OSB board: what it is, types, application

Oriented strand board OSB is made from pressed wood chips. These products are formed under high pressure and temperature. In the composition there are resinous and adhesive substances that connect the chips together. The peculiarity of OSB boards is that the chips are laid out in a certain direction and its layers are firmly connected to each other with glue. The surface of this material is treated with a moisture-protective composition. Let's consider what OSB boards are and where they are used.

Types of OSB boards

The main characteristics of OSB boards:

• It is a lightweight material.
• It is convenient to cut and process.
• It is a fire-safe material that does not rot or mold.
• OSB boards have high heat and sound insulation.
• OSB sheets are not deformed and do not deteriorate from moisture.

This material differs in strength, number of layers and moisture resistance. This affects its purpose. OSB boards for exterior works are more moisture resistant, contain a greater number of layers of chips and glue than sheets for interior finishing.

Types of OSB panels:

• OSB-1 is a material of low strength and water resistance. It is used exclusively indoors.
• OSB-2 - more durable sheets, but they are not resistant to moisture. This material is used in internal construction works, when erecting partitions in dry rooms.
• OSB-3 - these sheets are resistant to moisture, they have high strength. They are used for exterior works.
• OSB-4 - the most durable panels. They are resistant to water and aggressive weather conditions. This material is suitable for the erection of building walls, roof elements and other structures.

OSB boards can be coated on one side with laminate or varnish. Such material is used to create reusable formwork. Sheets are made with grooves for easy connection.

OSB boards for the floor choose a thickness from 9 to 22 mm in accordance with the distance between the cross beams. If the OSB sheet is laid on a base of concrete or wood, choose products with a thickness of 9-18 mm. For fixing on the walls is suitable material with a thickness of 9-12 mm.

Application of OSB boards

OSB sheets are used for such tasks:

• Finishing of walls, floors, ceilings and floors.
• Construction of staircases and roofs of houses.
• Construction of formwork, scaffolding and household buildings.
• Creation of cabinet and upholstered furniture.
• Manufacture of pallets, crates, racks.

OSB boards are also used for decorative finishing in rooms, as they have an attractive surface pattern due to the location of the chips. This material is used to make the finish floor or wall covering. It is used to cover countertops, elements of cabinets, sofas and armchairs.

It is important to take into account that the glue used to connect the chips in OSB boards may contain phenol and formaldehyde. These substances are released into the air and are harmful to health, especially when the surface is heated. For interior decoration of premises, it is better to use OSB boards labeled ECO. Before buying this material, you can ask the seller for a certificate of quality and learn the composition of the glue. The boards are also primed after installation, which prevents the evaporation of harmful substances.