Lifestyle

Why OSB (Oriented Strand Board) Continues to Outpace Plywood

Published

5 years ago

December 1, 2020

Are you looking for the reasons why OSB is leaving behind Plywood for construction purposes? We all know that Plywood is one of the best materials to be used for indoor construction purposes, personal projects, facing veneers of a different material, making furniture more resistant to damage and moisture, and so on.

But why is the case that Plywood for construction has left behind in the race? As it turns out, the OSB or Oriented Strand Board is defeating the benefits and conveniences of Plywood when we compare these two with one another.

In this article, we shall analyze why OSB takes the cake when we consider the quality and benefits of these two materials, what OSB we can use, and some general information about Oriented Strand Board.

What is OSB?

OSB or Oriented Strand Board refers to an engineered wood similar to particleboard. Oriented Strand Board is manufactured using various kinds of waterproof and heat-cured adhesives and then compressing the layers of rectangular-shaped wood strands in a specific direction.

Armin Elmendorf invented the Oriented Strand Board in California in 1963. OSB differs in its texture from other boards due to its rough and variegated (multi-colored) surface. The individual strips are around 2.5 cm x 15 cm, which lay unevenly across each other.

OSB’s performance and nature are in many ways similar to Plywood; however, as we will see, there are many aspects where OSB performs better than plywood products. The nature of Oriented strand Boards is very versatile and accounts for its variety of uses.

How is an Oriented Strand Board Made?

OSB is the orientation of compressed layers. It differs from other wood-scrap products due to this quality. The wood layers are placed strategically and not randomly, like different kinds of wood.

They produce the oriented strand board in a variety of types and thicknesses. The OSB board is a combined form of wood and adhesives that make up for a reliable and dimensionally stable panel. The panels can resist deflection, moisture, core voids, knotholes, warping, delamination, and distortion in their shape.

Here are the step-by-step processes that are involved with the making of an OSB wood:

1. Harvesting

What separates OSB from other kinds of woods is that it produces from small-diameter logs extracted from fast-growing species of trees depending on the plant’s geography. The plant species may include Aspen trees, Poplar trees, black poplar, or southern yellow pines.

After extracting the logs from a particular plant species, they stack them on top of each other. In the winter seasons or cold areas, they keep placed in large ponds heated by wood burners. These ponds heated by wood burners wash, unfreeze, and soften the logs.

2. Breaking

The logs then debark, i.e., they remove the bark from the tree trunk. The logs are then sliced and diced by the stranders; The pieces are of an appropriate 3 to 6 inches length, 1-inch breadth, and a 0.003-inch thickness.

3. Stranding Under Pressure

They then pass the strands through dryers of temperatures around 1,500 F when the process starts and around 200 F when it comes to completion. The strands then blend with a mixture of resins and waxes.

After adding this mix, they layer strands into 3 to 8 inch deep mats on a continuous belt of 8 to 12-inch wide. Then the strands cut so they can fit into the plant’s press. In the press, these strands bake above 400 F. The pressure depends on the board thickness and is typically above 1,300 PSI.

4. Delivery

Finally, the strands come out of the press and then cut into size. They trim most of the wood panels to 4 feet by 8 feet. They use the remaining scrap from the wood as fuel. Boards are modified, such as the radiant-barrier modification or a tongue-and-groove cut.

They check the bundles of wood after receiving these modifications for their quality. The bundles that pass this check load up for delivery.

Uses Of OSB

The uses of OSB board are many. Here is the following list of utilizes for OS:

1. The material used in OSB has specific mechanical properties that make it appropriate for load-bearing applications in construction. Because of its mechanical nature, it is becoming increasingly more popular than Plywood for construction.

2. OSB uses for:

wall and roof sheathing;
flooring;
roof decking;
sub-flooring;
sheathing of ceilings or decks;
structural insulated panels;
industrial containers;
mezzanine decks;
exterior wall applications.

3. OSB panels are available with a radiant-barrier layer modification that laminates to one side. These panels provide an easier installation and contribute towards the energy performance of the building envelope.

4. Due to its mechanical nature, OSB panels are frequently used in structures that require weight-bearing properties.

5. Besides these uses, OSB is also perfect for furniture production.

Oriented Strand Board vs. Plywood: Why OSB Is More Popular?

The success story of the OSB board traced back to the 1980s. During that time, OSB material production went from 750 million square feet to an astounding amount of 7.5 billion square feet.

By 2000, OSB’s supply and demand were rivals of wholesale plywood supply by wholesale plywood suppliers and plywood dealers. Now, the market share of OSB is estimated to be around 75%. These numbers indicate an enormous increase.

Now let us analyze the reasons why OSB is leaving behind Plywood for construction purposes. This observation is vital for potential plywood buyers as they should inform themselves about the wooden materials before contacting a wholesale plywood supplier.

1. OSB is More Versatile

Plywood used to consider to be versatile by plywood buyers. However, when it comes to versatility, OSB defeats Plywood. OSB can be engineered for different climates and different projects, depending on the need of the buyer.

Fire block OSB formulates for particular purposes. For instance, a layer of fire-resistant material can orient along with OSB in the Mill. This unique OSB material use for making wood that utilizes sheathing.

Engineers can use this product to make fire-code compliant wall assemblies to reduce the wall’s dead load and thickness.

2. OSB Provides More Consistency

Plywood is known for its many veneers that do consistently layered on top of each other. However, OSB can do it better than Plywood. OSB does have layered with 50 strands of wood that will compress into the same essential consistency and thickness.

3. Oriented Strand Board Is Cheaper

Another great thing about OSB is the fact that it is very much cheaper compared to Plywood. It does estimate that OSB costs $700 less than Plywood. Due to this reason, buyers have begun to prefer OSB over Plywood.

4. OSB Panels Are Longer

OSB boards manufacture in factories and mills up to around 24 feet. On the other hand, Plywood does extract from trees that aren’t that long and hence amount to short panels having a size of about 8 to 10 feet.

For interested buyers, short sized OSB panels are also available for sheathing, ranging from 9 to 10 feet.

5. OSB Is Stronger Than Plywood

Since OSB is thicker than Plywood, it has more strength than plywood panels, and due to this quality, it utilizes load-bearing applications in construction. When it comes to structures that require superior strength and weight-bearing materials, OSB is the best option.

6. OSB Is Better for The Environment

Another reason why plywood wholesalers have left behind is due to their manufacturing needs. To make plywood, they cut large and old trees down. These trees take a long time to grow to their original size.

On the other hand, OSB does not require manufacturers to cut down big trees, as discussed above. OSB produces from small-diameter and fast-growing trees that are easier to farm and reproduce. This fact sets OSB apart from Plywood for a particular reason, climate.

Manufacture of OSB over Plywood is a healthier choice for the climate and is why manufacturers and suppliers turn towards orientated strand boards.

The Grades Of OSB

In terms of mechanical performance and resistance to moisture, five grades of OSB are available.

OSB/0 – with no formaldehyde
OSB/1 – General-purpose boards and boards for interior fitments (including furniture) that use for dry conditions
OSB/2 – Load-bearing boards that use for dry conditions
OSB/3 – Load-bearing boards that use for humid conditions
OSB/4 – Heavy-duty and load-bearing boards that use for humid conditions

The Takeaways:

OSB is a material that makes it utterly impossible for wholesale plywood distributors to compete with it. It brings versatility to your projects and is always a better choice if you need to go for the uses mentioned above.

Besides its sales in North America, the sales of Oriented Strand Board have experienced a growth in other countries. For instance, Canada in 2005 saw the production of OSB increasing to 113 hundred thousand square feet, out of which 94 hundred thousand square feet had exported to the USA.

Just like all other kinds of wooden materials, OSB has its shortcomings. It has raised the question that OSB has many health and safety risks due to its potential to emit harmful volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde.

Due to this reason, it suggests that materials make from OSB should not be used for internal purposes. However, many new and advanced tech OSB panels on the market do not use these toxic products and are safer to utilize in homes’ interior design.

If you are looking for a high-quality OSB, look no further than Plywood Logistics. As a reputable plywood supplier, it provides premium plywood for construction all over the USA. By buying plywood directly from Plywood Logistics, you can cut the price of the agent’s commission. Click on plywoodlogistics.com to learn more about oriented strand board, CDX and other materials for construction!

References:

https://depatisnet.dpma.de/DepatisNet/depatisnet?action=pdf&docid=US000003164511A

http://www.fordaq.com/fordaq/news/Canadian_structural_panel_market_13586.html

http://www.greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/i-m-concerned-about-toxic-offgassing-from-osb-subflooring-and-roofing-are-safer-products-available

Lifestyle

The Future of Education Through Patricia Vlad’s Eyes

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Michelle Langton

The traditional systems that once defined learning, rigid curricula, standardized testing, and a narrow focus on academic performance, are increasingly being questioned. And why is that?

Starting in the 1880s, thinkers like John Dewey advocated for a shift in teaching methods, leading to the rise of progressive education. Unlike traditional models that emphasize rote learning and job preparation, progressive education puts students at the center of the learning experience. Changemakers like Patricia Vlad also believe that hands-on, experiential learning is the key to deeper understanding. This approach prioritizes critical thinking, curiosity, and personal passions, encouraging students to become lifelong learners who actively engage with new ideas and problem-solving. Schools and parents that embrace this model focus not just on what students need to know but on how they can continue to grow and adapt throughout their lives.

As the world changes, so do the skills, knowledge, and adaptability students need to succeed. The future of education is about personalization, inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and meaningful learning experiences.

With years of global teaching experience, Patricia has seen firsthand how different education systems approach learning. She believes that the future of education must embrace neuroscience, technology, and self-awareness to create a system that is not just efficient but also empowering for students.

“Education should be about more than just passing tests. It should equip students with the skills to navigate life, understand their strengths, and feel empowered in their learning journey,” Patricia emphasizes.

The Future Belongs to the Emotionally Intelligent

Unlike technical skills that may become obsolete with automation, EI – our ability to understand and manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges, remains uniquely human. It plays a crucial role in self-awareness, resilience, effective communication, helping individuals excel in both personal and professional life.

When it comes to EQ, think of it like this: Kids with strong emotional intelligence are better at handling stress, resolving conflicts, and overcoming challenges. Studies suggest that EQ is a stronger predictor of long-term success than IQ. And let’s be real, no matter how advanced AI gets, it will never replace the depth and impact of human connection.

How LevelUp Cultivates Emotional Intelligence Through Patricia’s Coaching

1. Learning Will Be Personalized and Strength-Based

Instead of forcing students to fit into a system, education will be tailored to each child’s learning style, strengths, and interests. Neuroscience-backed methods – such as learning based on attention spans, emotional regulation, and brain development research – will be used to create adaptive learning environments, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

Through tools like LevelUp, which incorporates the Big Five Personality Model, teachers and parents will have a better understanding of a child’s cognitive profile, enabling them to offer more personalized support.

2. Emotional Intelligence Will Be a Core Part of Learning

The future classroom won’t just cover maths, science, history, or even language – it will also focus on self-awareness, empathy, and social skills. As research shows language doesn’t just communicate thought; it actively shapes it. The intentional use of language can influence how the brain processes emotion, memory, and social connection – making it a powerful tool for developing emotional intelligence.

LevelUp integrates EI into its framework, ensuring students not only understand themselves better but also build confidence, manage stress, and develop strong interpersonal skills.

3. Education Will Be More Interdisciplinary

The future of learning will move away from isolated subjects and toward interdisciplinary education, where concepts from different fields are connected and applied to real-world problems.

For example, students might blend neuroscience with psychology to understand learning processes or combine technology and art to develop creative solutions.

4. Technology Will Support, Not Supplant Human Connection

In the classroom of the future, meaningful engagement between students and teachers will remain at the heart of learning. Peer collaboration, hands-on projects, and real-time feedback from teachers will continue to be irreplaceable elements of education.

Technology will play a supporting role enhancing, rather than dominating, the learning process.

Whether through gamified modules, virtual simulation, or adaptive platforms, tools like LevelUp will be used intentionally to deepen understanding and personalize feedback, always in service of human connection, not as a substitute for it.

5. Schools, Parents, and Students Will Work Together

Education won’t be confined to the classroom. Parents will play a bigger role in guiding their children’s learning, using tools like LevelUp to track progress, support emotional development, and encourage curiosity at home.

By strengthening the parent-child-teacher connection, education will become a team effort, ensuring every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

A Future Built on Empowerment

By combining neuroscience, technology, and emotional intelligence, Patricia is helping to reshape education into something that prepares students not just for exams, but for life itself.

A truly effective education system values each student’s creativity and passions—not just their ability to recall information. Instead of just delivering information and expecting rote memorization for test scores, teachers encourage active, hands-on learning through projects, experiments, and peer collaboration. This approach allows students to explore topics that genuinely interest them, making learning more engaging, meaningful, and personal.

The LevelUp platform, developed under Patricia’s leadership, is contributing to a growing shift toward education that is rooted in self-awareness and real-world readiness. Additionally, emotional intelligence is a core part of learning, not an afterthought.

One story that sticks with Patricia is that of a student named Ethan, who had always been labelled “distracted” in class. His teachers described him as bright but inconsistent, often zoning out or fidgeting during lessons. When his LevelUp profile revealed high reactivity and strong openness, a new picture emerged: Ethan wasn’t disengaged—he was overwhelmed by too much information at once and thrived when topics were explored through hands-on, creative activities.

With this insight, his teacher began breaking tasks into smaller steps and introducing art and building projects tied to the curriculum. For the first time, Ethan started raising his hand during class and even stayed back after school to show his work. “We’d been trying to ‘fix’ him when all we needed was to understand him,” his teacher later shared.

It was a small shift, but for Ethan, it changed everything.