What Is OSB and Why You Should Use It

Kevin Brown

OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is a type of engineered wood that has gained popularity in the construction industry. Made from small wooden strands that are aligned in a crosswise pattern and bonded together with adhesive, OSB offers several advantages over traditional plywood.

One of the key benefits of OSB is its cost-effectiveness. It is generally less expensive than plywood, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders. Additionally, OSB is more readily available and can be purchased in large sheets, which can help reduce installation time.

OSB also offers exceptional strength and durability. The crosswise alignment of the wooden strands gives OSB its strength and stability, making it suitable for various applications, including flooring, wall sheathing, and roof decking. It is also resistant to moisture and can be used in wet or humid environments without compromising its structural integrity.

Another advantage of OSB is its environmental friendliness. It is made from fast-growing trees, such as aspen or southern yellow pine, which can be sustainably harvested. Additionally, the manufacturing process of OSB produces little waste and uses less energy compared to plywood production.

Despite its many benefits, it is important to note that OSB also has some limitations. For instance, it is more susceptible to swelling and warping when exposed to prolonged moisture compared to plywood. However, with proper installation and moisture management, these potential issues can be mitigated.

In conclusion, OSB is a cost-effective and versatile building material that offers several advantages over traditional plywood. Its strength, durability, and environmental friendliness make it a popular choice for a wide range of construction projects.

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What Is OSB and Why You Should Use It
What Is OSB and Why You Should Use It

OSB, a type of lumber, is popular for roof sheathing, subflooring, and more. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling your current home, or need repairs, OSB is an excellent choice.

What Is OSB and Why You Should Use It

What is OSB?

OSB is a widely used engineered wood product. At your local hardware store or lumber yard, you’ll find various types of plywood, including CDX plywood, which is a good choice but often more expensive.

Oriented Strand Board, or OSB, consists of wood strands turned in different directions for added strength. It resists warping, distortion, and deflection.

How is OSB Made?

Oriented strand board is made by collecting rectangular strands of wood between 3” and 6” in length. Manufacturers utilize knotty and flawed wood pieces to create OSB, maximizing the use of every part of the tree.

Manufacturers mix collected strands with a waterproof resin and interleave them into thick mats. The interleaved strands then undergo a bonding process involving high heat and pressure, which allows them to fully bond together and form large sheets of OSB.

OSB is primarily used in construction projects where other layers are added on top of it, due to its knotty and unattractive appearance. For example, subfloors often have a layer of OSB that serves as a durable base for attaching chosen flooring materials.

What Is OSB and Why You Should Use It

In addition to flooring, OSB also provides uses on your roof. The resin applied to the strands of wood that make up OSB creates moisture resistance. Your roof has multiple layers, each playing an important role in protecting you, your family, and your belongings.

A series of joists create the pitch, or steepness, of your roof. Once in place, those joists must have a layer of flat wood placed over it. This layer is often referred to as sheathing.

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OSB is an excellent choice for sheathing as it provides a smooth finish for the underlayment, ice guard, and roof.

The exterior walls of your home require sheathing, such as OSB, underneath the visible finish of brick, vinyl siding, or stucco. Using OSB has many benefits, including affordability compared to other wood options for building, remodeling, or repairing a home.

OSB prices vary based on location and the chosen thickness. Prices range from $17.00 per sheet for thin sheets to $32.99 for larger, more durable ones. Thicker sheets are recommended for the specific area of use.

The resin applied during OSB manufacturing creates moisture resistance, which is a major advantage. Moisture resistance also prevents mold and bacterial growth.

In addition to being resistant to moisture, OSB is durable. Many OSB manufacturers provide a 50-year guarantee, making it one of the most long-lasting building materials on the market.

OSB provides numerous benefits and applications, making it a popular choice in the construction industry. When constructing a new home, performing repairs, or completing remodeling jobs, it’s important to be aware of all available options. Discuss the use of OSB with your contractor to see how it can improve your home.

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