What Is OSB?
By Stefan Gheorghe
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Stefan Gheorghe Founder/CEO
Stefan Gheorghe is the founder and CEO of Homedit.com. In 2008, he launched the platform out of his passion for interior design and home decoration.
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OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is an engineered wood panel made by layering strands of wood in specific orientations and bonding them with a waterproof resin under heat and pressure. It’s strong, dimensionally stable, and commonly used in residential and commercial construction.
How OSB Is Made
- Strands of wood (typically 3″–6″ long) are arranged in cross-directional layers.
- These strands are coated with a resin-based adhesive.
- Layers are compressed and heat-treated to form rigid panels.
- OSB uses fast-growing species like aspen and poplar, including knotty or irregular wood that would otherwise be discarded.
Common Uses
- Subflooring – Base for finished flooring.
- Roof Sheathing – Structural support beneath underlayment and shingles.
- Wall Sheathing – Support beneath siding or other finishes.
- Other – Industrial crates, mezzanine flooring, I-joists, furniture cores.
Benefits of OSB
- Cost-Effective – Generally cheaper than plywood.
- Strong & Stable – Resists warping, delamination, and deflection.
- Moisture-Resistant – Resin adds some protection against humidity.
- Sustainable – Utilizes smaller, faster-growing trees and more of the tree.