Manufactured from thin sheets of cross-laminated veneer and bonded under heat and pressure with strong adhesives, plywood has been one of the most ubiquitous building products for decades. Plywood is available in a wide variety of appearance grades ranging from smooth, natural surfaces suitable for finish work and underlayment to more economical grades used for wall sheathing and subfloors. With more than a dozen common thicknesses and over twenty different grades, it’s easy to specify the right panel for the job.

Oriented Strand Board
Oriented Strand Board, or OSB, is made by adhering strands of wood in a certain direction and apply glue to make the piece strong for structural purposes. OSB has replaced plywood for use as exterior wall sheathing & roof decking (both in 7/16" thickness minimum) and in 2nd story flooring in 3/4" thickness in a tongue-and-groove interlocking pattern, which is nailed and glued to the I-joists. OSB used in wall sheathing & roof decking will swell up if exposed to the elements for even a brief period of time and must be replaced, therefore it is covered by a weatherproof membrane such as felt to protect it, secured with plastic cap nails. House wrapping is used on areas which will be sheathed with vinyl siding.