OSB for Subfloor?

What problems (if any) can be caused by using OSB for subfloor.
I'm asking because I don't need structural support, just a smoother surface to lay the luan on. You see... It's an old house with 1" thick boards for a subfloor (varying widths and slight thickness differences). :)

Thanks for any replies

The edges swells up, if it gets damp or wet. Doesn't hold nails quite as well as ply, either.

Just use 1/2" ply, instead of the luan.

For a subfloor, I like Advantec, but for what you're looking for, ply is better, I think as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frenchie

Just use 1/2" ply, instead of the luan.

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I'll ditch the OSB idea. Can I lay linoleum directly over 1/2" ply and not have problems? What treatment do the seams receive?

Thanks,
Molo

The problem with regular plywood is there may be voids here and below the top ply. A sharp weight such as an appliance or woman's high heel can break through. What you should use as an underlayment is called multiply. It comes in 1/4"x4'x4' sheets and may have different names. It's like plywood, but it has no voids. As I recall, it isn't much different in price from plywood.