What are the advantages and disadvantages of OSB boards? How do OSB boards differ from particleboard? Is the affordable price the only selling point of OSB boards and panels? How are OSB boards properly installed? What types of OSB boards exist? Are OSB boards harmful to health?
For many years, OSB boards have been the logical choice for builders worldwide, but this product is also popular outside the construction industry. They are often used in furniture production, and because of their affordable price, they are a frequent choice for amateurs and hobbyist woodworkers. OSB boards are used even by large companies such as IKEA.
Due to their characteristic structure, OSB boards are most often used for invisible parts of the construction. However, in recent years, they have become a popular choice among designers and architects who strive to emphasize the industrial design of buildings and interiors.
How are OSB boards made?
Many people often equate OSB boards with particleboard, but these two products differ significantly in both manufacturing processes and mechanical characteristics. Classic particleboard is made by pressing the finest wood chips and binder materials. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) boards are made by pressing larger wood strands.
From low-quality wood to high-quality lumber
OSB boards can also be made from softer, lower-quality wood, such as poplar, and young trees can serve as raw material. This means that the natural resource needed for the production of OSB can be relatively quickly renewed, unlike other materials made from processing large, mature logs.
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Each OSB board consists of several layers of wood strands that are pressed at different angles. This results in significantly greater strength of the OSB board, as the cross-arranged wood fibers provide high resistance, similar to composite materials. The structure of particleboard is much more homogeneous since it is made of wood dust, making it much easier to break.
OSB boards are rough and unprocessed, which can be both a disadvantage and an advantage
It is also important to note that particleboard panels are mostly coated with protective foil on both sides, while OSB panels usually come unprocessed, with the visible texture of cross-pressed wood strands. Because of this, particleboard is more commonly used for furniture production, while OSB panels are more often used in construction-related applications.
Regarding the characteristics of OSB boards, it is important to note that this material behaves like wood, so it can be processed by cutting, sanding, milling, etc. During use, OSB behaves like wood, meaning it expands under the influence of moisture. Therefore, when cladding partition walls or floors, it is necessary to leave gaps to avoid stress and warping of OSB boards later.
Types of OSB boards:
Depending on their characteristics, OSB boards are labeled from one to four:
- OSB 1 – Boards suitable for structures with lighter loads in completely dry places
- OSB 2 – Boards for structures in places with lower moisture impact
- OSB 3 – Boards suitable for load-bearing structures in places with increased moisture
- OSB 4 – For the highest loads and highest levels of moisture
OSB boards consist of 95% wood and only 5% resin-based adhesives. However, over time, components of the adhesive that contain formaldehyde evaporate from OSB boards. Therefore, OSB boards are not the ideal choice for cladding larger surfaces within living spaces.
Also, during the processing of OSB, dust is created that can be harmful to health if inhaled, so adequate protective measures should be taken. Of course, one of the drawbacks of OSB is its high flammability, which should also be considered.