OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

About Our OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

What is OSB?

OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board and it’s formed out of compressed layers of wood strands with adhesives (wax and synthetic resin). OSB has been around since 1963 and unlike similar products, the strips of wood in each layer are placed strategically rather than randomly to give it strength and it can have up to 50 layers of wood in total!

Is OSB stronger than MDF?

OSB is considered to be stronger than MDF. OSB is suitable for structural projects and withstands water, moisture, and weather conditions better than MDF. However, MDF is more versatile and easy to work with than OSB and is preferred for projects requiring a smooth finish.

How thick should OSB be for flooring?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inches. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker or at least 23/32 inches. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation

What OSB does Champion Timber offer?

Our OSB is made up of 3 layers which are then cross-orientated and bonded under pressure to make them robust and durable. If using externally then ensure OSB is treated with the appropriate preserver to maximise its lifespan.

More specifically our OSB is SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, a precision-engineered OSB3 board for structural use in load-bearing and challenging conditions. It performs well in humid conditions, making it ideal for house building and construction. BBA approved, it now contains zero added formaldehyde.

Key features:

• Zero-added formaldehyde means a board that is more environmentally friendly and consistent.
• Cut waste with precision-engineered panels. Each pack contains uniform, high-quality boards with no knots, voids or delaminating problems.
• Make the job easier with a panel that is simple to saw, drill, nail, plane, file or sand. Nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without splitting.
• Now, a much smoother OSB, it is so smooth that it does not need to be sanded even for GRP roofing applications!
• It is manufactured here too, meaning fewer carbon miles clocked up in transportation.

SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is suitable for: