OSB Board

OSB Board stands for Orientated Strand Board. Other names for it include Sterling Board, Waferboard, OSB, Exterior Board and SmartPly. OSB Board is an engineered timber sheet product manufactured from strands of wood layered in specific orientations or directions. Small strands (1.5 x 15cm) are unevenly layered and orientated before being compressed and bonded with adhesives. It is this cross orientation of the strands which gives the OSB board its structural properties. OSB Board possesses many of the characteristics of plywood, and to this end has replaced the use of plywood sheets in a number of areas, with its most common uses being as a sheathing material in walls, floors and ceilings. OSB Boards come in a variety of thicknesses – the most common being 9mm, 11mm and 18mm. There are also 2 different types of OSB Board – OSB2 and OSB3.  OSB2 is the most cost effective Sterling board on the market.

It can be used for both structural and non-structural uses in dry conditions. OSB2 is thus not suitable for exterior use. OSB3 is conditioned to withstand moisture and is thus suitable for use in exterior environments and is ideal for structural uses such as roofing, flooring, hoarding and as a sheathing board. Why should one use OSB as opposed to Plywood Sheets?

 

The first reason is that Sterling Board is a fully engineered product and can be used for structural applications.

 

Secondly OSB has a wide variety of applications in walls, roofs, floors, structural insulated panels.

 

Thirdly OSB is cost effective – it is cheaper than Plywood. Also from an environmental angle, it is greener than Plywood. is made from smaller trees which are faster growing and thus easier to manage as a sustainable programme.Orientated Strand Board. More and more common nowadays is a clients request for timber products to be used from a guaranteed renewable source, and this is no different with OSB.

 

The two types of recognised renewable classifications are FSC and PEFC. FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, while PEFC stands for the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Both standards guarantee the client piece of mind that the plywood being used comes from a guaranteed renewable source and are thus doing their bit to sustain the environment.

OSB Sheets are just another type of sheet building material used in new build and refurbishment construction projects available from www.buildingmaterials.co.uk. Once you have decided what type of OSB Boards you require for your building or home diy project, you can place your order online and have it delivered anywhere in the United Kingdom. Delivery timescales can range from ex stock to upwards of 3 working days nationwide depending on the specific type and size of OSB you require.