A Short Guide to OSB Boards

Oriented strand board (OSB) is manufactured in wide mats from cross-oriented layers of thin, rectangular wooden strips compressed and bonded with wax and synthetic resin adhesives (95% wood, 5% wax and resin).

OSB is suitable for a variety of end uses including subflooring, single-layer flooring, wall and roof sheathing, sheathing ceiling/deck, structural insulated panels, webs for wood I-joists, industrial containers, mezzanine decks, and furniture.

What is OSB?

OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board. OSB is created using adhesives and layers of wood strands, hence the name.  And is also known as a sterling board and is manufactured out of compressed layers of wood strands with construction adhesives like wax and synthetic resin. OSB boards have been used in the market since 1963 and unlike other boards, in OSB boards the strip of wood is placed strategically rather than randomly to increase the strength of the boards.

The wood used in OSB boards come from sustainable, Quickly growing and small trees like aspen poplar and southern yellow pine. OSB Sheet usually has a rough and variegated surface and texture. Individual strips of wood are clearly visible and are normally 2.5 cm by 15cm (1 inch by 5.9 inches) and are laid unevenly across each other to increase the strength of OSB boards.

OSB Board Flooring

Flooring projects are a fantastic way to change the vibe of an entire room. Dark wood can give a dramatic look, while marble tiles can give a cleaner, more modern look. Today, there are so many different flooring options that suit any style of the room, as well as any environmental needs. 

Likewise, OSB flooring can make installation much easier. There are a few steps to prepare your OSB for installation. The boards should be planed first to ensure that the bottom lays flat. Next, cut the tongue-and-groove joints so that the boards fit together perfectly. The final step before installation is to sand the planks, especially the sides, to ensure the planks fit together without imperfections. At this point, your OSB is ready to be laid on the ground. Staples or flooring nails can be placed in the groove of the subfloor before joining the next plank. Be sure to measure as you approach walls and obstacles. If you need to finish a row with a trimmed board, use a table saw with a sturdy fence to ensure a straight cut.

What is OSB wood used for?

1. Used as flooring materials
2. Used as Wall Materials
3. Roof Sheathing
4. Making Furniture

Chipboard Vs OSB

Chipboard sheets can be used in anything from furniture to flooring, while OSB boards are perfect for heavy construction jobs like sheds, pallet floors and display boards. Chipboard provides an easy structure to work with decoration and construction. Particleboard is also less prone to warping because the fibres do not flow evenly along the length of the wood.  

Sizes Available in Osb boards: 

OSB Boards are available in different sizes, lengths and thicknesses. The standard thickness starts from 6 mm and goes up to 22 mm. 
 

How is the OSB panel manufactured?

Wood-Based Panel Product

Wood-based panel product contain a significant proportion of wood in the form of strips, veneers, chips, strands or fibres. The categories described in this Wood Information Sheet (WIS) are:

Plywood

Chipboard

Oriented strand board (OSB)

Fiberboard

Types of Wood-based panel product

Plywood was developed to add dimension to panels' Stability and good strength properties, both longitudinally and transversely Sheet. Making plywood requires straight, well-grown wood. 

There are two types:

• veneered plywood from which all veneer layers are made oriented with their plane parallel to the panel surface

• core plywood, such as furniture panels and laminate panels, which have a central core of strips of wood or other material, with two or more exterior wood veneer

Moisture Resistant MDF

Moisture Resistant mdf is an incredibly versatile osb panel with a high internal bond strength, widely used in the construction and furniture industries for interior applications that may occasionally be exposed to moisture or humidity. It is suitable for all types of flooring.  

What are the Benefits of OSB Boards?

• Higher Strength (than plywood)

When Compared to Plywood and other alternatives, OSB boards have a far greater shear strength. Because of its layered method of manufacturing OSB boards are incredibly strong and can withstand extreme pressure making OSB the best material for various applications.

• Weather resistance

OSB sheets need to be coated or primed with weather-proof paint. However, once done it becomes waterproof.

• Easy to Work

OSB sheets aren’t the most appealing Building material but once coated with primer or latex-based or oil-based paint. The texture and form of the board are completely changed. Sheets can be planed, drilled, sawn, sanded or filled without any problems.

• Inexpensive

OSB sheet is significantly less expensive than other alternatives materials used. It is a remarkably cost-effective building material. Because of its multiple application areas builder can benefit from significant cost saving.

• Consistency

Advancement in technology and manufacturing units for press technology the size and shape of the materials is extremely consistent. Oriented Strand Boards are made up form wood strands so there is no scope of knots, voids, and other weak spots.

• Durable

Unlike other alternative OSB sheets are not prone to delaminate over a period of time.

• Versatility

OSB sheets are extremely versatile in nature because of its strength and durability. OSB sheets can be used in various places like Floor, Wall, Subfloor and decking as they are available in various sizes making it easy to transport and ship.

• Sustainable

OSB sheets, unlike its alternative, are considered sustainable as they are made from strands of wood which are from small trees that come from a sustainably managed forest.

Difference between OSB (Orient Strand Boards) and Plywood

Plywood Vs OSB?

• OSB is considered to be structurally more consistent than plywood.
• OSB absorbs less moisture, but plywood dries out faster
• OSB usually costs less than plywood
• OSB does not have delamination issues that can afflict plywood, but it is prone to edge swelling when exposed to moisture.  

Is OSB Better Than Plywood?

The material difference between plywood and OSB is that plywood is made up of many thin layers of wood while OSB is made up of many strands of wood crossed over each other, giving it extra stiffness. There are some pros and cons for both plywood and OSB, but it often depends on personal preference and opinion on which one is best.

Pros

• Cheaper than plywood
• Available in larger sheets than plywood
• More Thicker and Heavier 
• Environmentally friendly

Cons 

• It will swell and absorb water if not sealed properly
• Take longer to dry out than plywood
• Thicker and Heavier 

Can we use OSB for Kitchen?

The kitchen is the most important part of the house. Modular kitchens are the most practical and stylish solution for your kitchen interior. With so many options in the market, it is hard to make the right choice of material for the kitchen space. 

We can use Plywood, Chipboard, fibreboard and OSB board for the kitchen area. The kitchen unit doors can be made out of 18 mm OSB boards. Using osb3 would be better than osb2. 

How to Add Water Protection to OSB boards?

• Cut your OSB into the different pieces that you need for your project
• Sand your OSB pieces lightly and then paint or stain it using a weather-proof exterior paint that is either oil or latex-based or a stain for a natural finish
• Once dry, paint on a wood waterproofing sealant on all sides and all cuts
• Allow to dry for 12 hours on each side or as specified on the sealant
• Apply a second coat if required
• Allow to dry for 12 hours on each side or as specified on the sealant

Here at Build4Less we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products at the best prices possible. Our support team is eager to help and can be contacted by calling 020 34811978 or via our Live Chat.