I have had a 24 x 40' "pole barn" built. Actually a Wick building. But about the same as Astro or Cleary or Morton. It's un-insulated -- just a "tin skin" outside of a few 2x6's that are between the "poles"... which are actually three 2x6's joined together.

I want to put a plywood (or OSB) "inside wall" between the poles (which are on 8 foot centers) as a protector from bumping (and denting) the metal as I work and park equipment and such.

I MAY go up a full 48" ... but might rip the 4x8' sheets to 39 or 40".

THE QUESTION: whether to use OSB or plywood -- which is the better deal?

I know there are different thicknesses -- like up to 3/4 or 7/8 or even a full inch (?).

It seems like OSB is a little cheaper -- is it as strong as ply? As impact resistant ?

Looks don't matter -- knot holes and such don't matter -- it better be dry inside, so there's no need for any exterior grade.

Any opinions? Thanks. J

Jalu- Yes osb is cheaper then plywood. It is preety strong as plywood , but which ever you use , unless you put down a curb to be a stopping spot, pulling up and hiting the plywood or the osb , you will bust , which ever one you use. IF it was me I'd go with the osb . Unless you keep heat inside all the time ,( NO MATTER YOU WILL STILL HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MOSTUIRE< INSIDE::::::: THE SHINNY SIDE <ON OSB FACES THE WEATHER::: GOOD LUCK . F > B. E.

I preferr osb over plywood, I've found it better to work with, plywood that I've used always seemed to have a bow in it, which made it harder to nail up, osb stays farily straight
It is also cheaper, most homes are built with osb

Glavine, Thanks much. Is OSB equally "impact resistant" ? I'm sure not PLANNING to, but if a kid smacked each with a ball-bat, or threw a brick, would the OSB -- having the "smaller pieces of wood" be more likely to get a hole? Or is the glue and the "oriented strand" stuff make it even tougher than ply?

Thanks. JaLu

Plywood is just oposing layers of laminated wood.

OSB as you can see, is "oriented" chipboard,pressed and a lot more adhesives involved.

Both have advantages, and disadvantages,but, I would agree with FBE and glavine, OSB is the best for what your interested in doing.

If your concerned with the possible damage due to a machine/ball bat,, etc, add studding throughout the area where your going to install this paneling, it will keep the board stiffer and more resistant to abuse.

Ken

Makes sense. Thanks.