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When most people shop for furniture, they focus on the obvious: the shape of the frame, the texture of the upholstery, and the overall style. But as the old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover.
The real test of comfort and longevity lies beneath the fabric: in the frame and the materials used to build it.
Two of the most common engineered wood materials used in furniture frames are OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and Plywood. They share many similarities, but they also have important differences, and the choice between them can impact performance, sustainability, and cost.
At La-Z-Boy, we have been building quality recliners and sofas for nearly a century. Beneath the thick cushioning and stylish designs, our frames are crafted with high-grade engineered wood, often a combination of OSB and Plywood, to meet strict durability standards.
This article will break down OSB vs Plywood for furniture construction, explain where La-Z-Boy uses each material, and help you understand why both have a place in quality furniture manufacturing.
In This Article...
OSB (also known as Oriented Strand Board) is a versatile, engineered wood panel made from waterproof adhesives and cross-oriented wood strands. The result is a dense, uniform board that resists deflection, warping, and splitting.
Its production uses fast-growing species such as aspen, poplar, southern yellow pine, and mixed hardwoods, including crooked or knotty trees that would otherwise go unused. This makes it a highly sustainable choice that supports responsible forestry practices.
Plywood is one of the most recognized engineered wood products, made by gluing thin sheets of veneer together with each layer’s grain running perpendicular to the previous one. This cross-lamination gives plywood excellent strength and stability.
It has been used in construction and furniture making for decades and is especially valued for its water resistance, which makes it a preferred choice in certain applications.
|
Feature |
OSB |
Plywood |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Water Resistance |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Humidity Resistance |
Higher |
Lower |
|
Sustainability |
High |
Moderate |
|
Consistency |
Uniform |
Natural flaws possible |
|
Long-Term Strength |
High |
High |
Both OSB and plywood are engineered to meet strict performance standards for load-bearing, fastener retention, and long-term stability. OSB is known for its uniform density and structural consistency, while plywood’s layered construction provides excellent resistance to bending and cracking.
In La-Z-Boy furniture, OSB has been tested to match or exceed plywood in many strength categories, including its ability to hold screws and resist splitting.
Plywood remains a strong contender, especially in applications where directional grain strength can be beneficial, but OSB offers reliable, repeatable performance in large panel applications without the natural imperfections sometimes found in plywood.
Plywood’s cross-laminated layers and veneer construction give it superior water resistance compared to OSB. This makes plywood a practical choice in applications where direct exposure to liquid is a possibility.
OSB, however, performs better in environments with fluctuating humidity. Its composition allows it to expand and contract more evenly, reducing the risk of warping over time.
This makes OSB ideal for indoor furniture frames in climates where seasonal changes in humidity can be significant, as it maintains its structural shape more consistently.
To learn more about Problems with La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.
OSB stands out for its environmental benefits. It is manufactured from fast-growing, renewable wood species, and the process utilizes the entire log, including sections that would otherwise be discarded. This not only reduces waste but also helps support sustainable forest management practices.
While plywood is also made from renewable wood, it typically requires higher-grade logs and larger-diameter trees, which can limit its ability to use lower-quality or irregular trees.
For environmentally conscious consumers, OSB offers a more resource-efficient manufacturing process without compromising performance. If you’re interested in sustainable fabrics as well, take a look at this article.
OSB is generally more affordable than plywood due to its manufacturing process and the types of wood used. Its pricing tends to be more stable, which is beneficial in a manufacturing environment where material costs can directly impact retail prices.
Plywood prices have seen more volatility in recent years, influenced by supply chain disruptions, increased transportation costs, and shifts in logging regulations. Additionally, some plywood quality has decreased as manufacturers try to meet high demand with limited supply.
In these cases, OSB can be the better option for maintaining consistent quality while controlling costs. To learn more about whether La-Z-Boy Furniture is of Good Quality, take a look at this article.
Plywood is favoured in lift recliner frames and other areas where water resistance is more important.
Beyond OSB and plywood, La-Z-Boy incorporates maple hardwood for seat rails, rubberwood laminate for arms and rocker blocks, and MDF for swivel bases.
Each of these materials is selected for specific properties that contribute to the overall durability and performance of the furniture. To learn more about the Quality of Wood Used in La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.
At La-Z-Boy, we stand behind the quality of our wood construction. So much so that the frame of La-Z-Boy upholstery furniture is guaranteed for life.
The La-Z-Boy warranty covers a lifetime of mechanical parts, spring assembly, and frame parts for the manual & power recliner chairs. This includes manual and stationary recliners covered in either fabric or signature leather.
Additionally, the frame parts of lift recliner chairs are covered for life at La-Z-Boy. The “frame” refers to the Base (Metal, Swivel, & Wood Bases) as well as wood frame parts.
For a more detailed breakdown of the Limited Lifetime Warranty at La-Z-Boy, check out the article Are Recliners Guaranteed for Life?
Now that you understand the OSB vs Plywood comparison and how La-Z-Boy uses each material, you can make a more informed decision when shopping for furniture.
Whether you are looking for a recliner, sofa, or sectional, La-Z-Boy offers a combination of materials that are engineered for comfort, durability, and long-term performance.
Visit a showroom in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston to see the construction quality for yourself, or schedule an appointment online to explore your options with one of our design consultants.
You may also want to take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to help you find pieces that not only fit your space but also match your lifestyle and comfort preferences. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Living Room Furniture in general, take a look at our Comprehensive Living Room Buyer’s Guide.
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