OSB vs. plasterboard for wall

Hi, just wondering what you think about using OSB for inner walls of the control- and live room? Thanks Thomas

I think if you have it, use it. It can help you develop a better structure even if it may be more rigid. And the ability to screw into the OSB rather then hunting down studs is beneficial from an install point of reference.

Just realize that the density of OSB is lower (about 500kg/m3) than plasterboard (about 750 kg/m3) which means lower mass and finally results in less isolation. A combination of both would work.

Hi, Thanks for answering. I think that OSB have two advantages. First they are cheaper and secondly the can look nice without any painting etc. I just wondered why nobody uses them (I searched the forum) except for floor for wall construction. So I learned OSB have lower density. And if isolation is not a problem (to the outside) OSB should work. @ro: waht exactly do you mean with combination. Layered? Gypsum plasterboard on top of OSB? Or one side of wall frame with OSB and the other with plasterboard? (i remember that different masses on both sides increase sound isolation). Thomas

ANY combination ;) Yes, layered for example. I don't like the look of OSB and prefer a nice painted Gypsum wall instead. So I'd do a sandwich of GB/OSB/GB for that matter. It's just a matter of mass to me

So I learned: OSB is ok when look is not an issue or the look is wanted but it has little lower density than plasterboard. Ok.

Ro wrote:

ANY combination ;) Yes, layered for example. I don't like the look of OSB and prefer a nice painted Gypsum wall instead. So I'd do a sandwich of GB/OSB/GB for that matter. It's just a matter of mass to me

I wouldn't sandwich it that way... you'll get far better structural integrity by attaching the OSB directly to the studs, and then two layers of gypsum.

you'll get far better structural integrity by attaching the OSB directly to the studs, and then two layers of gypsum.

I tested booth versions in my studio , and found out that there is no practical difference. A benefit of having the wood in the middle, is that you can use shorter Screws later, when you want to fix something on the wall. In my case i had to use 80mm long screws to fix a simple piece of stud at the inside. With wood in the middle 60mm was enough. cheers Mika

Exactly, there's no difference structural wise. You'll penetrate every layer with longer screws anyway.

Yeah, For me, OSB is expensiver than Drywall. So yeah, I would surely go for plaster in my case. Sandwiching layers as mentioned is good since sound doesnt like changing materials and different mediums.

A lot of good input on OSB and drywall. If I can add a little more of my experience. If you want to use OSB then the most beneficial place is as the base/first layer. As mentioned above, it will allow you a place to screw into that doesn't require such an accurate positioning as locating a stud. The reason why I would not sandwich it between drywall is that due to the rigidity of the OSB this interior placement may create a very rigid barrier and this is something we are trying >not< to develop. Screws that penetrate into OSB create as rigid a connection as into a stud so placing this material inbetween the drywall would not be, for me, the best placement for the OSB. As a finish material, that is your personal preference, but it is not a desired locating, again, due to the rigidity of the panel and the screw penetration making it more so.. As a side note, OSB here in the States @ Xit 4, Alabama is cheaper than or the same price as 1/2 inch sheetrock. edit: One of the MAIN advantages is to develop a build that can stand up on it's own with no need for sophisticated acoustic sway bracing or the like.

I agree with Xspace. The OSB would be more structurally effective if attached to the studs.

All I can say is that according to Rod, the structural rigidity of placing the wood sheet good material directly to the stud face was what he was specifically after, in my build... and I really do trust Rod. If you think about the rigidity of wood sheet goods and gypsum, attaching the wood makes for a much stiffer mass, as opposed to the gypsum. I would think that the increased standoff distance of sandwiching the OSB would decrease structural rigidity a significant amount. Thereby, making a slightly less rigid assembly. Granted we're talking minute points of reference here, but this is a game of millimeters, where every bit of stuff, like LF TL is important. I can tell you this much from a practical standpoint... The rooms at my place are currently damned stout, and I am finding that they are extremely effective at isolating sound...

If every mm counts, and sound isolation is key, you'd be best served my using the densest materials, which isn't OSB. If you have the space it works great, but if I only had 1" of space, I'd use two sheets of 1/2" drywall. More mass.