What’s the Difference Between OSB vs. Drywall?
Don’t get walled into a space that’s not up to your standards
Highlights
OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing $32 to $58 per sheet, compared to $15 to $23 per sheet for drywall.
OSB’s durability and flexibility make it suitable for wall sheathing, underlayment, roofs, and siding.
Drywall is lightweight, has a smooth surface, and is easy to install, making it ideal for covering the studs on interior ceilings and walls.
If you’re getting ready for a project that includes putting up new walls, drywall is probably your go-to thought. But there are alternatives to choose from, such as OSB. If you’re contemplating the pros and cons of OSB versus drywall, we’ve put them head to head to help you make your decision.
OSB is an engineered wood, while drywall is made from a mixture of calcium sulfate dihydrate, a.k.a. gypsum. Both are common construction materials and can be used in similar situations. However, the differences definitely make one better than the other in certain applications. We’ll help you determine when and where to use each in your next construction project.
OSB vs. Drywall: Key Differences
Oriented Strand Board, known simply as OSB, and drywall are made of completely different materials, which affects their function and uses. OSB has some flexibility, making it suitable for subfloors. Drywall, on the other hand, is stiff and rigid and can snap or puncture if put under too much pressure.
Yet, drywall is lighter, easier to cut, and has a smooth surface that’s easy to paint. OSB can splinter and come apart if not cut correctly and has a rough, textured surface that’s hard to make visually attractive.
What Is OSB?
OSB is an engineered wood. Its cross-grain layers of wood are mixed with resins and special adhesives, which are pressed and heated to create the final sheet. The cost of OSB varies by sheet thickness, running from ¼ to ¾ inches thick. Those varying thicknesses make it suitable for siding, floor underlayment, wall sheathing, and roofing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Heavy |
| Highly durable | Difficult to cut or paint |
| Wide range of thicknesses | Susceptible to pests |
Best for:
Subflooring under lighter flooring materials
Exterior or interior sheathing
Roofs
Siding
Pros of OSB
OSB’s strength allows it to bear more weight for roofing and siding. At the same time, it’s flexible enough for use in underlayment. However, its flexibility makes it better under lightweight flooring options like carpet rather than heavier materials like stone tile.
OSB can last for decades if it’s properly maintained. It can also add strength to a building's structural stability. Lastly, it comes in a wide range of thicknesses, making it usable for interior and exterior construction projects.
Cons of OSB
One of the main cons is that OSB is heavy. A single sheet typically requires two people to safely move. This material can also be difficult to cut, easily sheering and creating rough edges. While you can use it for interior walls, it’s much harder to make the surface of OSB look attractive. It also requires sheathing tape between sheets to prevent water damage at the edges.
What Is Drywall?
Drywall is made of gypsum plaster hardened between sheets of facer and backer paper. It’s relatively lightweight and used to cover wall studs on interior ceilings and walls. This material can be found in all interior spaces, though you can find drywall alternatives for garages and other specific areas. Drywall comes in different thicknesses, with the thickest being 5/8 inch. The cost of drywall installation varies by the sheet thickness, type of drywall (there are soundproof, fire-resistant, and mold-resistant varieties), and final finish.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to work with | Easily damaged |
| Can be painted and textured for design effect | Limited load-bearing |
| Mold-resistant, water-resistant, and soundproof varieties | Not ideal for humid environments |
Best for:
Interior walls and ceilings
Pros of Drywall
In comparison to alternative interior wall materials, drywall is relatively lightweight, making it easier for local drywall contractors to install. An experienced installer can probably move and place a sheet without help. Drywall’s rigid structure makes it easy to cut along a straight edge for quicker placement on the wall or ceiling.
The smooth surface of drywall’s facer paper readily adheres to primers and paints, so you can achieve different design aesthetics. Drywall also offers natural pest resistance because it’s not made of wood or other materials that attract unwanted visitors. Finally, drywall is made in different varieties for use in specific rooms. For example, mold- and water-resistant drywall can offer better durability in a bathroom.
Cons of Drywall
That same rigid structure that makes drywall easy to cut and install also makes it easy to damage. Something (or someone) falling into the wall during or (after) installation can cause cracks or punctures to the surface. While you can repair the surface, you have to be careful even when installing a picture frame.
Drywall is too rigid and fragile to support a lot of weight. Consequently, it doesn’t strengthen the building's structure. Drywall is primarily an attractive, durable finish for interiors, so it doesn’t offer versatile uses as some other construction materials can. And while water-resistant varieties do exist, standard drywall isn’t ideal for very humid environments.
OSB vs. Drywall
These two materials have a few similarities, but ultimately, they’re best for different purposes. If you’re trying to decide between the two, it’s time to compare OSB and drywall more closely.
Appearance: Drywall
OSB’s textured, uneven surface doesn’t lend itself to paint or a sleek finish. Drywall, on the other hand, can be textured and painted to fit a wide range of styles. It’s an easy winner when it comes to the final appearance.
Durability: OSB
Both OSB and drywall offer excellent durability, making them popular building materials. However, OSB edges out drywall thanks to its structural strength and the durability it offers buildings.
Price: Drywall
OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing about $32 to $58 per sheet. Because drywall is less durable than OSB, that’s often reflected in the price, which is $15 to $23 per sheet. You’ll likely see that price go up, though, as you increase in material thickness and if you choose a moisture-resistant or soundproof type.
Ease of Installation: Drywall
Drywall is easier to cut and lightweight, making it quicker to install. OSB is heavy enough that you’ll need two people to carry a sheet. Additionally, it can be finicky when cutting, so it’s easier to break or shatter if not cut carefully.
Ease of Repair: Drywall
Replacing OSB requires removing the material on top of it and the entire panel, which can include using a circular saw. You may also have to seal the ends of the OSB to protect it from water. You can patch holes of most sizes in drywall. For large holes, you can cut out the damaged area and fill it in with a piece of new drywall.
Versatility: OSB
OSB comes in a wider range of thicknesses than drywall. Plus its durability and flexibility make it useful in many applications. In short, if you have extra OSB left over from a project, chances are you can use it in another project. If you have leftover drywall, you can’t really use it on exteriors or to build shelves like you can with OSB.