Oriented Strand Board is product often substituted for plywood, but it is not plywood It is used almost everywhere plywood is, such as wall and roof sheathing, and subfloors.
It's less expensive than plywood. It's not as stiff and is more likely toexpand and or deteriorate in the presence of moisture. There 's a t&G version- brand name advantech -made for floors that seems to hold up well.
There are differing opinions about OSB. Many contractors like it. some don t. Some will use it in
certain applications. Most of my work through the years has been repairs and remodeling It's real world understanding as opposed to that shouldn 't have happened stuff happens. Pipes leak, roofs leak, flashing leaks. Not supposed to, but they do and when they do osb can turn to mush. I use it occasionally, keeping in mind that it canno stand continuous moisture like you get when there's a
leak you didn t notice right away.
