What Is OSB Sheathing?
Used for sub floors, exterior walls, and roof decking, OSB sheathing is a structurally-engineered board that is made up of compressed wood strands. These strands of wood are arranged in layers that are bonded together with resin, which helps produce a strong product. OSB, or oriented strand board, is unlike traditional plywood in that it has no laps, gaps, knots or voids. In most applications, OSB sheathing is dimensionally stronger and stiffer than comparable dimensional plywood boards. Many builders gravitate toward OSB sheathing not only for the increased strength of the finished product, but for the cost effectiveness as well. Usually, the price difference between OSB and plywood is significant enough to warrant common usage. While custom boards can be requested from a laminate mill, most OSB boards have some standard features. Finished OSB boards are smooth and often have pre-marked with nail lines to make installation easier. Boards are ¼ inch (about 6.35 mm) thick to ¾ inch (abo
