with wacky jointery. Turned out great!

@marthaleone584 2 жыл бұрын

Thank u! 👌🙂👋😊😁

@drewgodderis5390 Жыл бұрын

Thank you young man for the knowledge on OSB I’m going to use it to put a floor in my van if that’ll work any thoughts on that and then I will put some wood laminate on top probably the squares

@timenavigator9643 2 жыл бұрын

As always, great vid! Please do the sheering video soon.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Will do, Navigator!

@AP-uv7qs 2 жыл бұрын

Great 👍🏻 explanation. Nice to see the background coming together. Can you do video about vaulting a ceiling? Thanks

@BobMuir100 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, didn’t know any of this. Bob England

@Nab-Asn2803 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great vedio appraite you details wish all the best

@ericbarthelemy190 2 жыл бұрын

Tks I learned something.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Eric!

@szlash280z 2 жыл бұрын

I built my garage shop drawers with OSB for the actual drawers, plywood for the rest. They have held up great! I got the idea from John Heisz

@treeforge 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tree Forge!

@LHAGYALO258 2 жыл бұрын

New lesson of the day.

@tallybobba 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for explaining what zip system consists of

@user-em6ie2be7x 2 жыл бұрын

I've used OSB on a few floors & walls, & for the most part it holds up pretty good. Tip: If you absolutely have to use OSB externally use a can of Flex Seal on it & it'll hold up for Years!👷🏾‍♂️

@monkeygraborange 2 жыл бұрын

Beat me to it!! 👍

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve seen teams seal the seams on roof panels in particular, W

@ItsAsparageese 2 жыл бұрын

I'm super curious about flex seal. Never used it for anything, just starting to experiment with plastidip lately but I've been getting the feeling that flex seal might be better for many purposes I have in mind. I'd welcome any thoughts on its uses/any tips you feel like sharing, if you or any other commenter wants to ramble a bit about your experience with it!

@stevenmoss6043 2 жыл бұрын

@@ItsAsparageese plasti drip is a good product. I’ve used on footwear before, to waterproof my boots. I’ll reply again later. Supper time!😎

@desertodavid 2 жыл бұрын

@@ItsAsparageese I once made a Jon Boat out of window screen and coated it with Flex Seal. I sailed all the way from California to China with no problem!😅