OSB vs plywood for subfloor — which is better?

Both work well. OSB is less expensive. Plywood is more dimensionally stable in wet conditions. Advantech engineered OSB offers the best moisture resistance of any panel.

What thickness subfloor do I need?

3/4" (23/32") for 16" OC joists. 7/8" or 1" for 24" OC joists or heavy loads.

OSB Panel Calculator

Calculate how many 4x8 OSB subfloor panels you need for your floor area.

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Enter Your Measurements

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How to Use This Calculator

1Measure total floor area in square feet (length × width).
2Click Calculate — each 4x8 panel covers 32 sq ft.

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About This Material

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) subfloor panels are the standard subfloor material. Use 3/4" Advantech or equivalent tongue-and-groove OSB for best results.

Installation Tips

•Install panels with the long edge perpendicular to joists.
•Stagger end joints for structural continuity.
•Leave 1/8" expansion gaps at all edges.
•Use ring-shank nails or screws every 6" on edges, 12" in field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Running panels parallel to joists — always perpendicular.
Skipping the expansion gap — panels will buckle in humid conditions.
Not staggering end joints.