The Builder’s Guide to OSB vs Plywood for Energy-Efficient Homes

The Builder’s Guide to OSB vs Plywood for Energy-Efficient Homes Looking to build an energy-efficient home? Choosing the right sheathing material is critical. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and plywood dominate the market, but they differ in performance, cost, and moisture resistance. Here’s what you need to know: - OSB: Cheaper, widely used (64% market share), but less moisture-resistant and prone to edge swelling. Costs $700–$900 less for a 2,400–2,500 sq. ft. home. - Plywood: More expensive, but offers better moisture resistance, quicker drying, and long-term durability. Ideal for wet climates or Passive House(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passivehouse) standards. Quick Comparison | Feature | OSB | Plywood | |---| --- |---| | Cost | $0.55/sq. ft. | $0.75/sq. ft. | | Moisture Handling | Swells at edges, slower to dry | Dries faster, no edge swelling | | Air Sealing | Needs extra sealing for airtightness | More reliable as an air barrier | | Strength | Higher shear strength | Better bend...