CDX vs OSB, here is a brief comparison between two of the most common types of engineered wood popular these days. Engineered wood is made by combining real wood with other materials using glue or other adhesives. Engineered wood is not real solid wood.
It might be helpful to know about CDX and OSB engineered wood products, including their basic properties, characteristics, advantages, price, differences, and uses so that you can choose & buy the best-engineered wood for your project. Let’s start.
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What is CDX?
CDX is veneer plywood that is made by combining multiple thin veneer sheets of wood together using glue and high pressure. C and D are representations of the quality/grades of either side of the plywood. While the C grade sheet is used on the top surface, D grade sheets are generally used inside. As you may probably assume, the grades of the wood are based on the veneer quality. The higher the grade means the better the wood quality.
The C and D grade woods used in CDX are of medium quality, of which the C grade sheet is better and is, therefore, used on the outer surface.
The letter “X” in CDX stands for exposure, which indicates the wood can withstand a little exposure to moisture and insect attacks, but not for a long duration.
CDX is quite strong and durable and is extensively used in bathrooms and other areas with humidity. However, CDX furniture and items should not be kept in direct exposure to rain for a long period.
What is OSB?
OSB stands for Oriented strand board and is made by compressing wood chips, resins and waterproof adhesive together into a sheet. Isocyanate glue and Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) are two of the most common types of glue used to form OSB. While Isocyanate glue is generally applied in the inner core, Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) is used on the outer layers.
Depending on the Quality and Use, Osb Wood Can Be Divided into the Following Four Categories:
OSB/1 – Average quality – suitable for general purposes such as indoor furniture.
OSB/2 – Medium quality structural panel – suitable for flooring, crating, and building panels.
OSB/3 – Good quality load-bearing boards – used mainly in humid conditions because of good moisture resistance.
OSB/4 – Very good quality heavy duty wood – used in humid conditions, for making load-bearing beams, floor trusses, and outside sheathing.
OSB vs. CDX – What is The Difference?
| PROPERTIES | OSB | CDX |
| Weight | High | Low |
| Workability | Not so easy to work | Easy to work |
| Availability | Easily available | Available in short panels only |
| Water-Resistant | Good moisture resistant | Low moisture resistant |
| Price |
Low |
High |
| Uses | Roof sheathing, walls, floors |
roof sheathing, flooring, and exterior walls |
Applications
Let us compare CDX vs OSB on the basis of applications in which they are used, Both oriented strand board and CDX have different properties and features but they can be used for similar tasks.
Due to the strength and hardness of CDX, it is widely used for flooring purposes. The CDX remains undamaged even after applying a lot of pressure.
Osb on the other hand is more moisture resistant and is widely used for decking purposes. The oriented strand board does not get rotten even after long exposure to water, but a sheet of coating must be used over the edges, to prevent the absorption of water.
If you are looking to build a house with either OSB or CDX, you just can’t. Both the boards have different properties and are usable for different tasks altogether. So, it’s better to understand the pros and cons of both the wood boards before using them.
OSB vs CDX: Which One Should You Choose?
Both CDX and OSB are popular types of engineered wood. Which you should choose will entirely depend on your particular project and goals.
CDX is stronger than OSB but does not have high resistance to moisture. It is durable though and ideal for use in the roof sheathing, flooring, and other places of low humidity. Since it’s very strong and has a cross structure, the wood can withstand the considerable weight.
OSB usage is ideal in places with medium humidity. It is not as strong as CDX but can withstand exposure to moisture for a short period. The most common uses are for walls, floors, and roof sheathing.
Neither OSB nor CDX are fully waterproof and cannot withstand constant exposure to water or moisture. OSB can withstand moisture for a longer period because of its gapless structure and the presence of resin inside, but it may change shape with time and exposure to moisture. CDX has low resistance to moisture, however, treated CDX is better, more durable and has improved resistance to termites and rot.
Contact us at CameroonTimberExportSarl to know more about our wood species, availability and price.
