Oriented strand board comes with several distinct disadvantages when compared to traditional solid wood or multi-ply structural plywood panels. Its most prominent weakness is extreme sensitivity to moisture along cut edges, which causes permanent swelling and structural degradation if water barriers fail. Additionally, OSB is notably heavier than equivalent thickness plywood, making overhead installations or manual handling more physically fatiguing for construction workers. It also lacks any natural decorative aesthetic appeal, making it completely unsuitable for exposed finish carpentry or visible furniture. Furthermore, while it has great shear strength, OSB offers lower screw-holding capability along its edges compared to traditional plywood.
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