What is osb made of? What is OSB board - types, application of OSB

OSB board is one of the most popular materials for the construction market. Let's figure out what this material is, how it happens and where it is used.

When studying building materials, we often come across such a name as OSB plate - also OSB, OSB. This abbreviation stands for odirected strand board, or oriented strand board.

OSB has a moderate price, good technical characteristics - and is used both in external and internal decoration during construction. But what exactly is this material?

OSB is made from natural wood shavings and consists of three main layers. Thin wood chips are processed adhesive composition and fit in the longitudinal order on the bottom layer, in the transverse - in inner layer, and again in the longitudinal - on the upper outer layer. After that, the finished plate is pressed at a very high temperature, and as a result, the adhesive hardens, turning the material into a thin and dense uniform surface.

Oriented strand board was invented in America several decades ago, when, during the mass construction of frame housing, it became clear that neither ordinary tree, nor chipboard do not allow the construction of inexpensive, but high-quality houses.

It fits perfectly on that coating, which combines the advantages of ceramics and linoleum.

OSB has become a successful intermediate option between conventional wood-based board and chipboard. Oriented strand material has high strength, but a moderate price, and at the same time retains a fairly good resistance to deformation - due to its transverse-longitudinal structure.

  • At the moment, there are many varieties of OSB, which differ, including in appearance. Laminated, lacquered, corrugated - the material is convenient for exterior decoration and beautiful enough to create a budget interior.
  • OSB weighs little, serves for a long time, it is very easy to work with it - the material is easily cut and drilled, paint, wallpaper, tile and plaster fit well on its surface.
  • The OSB board remains quite resistant to temperature effects and high humidity, and also reduces the noise level in the premises and retains heat.

And of course, all these advantages are complemented by the main advantage of the OSB plate - it is inexpensive. There are both very cheap and more expensive options on the market - but even "luxury" material remains affordable from a financial point of view.

Types of OSB and technical characteristics

Boards made by pressing wood chips are divided into several varieties. They differ in their characteristics - and the main parameters are strength, moisture resistance and thickness.

There are four types in total - from OSB-1 to OSB-4. Let's briefly consider the characteristics of each of them.

  • OSB-1. This is the least durable variety, which is practically not used in construction and interior decoration. It has a low level of strength and moisture resistance. When immersed in water for twenty-four hours, the coefficient of its swelling is 25%. The strength index for longitudinal bending is 2500 N per millimeter square, for transverse - 1200 N per millimeter square.
  • OSB-2. The next type of particle board is slightly stronger - 3500 and 1400 N per square millimeter under longitudinal and transverse forces, respectively. However, the resistance of the material to moisture remains low - the level of swelling is 20%.
  • OSB-3. This variety belongs to a higher class. Its strength indicators are the same as those of the previous variety - however, moisture resistance is much higher. With constant contact with water, the material swells only by 15%. OSB-3 is the most popular type of chipboard among buyers, since, with good performance, the material retains an affordable price.
  • OSB-4. This is the highest quality of oriented strand board - it can be used even when creating load-bearing structures. It has a strength of 4800 and 1800 N per millimeter square at longitudinal and transverse pressure; during the day of contact with water, its swelling is only 12%. True, the price of such material is almost twice the cost of the previous OSB plate.

In addition to strength and moisture resistance, great importance has a thickness. It can be from 8 to 26 millimeters. Usually, the thickness indicator directly depends on the class, the stronger the plate, the thicker it is in diameter.

Another important parameter is the OSB flammability index. Unfortunately, oriented strand boards belong to the G-4 class - that is, they are a highly combustible material. This is not surprising - because they consist of natural wood chips. To give the material greater fire resistance, manufacturers treat the plates with special compounds and impregnations. However, it must be understood that in the event of a fire, OSB will ignite one way or another - and even the most quality material cannot be completely incombustible.

Is the material harmful to health?

OSB boards are used not only for external, but also for interior decoration premises. There is still debate about how harmful the material is to health. Opponents of oriented strand boards argue their position by the fact that manufacturers use formaldehyde impregnations in the manufacture of the material. Therefore, during operation, fumes dangerous to human health must inevitably be released. But is it really so?

In general, we can say that everything depends on the specific manufacturer and his approach to the environmental friendliness of products. OSB boards can have four options for environmental labeling: E0, E1, E2, E3. Despite the fact that E3 class boards contain up to 30 milligrams of formaldehyde emissions per 100 grams of material, and E0 class boards - only up to 6.5 milligrams, the maximum permissible standards for harmful fumes do not exceed any variety.

In addition, most manufacturers - especially Western ones - are trying to further reduce the presence of formaldehyde in their materials, replacing toxic impregnations with safe polymer compounds. Many varieties of OSB are recommended for use in interior decoration - if their toxicity was a health hazard, the material could only be "approved" for exterior work.

And finally, the environmental safety of OSB is confirmed

OSB (OSB) plate: application, characteristics, reviews

OSB boards (OSB) are a relatively new high-tech wood-based building material that has already become indispensable in wood-frame housing construction, furniture manufacturing and decoration. Important advantages of OSB (OSB) boards are strength and elasticity.

OSB board - what is it?

Oriented strand board(OSB) quickly took their place among traditional wood-based building materials, along with plywood, chipboard, fiberboard. Universal OSB (OSB - Oriented Strand Board) have a number of competitive advantages. No wonder OSB boards are called "improved wood".

OSB (OSB / OSB - all these abbreviations mean the same material) is a dense pressed three-layer slab of large oriented wood chips. In practice, OSB replaces plywood and chipboard. The title clearly explains appearance- it is easy to recognize oriented strand boards by elongated wood chips.

The OSB (OSB) plate consists of 3 layers. In the inner layer of the OSB, the chips are located transversely, in the lower and upper layers - on the contrary, longitudinally. Each layer of OSB board is pre-glued with waterproof resins and pressed under high temperature.

The main raw material for the production of OSB boards is medium- and low-quality coniferous wood, as well as thin wood, which is not suitable for processing in the production of plywood and sawmilling. Wood waste is not used here.

Did you know that the appearance of the first OSB dates back to the late 1970s and is associated with the development of wafer board production in the USA. Starting in 1978, the material quickly began to gain popularity. By 2000, the production of OSB boards in the United States was almost equal in volume to the production of plywood.

OSB plate - dimensions and characteristics

One of the features of the manufacture of OSB (OSB) boards is the elimination of crushed product and small chips. The technology allows you to significantly reduce the amount of glue used in OSB (2-3%), unlike others wood-based building materials .

So OSB boards (OSB) acquire water resistance, resistance to loads and stretching, elasticity. OSB boards are similar in physical properties to softwood plywood, but OSB cost is much cheaper, given the low quality requirements for wood raw materials. elevated mechanical properties, in comparison with conventional chipboard, are achieved by the multidirectional orientation of the chips in the layers of the OSB board. With static bending, the tensile strength of OSB boards with a density of 650-720 kg / cu. m is 40-50 MPa in the longitudinal, 20-25 MPa in the transverse directions. Comparison: plywood general purpose from birch has a static bending strength of 55-60 MPa.

OSB boards keep everything in flat chips beneficial features solid wood, but excludes its defects - delamination, warping, falling knots, internal cracks and voids. OSB (OSB) is distinguished by high uniformity of structure. The standard sizes of OSB board are 2500x1250, 2440x1220 and 3660x1220 mm, with a thickness of 8-40 mm.

OSB ECO boards (OSB ECO) have the highest environmental parameters. OSB-3 is produced on the basis of polyurethane resins with a minimum formaldehyde content. The environmental safety of OSB ECO boards is confirmed by certificates.

OSB boards (OSB) - application and possibilities

The characteristics of OSB boards significantly expand the scope of their application both for internal and outdoor decoration. OSB (OSB) are suitable as a basis for many types of roofing materials. They provide good sound absorption, thermal insulation, high rigidity and are able to withstand heavy snow and wind loads.

Draft floors are assembled from OSB boards, used as a full-fledged floor covering. OSB boards (OSB) are perfectly combined with any external cladding for wall cladding. OSB plates are also used for the construction of supporting structures in wall and floors, repeatedly - for removable concrete formwork. In addition to construction and finishing, OSB (OSB) is in demand in furniture production and the packaging industry.

By changing the design of OSB (OSB), for example, the thickness and number of layers, the size and orientation of wood particles, the type of binder and consumption, the boards are given different properties that determine their purpose. The surface of the OSB board can be varnished, laminated, tongue-and-groove.

OSB boards are easy to process and hold any fasteners well. OSB fastener retention rate (OSB) is 25% higher than that of softwood plywood and chipboard.

OSB 3 boards: what does the marking mean?

In terms of strength and moisture resistance, four types of OSB boards are distinguished. Marking OSB 1 means that the plate is intended for use in dry rooms, for the manufacture of furniture, decoration and decor elements. OSB 2 is also recommended for conditions with low humidity. OSB 2 boards are suitable for creating load-bearing structures.

Designations 3 and 4 allow the use of plates OSB 3, 4 in wet areas. For OSB 4 boards, a high mechanical load is permissible.

When choosing OSB boards, pay attention to the type of material in terms of strength and moisture resistance - there are four in total. OSB 3 is the most versatile, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor work.

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OSB board what is it? It is quite familiar to only half of the people, only to the male side. Exists in the construction market for more than thirty years, it is used for repairs by specialists. It is a wood processing product. OSB slabs are moisture resistant for exterior coatings at home, an environmentally friendly product that retains heat. In terms of strength, it often exceeds metallic materials, are light in weight.

For the first time, osb began to be interested in back in the 80s, when they tried to find a replacement for wood-cut sheet. For a long time, they invented production technology so that the result corresponded to high quality and characteristics. This is how the new building material OSB board appeared - the result of work on pressed chips treated with a special adhesive solution. The production process takes place at high pressure as well as high temperatures.

The difference between OSB and other materials lies in the variety of applications. As for moisture resistance, the reviews of smallpox are good. Naturally, she cannot withstand round-the-clock rains, but she can resist dampness without problems. But according to the experience of specialists, it can be argued that it serves for more than one year without sticking.

Due to the quality and the correct parameters, they are used in many sectors of construction. The plate exists as independent material or as a helper. Suitable for plastering and painting. Great for home cladding. In this version, OSB 3 specifications meet the requirements for use under the coating of laminate, tile, parquet. OSB board has different sizes. For an example of OSB sheathing (an abbreviation of the full name), a balcony is presented.

For a practical result, you need to observe all the subtleties of this case:

  1. If a laminate is to be mounted on top of the slab, care must be taken to have a flat surface there so that the result is as seamless as possible.
  2. It is necessary to use the minimum thickness of the sheets if linoleum, carpet will be laid. Treat all gaps with penoizol.
  3. For additional protection the surface is varnished if used as an independent material.
  4. If you need to lay sheets under ceramic tiles, the base must be immovable to avoid peeling.

Tip: for external walls, it is imperative to level the surface with putty.

One of the advantages of this material is ease of use. Easy fastening to the frame with self-tapping screws. For cladding concrete or drywall walls use the type of vertical beams. You can work in different areas. Sheets are cut as needed. To insulate the floor, you must perform the following steps:

  • The side that will be closer to the ground must be cleaned with paper mastic.
  • In the interval between the lags, a heater is attached, which is covered with a layer of waterproofing coating.
  • An OSB board is attached on top.

Plates have an extensive range of purposes. They can be used:

  • For ceilings, floors, walls
  • External and internal walls of the room
  • Sheathing of windows of apartments
  • roof coverings
  • For balconies, bedrooms, loggias, bathrooms

Osb is also used in other cases:

  1. For the construction of shelving, stands
  2. In the production of building processes
  3. To create stairs
  4. For building shipping boxes
  5. For furniture construction (creating a frame)
  6. Internal window sills
  7. During the construction of garden furniture
  8. For surface leveling

An example of fixing a plate (photo No. 1). How the building visually looks after sheathing (photo No. 2).

OSB board characteristics and application (video)

Types of OSB

To date, construction industries produce four types of oriented particle boards, which have differences:

  • OSB 1 - has a low density, strength, moisture resistance. It is used in the manufacture of furniture frames.
  • OSB 2 - has better qualities than the first option. Good strength, if not high humidity. Used for partition walls.
  • OSB 3 - has almost the highest level of density, resistant to a humid environment. This type is used for indoor and outdoor work. Requires additional impregnation.
  • OSB 4 - is the owner best qualities- durability and water resistance. Used to strengthen roofs.

Properties and specifications

Slabs are produced from coniferous and deciduous trees. The chips are arranged in such a way that gives high strength and protection. OSB compared to chipboard (plywood), has cheap cost per square meter. Manufactured using the hot pressing method. There are few bad qualities. The raw material is wood shavings and a special glue that is able to prevent the growth of the fungus. Has the following characteristics:

  • Little weight
  • You can buy at a budget price
  • Has moisture resistance
  • Eco-friendly material
  • Excellent quality indicators
  • Manufactured according to GOST standards 32567
  • Can be primed, plastered, decorated, puttied

  • Used as decorative material
  • Do-it-yourself repairs at home
  • Long service life
  • Can be wallpapered over
  • Open the base with a stain
  • Used in the interior

Some are inclined to believe that smallpox boards for interior decoration are harmful. In fact, formaldehyde, phenol fumes bring danger and harm. They are used as a connecting device. The advantages of polymeric materials include inexpensive cost, and their toxicity is considered a minus. It has combustibility properties. When burned, it releases toxicity. Therefore, to some extent smallpox cooker is harmful to health. The disadvantages are bad smell. They are best used for external installation, cladding.

Another feature is before buying, you need to pay attention to the packaging, description and instructions for gluing, storage conditions, color of the plate. After the acquisition, it is desirable to allow the material to weather for weathering so that it becomes safe. OSB panels are not afraid of the sun, so you need to install in any weather. This is the main difference from other finishing materials. Before buying, you need to roughly calculate how many sheets you need to take. In order to properly paint pox outside, you need to purchase paint for outdoor robots. This paint paints the texture.


Which paint is best? Builders face this issue. You can paint with any material, but you must not forget about its features. Since the plates are glued with resins, it is better to use solvent-soluble substances. Great option there is an opening with oily paints. They have a high viscosity index, slightly absorbed into the slab. Minus - the paint dries for a long time. But the result is worth the time spent. If long-term operation is needed, then acrylic paints will help with this. It is not necessary to varnish over dried paint. It is not recommended to work with acrylic composition, it contributes to the swelling of the plate.

Strength index

Dimensions

OSB, YUSB, OSB are all approximately particle board. OSB 3 is more often purchased. According to OSD standards, plates are produced in the following sizes:

  • 11X1250X2500 (medium)
  • 12X1250X2500 (12 mm - thickness)
  • 6X1250X2500 (thin sheet)
  • 8X1250X2500 (thin sheet)
  • 9X1250X2500 (thin sheet)
  • 9X2440X1220 (thin sheet)

1220 * 2440 mm is the standard size of the American manufacturer.

1200 * 2440 mm - is considered a non-standard size.

1200 * 2700 mm - produced by Belgian manufacturers.

1250*2500 mm is the standard by European standards.

There are also plates with a thickness of 15 - 25 mm. This kind is thick. Small parameters are more convenient as sheathing material. These sizes can be purchased from any manufacturer, such as Vibex.

Photo gallery of finished works

What is an OSB? This is an oriented strand board, abbreviated as OSB, that is, in English, oriented strand board. This building material consists of several (at least three to four) layers of wood chips of various sizes, from the smallest to thin chips. The shavings in the composition of each layer are pressed and glued, but the main difference from similar materials is that they are laid in a certain direction. Usually it is longitudinal for the outer layers, and transverse for the inner ones.

Story

OSB is a relatively new product on the market building materials. The first developments began in Canada in the 60s of the last century. It became possible to create an improved alternative to traditional wood building materials, such as chipboard, and at the same time use tons of waste from the woodworking industry developed in these regions. Therefore, it was in Canada in the early 80s that the industrial production of oriented strand board started, which quickly gained popularity.

OSB appeared on the Russian market much later. The first production starts began in Soviet years, at the end of the 80s, but those attempts failed, and the subsequent years were destructive for all types of industry, so new technology was abandoned. This material appeared on the Russian market as an import from leading Western, including European, companies already in the late 90s. For a long time, the spread of OSB in the country was hampered by cases of poisoning due to the purchase of cheap and low-quality raw materials, which included phenol-formaldehyde compounds harmful to humans.

However, progress does not stand still, and today the product has taken its rightful place in the Russian market. In recent years, several domestic factories have been opened, producing OSB according to international quality standards.

Classification

OSB produce 4 main types. There is such a classification for strength and moisture resistance (European standard):

Plate type Strength Room type Scope of application
OSB-1 low only for dry rooms furniture manufacturing, packaging coatings, wall cladding
OSB-2 high only for dry rooms can be used for load-bearing structures and interior decoration
OSB-3 high can be used for load-bearing structures and exterior finishes
OSB-4 very high allowed to use when high humidity increased load is permissible, used for load-bearing structures

Types of OSB are also classified according to the type of coating:

  • unpolished;
  • polished;
  • varnished - varnished on one side;
  • laminated - covered with laminate;
  • tongue-and-groove - OSB board with machined ends.

Areas of use

OSB is used for very different purposes in modern construction, renovation, furniture and packaging. Applications differ for different types material: from light and durable furniture for an office or apartment, drawers and boxes, installation of advertising counters and stands from plates of the first type, to load-bearing external walls of the house from sufficiently moisture-resistant plates of the fourth type, designed for significant loads.

The most versatile, as well as affordable, the most popular and in demand is the OSB-3 type. Its share in production and sales reaches 90%. (The characteristics of the fourth type of plates are even better, but its price is about twice as high). From OSB boards of the third type can be assembled internal walls premises, floors are laid, the basis for the roof is laid or the walls of residential buildings and technical premises, such as a railway car, truck, trailer, are sheathed.

Pros and cons of OSB

Let's look at the pros first. First of all, these are its following technical characteristics:

  1. High strength. It is achieved precisely by mutually perpendicular arrangement of chips in different layers. Proper application of OSB, including, right choice The thickness of the plate will allow the structure to withstand loads of up to several hundred kilograms.
  2. Light weight. The standard weight of a whole plate - up to 20 kg - can be lifted by any worker, which allows you to work in a variety of conditions.
  3. Elasticity. The structure of the material provides sufficient flexibility, which allows the surface to be bent without the risk of fracture. This is used when working with rounded and other non-perfectly flat surfaces.
  4. Moisture resistance. Achieved through resin treatment. Compared to wood materials, OSB is significantly less susceptible to deformation from the effects of water and humidity.
  5. Simplicity and convenience in work. OSB boards can be worked with using simple tools such as a saw, drill, screwdriver. In this case, the cuts are quite even and do not require additional processing. The plate well fixes the most affordable fasteners: nails, screws, self-tapping screws. Installation of OSB is very fast.
  6. Heat and sound insulation. Compared to other wood-based materials, OSB performance is much better.
  7. Chemical resistance is also achieved by treating the board with resins.
  8. Environmental friendliness. Chips treated with special impregnations and glued are not afraid of fungus or mold.
  9. Affordable prices.
  10. Attractive woodgrain appearance that does not require additional design work.

Among the shortcomings, perhaps, it can be noted that when working with a stove, especially when cutting, protective equipment is needed, such as a mask or a respirator. Wood dust, in addition, treated with chemical compounds can be harmful to the respiratory system. In addition, some grades of low-quality board may emit toxic carcinogenic gases during operation.

Harm to health

Disputes about the dangers to human health of OSB boards have been going on for many decades. Wood itself is an environmentally friendly and safe material. Plates are made mainly from coniferous wood, less often - hardwood (aspen, ash, poplar). The danger to humans is only the composition of the resins with which the chips are glued together. They included phenol-formaldehyde components, which emit toxic gases during operation, such as formaldehyde, phenol, benzene. These are toxic, allergenic and carcinogenic compounds that adversely affect the skin, eyes and respiratory tract of a person. That is why the use and production of OSB for a long time did not receive the proper scale.

The release of gas is affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment. The higher they are, the more toxic fumes. Therefore, OSP-3 and OSP-4 intended for high-humidity rooms are safer for health.

Currently, non-toxic carbamide resins are used in the production of quality products.

The safest for humans and suitable for interior decoration (toxic emission index E0 - E1) are the products of such leading companies in the industry as Glunz (Germany), Norbord (Canada), Egger (Austria). But the plates "Kronospan", "Kronopol" with the index E2 - E3 are suitable only for exterior decoration and non-residential premises.

Products that do not contain formaldehyde are labeled Green or Eco. You can be calm about it and use it for interior decoration own house or apartments.

The second risk factor is low-quality wood. Often, in pursuit of low cost, a manufacturer can use low-quality raw materials, simply speaking, with garbage and hazardous waste.

Therefore, when working with OSB, it is necessary to reasonably evaluate the quality of products used for a particular object, this will minimize harm to human health.

Main dimensions

The size of the finished plate from the manufacturer is of two main types:

  • 2440 mm x1220 mm;
  • 2500 mm x1250 mm.

Russian-made plates can also have the following sizes:

  • 2500 mm x 1850 mm.

The thickness of the product can be: 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 22 mm.

For board with grooved edge, the following values ​​are available: 15, 16, 18, 22 mm.

Estimated prices

The price is usually quoted per sheet. Sometimes the price per cubic meter is used, since the price of a sheet is proportional to its thickness. The most popular type of OSB-3 board on the market. The price for one of its sheets ranges from 500 Russian rubles for the thinnest (9mm) up to 2100 Russian rubles for the thickest (22mm). As you can see, sizes and prices are correlated indicators.

More detailed sizes and prices can be found in the price catalog of a particular seller. Be sure to pay attention to the composition of the resins and the manufacturer if you buy OSB for interior decoration.

Features of choice

The most common mistake when choosing wood chipboard is the difference between the European and American classification system. If the classification of OSP-1, 2, 3, 4 is adopted in Europe, then the American system offers only three types of products:

  • interior;
  • Esposure1;
  • Esposure1 Type Exterior.

In this case, additional markings “F”, “R” and “W” are used (floor, roof, wall for floors, ceilings and walls, respectively).

So a domestic buyer, intending to purchase products corresponding to the characteristics of the most popular OSB-3, could receive the wrong product that he actually needs. This was often used by unscrupulous intermediaries, and therefore, among Russian users, a false opinion has developed about the low quality of North American OSB boards. This is not true. It was Canadian factories that were the first in the world to start producing these products, over the decades the technology has been developed and improved, but when buying, you need to carefully study the accompanying documentation.

Well-known and trusted manufacturers

The pioneers in the production of OSB are, of course, North America:

  • Norbord, Canada;
  • "Georgia Pacific", "Louisiana Pacific" USA.

In Europe, production began later, but the Russian market mainly receives products from the following manufacturers:

  • Kronospan has factories in 26 countries of Eastern and Western Europe. Production started in Austria;
  • Glunz, Germany;
  • Egger, Austria, UK;
  • "Bolderaja", Latvia.

More recently, just a few years ago, production began in Russia, these are factories:

  • "Hillman", Vladimir region;
  • "Kalevala", Karelia;
  • Kronospan Group, Yegorievsk, Moscow Region.

At present, the orientational strand board is the most modern and practical of all wood-based building materials. Increasingly, masters prefer to use it because of the excellent value for money, as well as a large number of advantages.

OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board - Oriented Strand Board, or OSB in Russian. This is a modern building and finishing material, consisting of 90% wood chips bound with synthetic waterproof resins. The plates are formed by 3-4 layers of thin chips up to 15 cm long, pressed at high pressure and temperature, and the direction of the chips in each layer is different.

OSB boards can be used for:

  • production of sandwich panels and construction of frame houses,
  • when installing floors,
  • covering walls, ceilings, floors,
  • for roofing,
  • during auxiliary works (installation of formwork, scaffolding),
  • for the manufacture of auxiliary buildings (sheds, storage facilities), street structures, fences,
  • as structural elements furniture.

Quality OSB comply with the EN 300 OSB standard, which sets requirements for environmental friendliness and technical parameters plates.

Types of plates and their features

4 main types of plates are produced:

  • OSB-1- low strength and low moisture resistance, used for internal works, in the manufacture of furniture,
  • OSB-2- high strength and low moisture resistance, used for internal partitions, load-bearing structures, ceilings,
  • OSB-3- high strength and high moisture resistance, optimally suited for outdoor work,
  • OSB-4- ultra-high strength and high moisture resistance, used for load-bearing elements, walls, roofs.

The moisture resistance of the plate depends on the composition of the adhesive used, and the strength depends on the number of layers and the relative position of the chips in them.

In addition, there are boards with a lacquered or laminated surface on one side, which, for example, can be reused for the manufacture of formwork. For laying on a horizontal surface, OSB can be used with tongue-and-groove joints on the ends on 2 or 4 sides.

The most common are the following standard sizes plates:

  • 122 * 244 cm,
  • 122 * 366 cm,
  • 125 * 250 cm * 6 -40 mm,
  • 125 * 370 cm,
  • 125 * 600 cm.

Advantages of OSB

Manufacturers sometimes refer to OSB as "enhanced" wood. It is just as strong, light and easy to process, but at the same time it is devoid of such disadvantages as fire hazard, susceptibility to rotting and mold, the presence of voids and knots. In terms of technical properties, OSB is superior to chipboard, fiberboard, MDF and even plywood.

Factory conveyor production ensures stable dimensions and uniform thickness throughout the slab. OSB provides excellent heat retention, it is not subject to deformation and destruction in water. For its processing, the same tools and materials are used as for wood. Large sheet sizes allow you to build walls with a minimum number of joints. The service life of structures made of such plates is practically unlimited.

OSB cons

Recently, there have been many materials about the dangers and negative impact on the health of OSB. All criticism is related to the use of phenol in the composition of synthetic resins, which are used to connect wood chips and emit carcinogens. To date, most European manufacturers have switched to polymer resins without the inclusion of formaldehyde and are completely safe, such boards are usually labeled ECO-, Green-.

In any case, before purchasing OSB for building a house, you should familiarize yourself with the certificates for this material and make sure that it complies with class E1, or even better - E0 (the emission class determines how much formaldehyde compounds are released into the environment).

For interior work and the manufacture of furniture, it is permissible to use only OSB intended for interior work, and if there is any doubt about its quality, it is good to isolate it with drywall, finishing materials and floor coverings and take care of ventilation in the room. OSB-3 and -4 can only be used for work outside the home.