OSB vs Plywood vs Flooring Chipboard: Which Should You Choose?
OSB, plywood and flooring chipboard are all used in building projects, but the right choice depends on the application. For flooring, check the required grade, thickness, edge profile and installation requirements before comparing prices.
Here’s what to consider when choosing materials for your project.
What’s the difference?
| Material | Common uses | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| OSB3 | Wall sheathing, roof decking and suitable flooring applications | Thickness, edge profile, support requirements and installation guidance |
| Plywood | Flooring, roofing, joinery and construction, depending on the product | Structural suitability, exposure classification, thickness and surface quality |
| P5 flooring chipboard | Internal floor decking beneath a suitable floor finish | Thickness, support spacing, tongue-and-groove profile and moisture protection |
When should you choose OSB3?
OSB is made from layers of wood strands bonded together. OSB3 is designed for load-bearing use in dry and humid conditions when correctly specified and installed.
For flooring, check whether your project requires tongue-and-groove boards or square-edged sheets with appropriate edge support. The board thickness must suit the floor design and support spacing.
TSAR supplies OSB3 in different thicknesses and profiles. Check the product specifications before ordering, as not every board is suitable for the same application.
When should you choose plywood?
Plywood is made from bonded layers of timber veneer. Different products are intended for different uses, including flooring, roofing and joinery.
For a structural floor, check the panel’s declared structural properties and installation requirements. Descriptions such as “hardwood”, “WBP” or “marine” alone do not confirm that a sheet meets your floor specification.
Also check compatibility with your chosen floor covering. Some finishes require additional preparation or a suitable underlay.
When should you choose flooring chipboard?
P5 flooring chipboard is a moisture-resistant board commonly used for internal floor decking. Tongue-and-groove edges help adjoining boards fit together.
TSAR’s listed range includes 18mm and 22mm P5 tongue-and-groove boards in 2400 × 600mm sheets.
The correct thickness depends on the floor design, including support spacing and loading. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for fixings, adhesive, expansion gaps and edge support.
Are these boards waterproof?
Moisture resistance does not mean a board can remain exposed to rain or standing water.
Protect boards during storage and construction, and follow the product’s exposure limits. For bathrooms and other wet areas, check the complete floor system, including waterproofing and the final finish.
Which offers the best value?
Compare the cost of meeting the complete specification. Sheet dimensions, cutting waste, fixings, adhesive, preparation and delivery can all affect the total.
Start with products suitable for the job, then compare the delivered cost for the quantity you need.
What should you check before ordering?
Have these details ready:
Board type and grade.
Required thickness and sheet dimensions.
Tongue-and-groove or square-edged profile.
Quantity needed.
Any requirements shown on the project specification.
Delivery postcode and preferred date.
If you have a materials list, send it with your enquiry.
Need sheet materials delivered in London?
TSAR supplies OSB3, plywood and P5 flooring chipboard across London and Greater London.
Speak to Andy and the team to check product availability, sizes and delivery options.
Browse our sheet materials range or contact TSAR for a quote.