Plywood is vastly superior to oriented strand board for any outdoor project or application involving prolonged exposure to weather, rain, and ambient humidity. Exterior-grade plywood utilizes waterproof glues and solid wood veneers that withstand moisture fluctuations far better than compressed wood flakes. When OSB is exposed to outdoor moisture without complete encapsulation by heavy paints or waterproof membranes, water penetrates the porous edges, causing the strands to swell permanently and lose structural integrity. Therefore, builders always specify exterior-grade plywood or treated lumber for outdoor structures rather than standard OSB panels.
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