OSB Sheathing - How many screws?

[cpw]

I'm almost done hanging the OSB sheathing on the stud wall in the shop but I'm starting to have second thoughts about the number of screws I'm using. I didn't want to go nuts, waste a bunch of screws, and have a screw head in the way every time I wanted to hang something. Then again, I don't want the OSB to come loose because I skimped.

Here's the sitch:

• The studs are average 80" tall, average 16" on center.
• I had to add 1" x 2" furring strips to each stud to get them proud of the metal support poles.
• I've hung the OSB vertically.
• I'm using 1 5/8" drywall screws and boring a countersink for the heads.
• I've been putting 5 screws on the outer edges of each sheet and 3 screws each into the two intermediate studs.

I do not plan on hanging any cabinets or lumber racks or anything like that on that wall. The heaviest thing I might hang would be clamps, but I can makes sure that those hit the studs. Mainly it will support some pegboard and I will hang tools and accessories like miter gauges and blades. Maybe a charging station or the like.

So what do you think? Am I OK? More screws? Longer screws?

 

[brian_hunt]

You'll probably be allright...May I ask why OSB and not drywall? (sheet-rock if you're from the south)

 

[buildintechie]

I just put up OSB in my shop expansion (closet) and put 5 along the outside edges and 4 on each intermediate stud. I hung my boards horizontally. I haven't had any bowing...except the one place I missed the two middle screws. I popped them in and everything looks great.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bas]

I think you're good, both in quantity and length. And it's wise not to go overboard. I remember reading about someone who used 3/4" plywood instead of OSB, and he joined the sheets with biscuits and glue to make a solid wall, and used construction adhesive + screws to attach it to the studs. Don't be that person. And remember, you can always add screws later.

(And no, that wasn't me. :rolf

 

[jhreed]

no need to pre-drill or countersink. that is just extra work. but it will not hurt anything.

 

[Sully]

I can't speak for the OP, but OSB has some advantages over drywall:

1) It can take bumps and bangs much more readily than drywall
2) For hanging something light you can just screw right to the OSB, no need to find a stud.
3) OSB doesn't have to be taped, mudded, sanded, repeat as necessary
4) OSB is much more moisture resistant than drywall
5) OSB can be painted white

$0.02
J

You'll probably be allright...May I ask why OSB and not drywall? (sheet-rock if you're from the south)

 

[buildintechie]

5) OSB can be painted white

Not to be argumentative...but sheetrock can't be painted white??

 

[Sully]

lol :gar-La;

Not to be argumentative...but sheetrock can't be painted white??