OSB plywood sheet sizes. What size OSB sheet

OSB board made from large wood chips (chips can reach 18 cm in length, and their width ranges from 6 mm to 4 cm). A special resin (which contains urea, formaldehyde and phenol) is used as a binding material. Water resistance the finished product is achieved through the addition of synthetic wax during production. In addition, a salt of boric acid is added to the composition.

Particular durability and rigidity is ensured by production technology, which is based on multidirectional layers of raw materials. This means that the outer layers are laid so that the chips lie along the finished sheet. And the inner layers are laid in such a way that the chips lie across the canvas.

All elements are bonded together through hot pressing. Thanks to all these production nuances, this material receives a number of advantages over other types of similar slabs. OSB board properties, characteristics and dimensions.

OSB board dimensions: technical characteristics

Sheet thickness can vary from 8 mm to 25 mm. Conventionally, the slabs can be divided into three groups.

  1. First group (thin fabrics)– 8, 9 and 10 mm, OSB board weight – 16.6 kg, 18.4 kg and 20.6 kg, respectively.
  2. Second group (medium thickness of the canvas)– 12 and 15 mm, OSB board weight – 24.1 kg and 30 kg.
  3. Third group (thick fabrics)– 18, 22 and 25 mm, OSB board weight – 35.3 kg, 43.1 kg and 48.8 kg.

OSB board size:

  • 2440x1220 mm. one of the most popular sizes of OSB boards, most often used in construction;
  • 2500x1250 mm. this size of OSB boards, as a rule, have cheaper European analogues;
  • 2440 x 590 mm. a rather rare size of OSB board with tongue-and-groove edges, usually used to create subfloors.

When purchasing material not individually, but in pallets, you should take into account that the thinner the canvas, the more pieces there will be on it. So 8 mm canvases will fit 120 pieces, and 25 mm canvases will fit only 38 pieces.

Types of material: OSB board

This material is divided into types according to parameters such as strength and moisture resistance. Based on these, the following options are highlighted:

OSB-1

This type has the lowest resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. It is most suitable for the production of furniture elements, as well as for use as a material for packaging and transportation.

OSB-2

This type has the same low resistance to moisture, but has higher mechanical strength. Most often used in the manufacturing process of load-bearing structures (floor beams).

OSB-3

This type is endowed not only with sufficient strength, but also with good moisture resistance. Therefore, it is used in exactly the same way as the previous type, only with the possibility of installation in places with high humidity levels.

OSB-4

This type of material is endowed with the highest rates of all the above properties. That is why there are many options for its use. Can be used in situations with the most stringent conditions and requirements.

OSB board: advantages

  • Does not delaminate or crumble.
  • Has a homogeneous structure.
  • Affordability.
  • Absolutely harmless in environmental terms.
  • Finished elements have higher elasticity and flexibility (compared to brick or stone masonry).
  • Do not collapse under the influence of sudden temperature changes.
  • Easy to process and finish.
  • The peculiar structure allows for much more rigid fixation of metal elements in the canvas (nails, screws, etc.).
  • It is possible to use the tongue-and-groove connection option.

Flaws

  • When using canvases indoors, the external finishing of the canvases is mandatory (to ensure an aesthetic appearance).
  • When cutting, it is mandatory to use respirators. This is due to the presence of resins that are harmful to the respiratory tract.

OSB is a compressed three-layer material made from elongated chips of coniferous trees - the so-called wood wool, the length of the chips is 60-90 millimeters.

The main feature of the material, as a rule, aspen and pine are used as materials for making slabs, is the different orientation of the chips in its layers.

In the middle they are located at right angles to the covering layers, and in the lower and upper layers - along the length of the entire slab.

The excellent mechanical strength of the material, which significantly exceeds the strength of DPS and plywood, is due precisely to this multi-directionality of fibers.

It is worth noting that the flexibility of the slab remains the same.

Three layers of the board are pressed under high temperature and pressure, and impregnated with waterproof resins and waxes. Phenolic and formaldehyde resins are used as binding material.

The use of modern equipment and advanced manufacturing technologies ensure the uniformity of the slab in all directions - there are no chips, cracks or voids.

An important difference between the slabs is their ability to withstand heavy loads, not due to the use of a binder material, but due to the fact that long chips cope well with the load, forming a structure without unnecessary overstress.

It has an optimal combination of high mechanical strength and elasticity.

  • OSB-1 – used at low humidity;
  • OSB-2 – used in dry rooms in the production of load-bearing structures;
  • OSB-3 – for creating load-bearing structures at high humidity;
  • OSB-4 - used if the structure is subjected to significant mechanical load and is operated at high humidity.

Comparative characteristics and properties of plates

The slabs are classified according to the European standard EN-300. The different connecting elements of the boards determine the scope of their application.

Moisture resistance

To determine the environment with which properties each type of slab can be used, use the thickness swelling parameter.

To do this, after measuring the initial thickness, the slab is placed in liquid for a day, and then the amount of its swelling is measured.

In accordance with the standards, there are extreme permissible values ​​for the swelling of slabs.

The following table clearly shows this:

Thus, OSB-4 and OSB-3 boards have the same strength characteristics, however, if we take into account moisture resistance, the third type is more preferable.

Compared to OSB-4, OSB-3 does not look as convincing, but it should be taken into account that the characteristics of OSB-3 boards are quite sufficient for construction. And the cost of such a plate is much less.

Size

Modern technologies can ensure the production of any boards, but there are certain sizes of OSB boards:

  • 1220×2440 mm.
  • 1220×3660 mm.
  • 1250×6000 mm.
  • 1250×2500 mm.
  • 1250×3700 mm.

Weight

Due to their light weight, OSB boards are widely used in construction.

Environmental friendliness of OSB board material

OSB boards are made exclusively from high-quality shavings. Spruce is predominantly used, but pine is also sometimes used.

Is OSB board harmful?

OSB boards use binders based on polyurethane resins without the presence of formaldehyde. Thus, the content of harmful substances in the stove does not exceed the permissible level.

OSB has excellent fire, physical, chemical and biological safety.

QSB slabs

Separately, it is worth highlighting QSB plates. Compared to OSB they have some advantages:

  • Excellent layer adhesion is achieved due to the small chip size. This allows the QSB board to be used on a par with OSB;
  • the lowest swelling coefficient among OSB boards – about 12%;
  • the internal connection coefficient is increased by 30% compared to OSB-3;
  • the boards have high resistance to screw pull-out and also have good nail stability at the edges;
  • QSB edges are perfectly smooth;
  • the slabs have strength, uniformity and rigidity;
  • simplified installation due to a small number of connections;
  • since the slab has a high density, it can be processed in different ways (sawing, drilling, milling) and not be afraid of it being damaged;
  • the use of QSB plates allows for many types of structural connections;
  • The boards are suitable for use in class 2 wet environments.

QSB boards are used as load-bearing structural elements of the interior, as well as the main material for roofing.

Used in the production of packaging and containers, and for interior decoration.

Application of OSB boards

Due to the extremely increased demand for OBS boards, there are currently many product options on the market that differ in the previously described parameters and technical characteristics.

OSB boards for flooring

What should you pay attention to when choosing OSB boards for laying on the floor?

  1. Pay attention to North American and European products - they are usually of higher quality.

Products are manufactured in full compliance with all world standards and technologies, including the E1 standard, which determines the environmental safety of the product;

  1. The flooring can be done on wooden logs or concrete screed, depending on the room.

In the case of a screed, you need slabs no more than a centimeter thick, and if you are laying on wooden logs, then you need more massive slabs - up to two centimeters;

  1. OSB-3 boards are the leader in flooring.

They are the most popular on sale, provide structural reliability, are waterproof and high-density;

  1. To calculate the required number of slabs, it is necessary to determine which arrangement will produce the least amount of waste.

If necessary, cutting the slab with a circular saw is not difficult.

You should not use a jigsaw when cutting slabs, because when working with this tool it is difficult to ensure a smooth side surface.

OSB board on concrete screed

OPS slabs are an excellent base for finishing coatings (tiles, parquet boards, laminate, linoleum) when replacing the floor in rooms with a concrete surface.

Height differences and various defects are not uncommon on a concrete floor. Laying OSB can make the surface perfectly flat, suitable for installing any type of covering.

The plate is made multi-layered and dense, which ensures good .

The natural OSB base retains heat well. Typically, the slabs are laid on wooden blocks and the surface is smoothed using a concrete screed.

If you want to ensure maximum resistance to deformation and rigidity, use two layers of slabs.

Lay them offset, fasten the edges together with special glue, ring and spiral nails. A similar masonry in two layers is used when.

Maintaining small gaps between the plates will compensate for expansion as a consequence of the absorption of moisture from the environment.

Rough and finishing OSB floor

In rooms that stand on a columnar or poured foundation, the floors are usually laid on multi-layer boards or wooden logs made of timber. In this case, OSB floors can be used as a finishing or subfloor.

The finished floor base is laid in a maximum of two layers:

  • The first of them is mounted with a joint on the joists. Fastening to the joists is done with self-tapping screws in increments of about thirty centimeters.
  • Using spiral nails, the layers are connected, and if necessary, glue is used to ensure a more reliable fastening.

The subfloor is installed on the underside of the joists:

  • The surface facing the ground is treated with a special coating, for example, bitumen mastic.
  • Insulation is placed in the space between the joists, on the subfloor, and covered on top with a layer of material (glassine is suitable) for protection.

Some features of slab processing for different types of coatings

The unique properties of OSB boards make it possible to use them not only as an independent coating material, but also for work on preparing the base of various types of coatings.

  • Installation of OSB boards under laminate. There are no special requirements here, other than ensuring a smooth surface at the joints.
  • Laying under carpet or linoleum. To ensure the most even transition at the joints of the material, it is necessary to use the thinnest slabs treated with sealants. Provided that a single seam is formed during installation, expansion gaps are made from the wall side.
  • Clean finish. Protection against tile wear is required. This can be achieved by applying several layers of varnish, having previously cleaned the slab.
  • Laying tiles on OSB board. To install ceramic tiles, the OSB base must be stationary. To do this, you need to carefully secure the slabs to the logs, and install the logs themselves more often.

Prices for OSB boards

The cost of OSB boards depends on several factors. First of all, this is the country of origin.

Plates made in America and Western Europe are more expensive than their domestic counterparts. The cost is also affected by the brand of the slab, the thickness of the slab and, in general, its main characteristics.

In the table we can observe the dependence of the price of the slab on the country of manufacture and the geometry of the product

To successfully purchase OSB boards, you must carefully study the characteristics of each of them and choose the material, first of all, based on this.

As a rule, OBS-3 boards, due to their characteristics, are the most popular in the market. Although, perhaps, simpler models will be quite enough for you.

It is not necessary to shell out extra money for material properties that you will not need at all later. Don't rush - be prepared that it will take some time to find the best option.

Considering the high performance characteristics of OSB 3, builders “use” this material literally everywhere: from the sheathing under the roof to the walls and floor. At the dawn of the appearance of slabs, there was an opinion that this was some version of the well-known chipboard. However, this is absolutely not true.

OSB 3 structure

Modern (OSB or O rient S trand B oard) is a structural building material made of wood (usually pine, rarely aspen). It is based on large-sized chips bonded with waterproof resin under pressure and temperature.

OSB 3 sheet in section - its constituent layers are visible

The main difference between this material (especially when compared with the once popular Soviet chipboard) is the orientation of the chips. In the outer layers it is located longitudinally, in the inner layers – transversely. Usually there are three layers, less often – four.

OSB (in Russian it is increasingly “called” OSB, which means oriented strand board, which corresponds to the English name) is made from wood chips 7.5 - 15 cm long and 1-1.2 cm wide with a thickness of 0.5 -0.8 mm. The smaller fractions obtained during production are used to produce another type of slab - chipboard, or burned.

Marking of slabs

Most manufacturers produce three types of this plate:

  • OSB 1: used in conditions of low humidity and not too stringent strength requirements;
  • OSB 2: used for installation of load-bearing structures in rooms not exposed to moisture;
  • OSB 3: designed for use in harsh conditions with respect to mechanical loads and humidity. Therefore, the price of OSB 3 board is the highest.

Operating characteristics of OSB 3

1. Manufacturability. The material is easy to process with ordinary carpentry tools. OSB free:

  • sawed and cut;
  • planed and polished;
  • drilled and nailed.

2.Holding capacity. OSB contains fairly large chips. Therefore, the canvas holds nails well. They can be driven even at a distance of 6 mm from the edge without the risk of chipping.

The slabs can be glued with any wood glue, after pre-treating the surface with sandpaper, and can also be painted. For external use, it is recommended to use special paints and varnishes that protect the wood from exposure to the atmosphere.

3.Physical properties. Density may vary within small limits depending on the preference of the manufacturer. On average it is 640 kg / cubic meter. m.

4. Moisture resistance. OSB is a wood product, so it reacts to changes in humidity. However, the material complies with North American standards, under which the performance characteristics of the slab should not change at a temperature of +20C and a humidity of 65%. This exactly corresponds to the “condition” of covered structures. The most moisture-resistant board is OSB 3 .

5. Fire safety. The material was tested by independent organizations and laboratories accredited by fire safety services for fire resistance and fire spread rate. The results showed that the material can be used (in the same way as plywood) for external cladding of buildings, but to a certain degree of fire resistance. However, contractors have the right to demand that the frame space be filled with non-combustible material (mineral wool, for example).

6. Dimensions. The dimensions of the OSB 3 board offered by the manufacturer depend on the processing of the edges:

  • regular slab with smooth edges: 2500x1250, 2440x1220 mm;
  • with tongue and groove: 2500x1250, 2450x590, 2440x590, 2440x1220 mm.

The thickness can range from 9 to 22 mm, depending on the type of plate. The material is supplied in bags that can contain from 35 to 100 sheets.

OSB production technology

Advantages and disadvantages of OSB

The production of this type of material is growing year by year, which allows us to talk about the advantages of OSB:

  • homogeneous structure that prevents delamination and splitting;
  • special orientation of the chips, which allows them to hold nails well and prevent moisture penetration;
  • ease of processing;
  • the possibility of high-quality use of tongue-and-groove connections;
  • resistance to sudden temperature changes and mechanical stress;
  • high strength with low thickness: structures built from such material are better able to withstand earthquakes than structures made of stone, because OSB has a certain elasticity and flexibility;
  • environmentally friendly, harmless (compliance with hygienic class E1);
  • relatively low cost (compared to traditional lumber).

It is difficult to find anything serious among the shortcomings. It is only necessary to observe the precautions required when working with ordinary wood. For example, when processing OSB, you should wear respirators, because The resin contained in wood dust is a carcinogen. So if we consider the pros and cons of OSB, then the first is in no way comparable to the second (for the better, of course!).

Slab cost

Using OSB in construction is economically beneficial - you get almost 100% natural wood at a lower price. The latter can fluctuate within small limits. It depends on the:

  • manufacturer;
  • filler used;
  • sizes.

The OSB board currently produced, the price per m2 of which depends on where it was produced (EU or North America), is sold throughout almost the entire territory of the former USSR. On average, one “square” costs from 180 to 400 rubles. However, they can also sell by the cubic meter. The average buyer is offered a price per sheet.

Where is oriented strand board used?

The main consumers of this material are builders, furniture makers, container manufacturers, and transport workers. Here are just some areas of application of OSB:

  • continuous sheathing under;
  • erection of structural elements of low-rise buildings;
  • construction and repair work: floors, ceilings, partitions;
  • reusable formwork;
  • temporary closures of construction openings;
  • construction of temporary housing;
  • production of transport boxes, pallets;
  • design of exhibition stands, racks, shelves, tabletops, counters, etc.;
  • arrangement of floors of trucks, trailers, truck bodies.

The first plant for the production of this material appeared in 1982. In less than 20 years, Orient Strand Board production volumes became equal to the volumes of plywood produced, and by 2007 it exceeded 25 million cubic meters. m. The crisis that swept across Europe and America slightly reduced production volumes. However, now they are growing again. And in the “expanses of the CIS” the demand for OSB is only increasing!

In terms of demand, oriented strand board today occupies one of the first places in the finishing building materials market. An element such as OSB board has characteristics that combine the main advantages of natural wood with the manufacturability and affordability of tile materials.

Wafer boards - a prototype of OSB

Until the middle of the last century, DS- and DV-slabs were known. The first of them are made from wood shavings (chips) of various shapes and sizes, obtained on conventional chipping machines, the second - from wood fibers formed after grinding wood.

Chipboard shavings (or chips) are always obtained by cutting wood across its grain. They say that the inventor of the new technology came up with the idea of ​​​​making wood shavings by cutting them along the length of the trunk so that they turned out thin and wide when he sharpened a pencil with a sharpener. For this purpose, traditional chipping machines used to produce chips for chipboards were modernized.

As a result, a prototype of OSB boards arose - the so-called waffle boards, which appeared on the building materials market in the mid-60s of the last century. They had greater strength than chipboard due to the use of uniform thin chips with typical dimensions of 50 x 70 x 0.8 mm. It was made from wood of those species that previously simply went to waste during massive logging (for example, aspen).

How OSB technology was born

Somewhat later, in the 70s of the last century, it became clear that the shavings of wafer plates need to be divided into layers, in each of which they should be oriented perpendicular to the shavings in the adjacent layers. The simplest version of this design was a three-layer system. And to facilitate the technology of orienting chips in a certain direction, they began to make them longer and narrower, with typical dimensions of 25x150 mm. So gradually, by the beginning of the 80s of the last century, a new technology for the production of particle boards was developed. The abbreviation OSB itself arose from the abbreviation of the English name “oriented strand boards”.

Production of OSB boards

90% of its volume is natural, mainly pine, wood, although maple, poplar, aspen, and various types of birch are also used. After sanding the logs, they are crushed to obtain flat rectangular chips with typical dimensions of 150x40x0.6 mm, which are placed in a mold in several layers. In a typical three-layer slab, the chips in the outer layers are oriented along the length of the slab, and in the inner layer - perpendicular to its length. High characteristics for a material such as OSB board are achieved due to the fact that wood fibers in flat chips aligned in one direction and interlocked give the structure the strength of natural wood.

After laying the layers, they are impregnated with synthetic resins with the addition of paraffin emulsion, which makes the slab water-resistant, and pressed at high temperature.

OSB board: characteristics and main types

Today, the woodworking industry produces four main types of them, differing in a number of basic parameters and, as a result, used for specific purposes:

1 - characterized by low density and moisture resistance and is intended for use in interior finishing work, as well as in furniture production.

2 - characterized by increased, compared to type 1, density and strength, but the same low moisture resistance. Designed for covering load-bearing structures indoors at normal humidity levels.

3 - has sufficiently high strength and moisture resistance. Designed for external cladding of building structures with moderate humidity and additional protection in the form of water-repellent impregnation or painting, as well as for any internal repair and finishing work.

4 - this OSB board is moisture-resistant, it has high strength and is used for external cladding of building structures without any additional protection. Compared to type 3, it costs twice as much.

The market also offers boards varnished or laminated on one side, intended for repeated use in the manufacture of formwork. The OSB floor board has tongue-and-groove joints at the ends on two or four sides.

What kind of OSB boards does the Russian market offer?

American and European standards for such slabs are known. The first is distinguished by strict environmental requirements, strength indicators, and minimum tolerances on dimensions. However, products according to the second standard are more moisture resistant, and their functionality is noticeably higher. The raw materials also differ: “American” slabs are made from deciduous trees, while “European” slabs are made from coniferous trees.

The largest segment of the Russian market is occupied by the Kronospan brand, supplies come from factories in Poland and Latvia. The thickness of the OSB board, which can be found on our market, ranges from 6 to 30 mm. So it is possible to use it for any type of construction work. Typical (OSB board) size is 2500 x 1250 mm.

Advantages of building materials

The perpendicularity of the direction of the chip fibers in different layers with a uniform orientation in each of them provides OSB boards with strength two and a half times greater than that of chipboard. A clear confirmation of this is the seismic resistance of houses built using American technology with their load-bearing structures covered with such slabs. During earthquakes in California and Japan, they survived, while the brick buildings partially collapsed.

Not being natural wood, this building material retains its color and beautiful structure. At the same time, it is free from its typical disadvantages - moisture absorption, delamination and warping, cracking, fallen knots, etc.

Below are (in comparison with traditional lumber and plywood) the main characteristics and advantages of a material such as OSB board:

The uniformity of their physical and mechanical properties throughout the entire volume with a slight dependence on humidity;

Moisture resistance: after daily soaking in water, the swelling of the material does not exceed 10-12% while maintaining the integrity and strength of the slab;

OSB boards are easy to cut and drill, they can be glued and painted with any paints intended for wood;

Fastener retention capacity is 25% higher than plywood and chipboard;

The light weight of a building made of OSB boards, making it unnecessary to lay a massive foundation or use lifting machines and mechanisms, which significantly reduces the cost of construction;

Environmental and hygienic safety of the material;

Resistance to damage by insects;

Lower cost compared to natural wood and plywood.

Areas of application

1. Covering load-bearing structures with OSB boards. The construction of private and low-rise houses with wall cladding with this building material is accelerated and cheaper. In this case, the slabs can be covered with any facing materials.

2. Removable formwork. Strength and moisture resistance allow the material to be used as small-panel formwork for several dozen cycles.

3. Base for the roof. OSB boards are used to cover roofing “pies” under slate, corrugated sheets, natural or metal tiles. The high sound absorption of this material is combined with high resistance to wind and snow loads.

4. Subfloor. The slabs can be laid as a continuous flooring on a layer of waterproofing on top of the screed or on wooden logs. Floor boards, linoleum, and carpet are laid on top of them.

5. Floor covering. The slabs laid on the joists are painted in several layers and varnished.

6. Production of durable packaging: boxes, boxes, containers, etc.

Advantages of OSB boards

In manufacturers' slang they are sometimes called "improved" wood. While maintaining the same strength, lightness and ease of processing as wood, OSB boards are not subject to rot and mold, and do not have voids or knots. Their technical characteristics are better than any structural wood panels and even plywood. Flow conveyor production ensures stable (which is very important for a building material such as OSB board) size and uniform thickness along the entire surface. The slabs provide excellent sound and heat insulation; the best brands do not deform in water. They are processed with the same tools as wood. Their dimensions make it possible to have a minimum number of joints in the cladding of house walls, and the service life of wall structures sheathed with such slabs is practically unlimited.

Cons of OSB boards

However, nothing in the world is perfect. The OSB board did not escape the common fate: reviews available on the Internet highlight the fragility of all types of boards (maybe except OSB4), which manifests itself during transportation, when a significant volume of goods deteriorates before reaching its consumer. This material, although moderately, still supports combustion. The extremely low moisture resistance of OSB1 and OSB2 is also noted, which, however, corresponds to the characteristics declared by the manufacturers, as well as the difficulty of their machining, especially when drilling holes. Many craftsmen complain that fasteners do not hold in them. However, many of these complaints can be attributed to the fact that low-quality, cheap slabs were used, manufactured in violation of classical technology.

Are OSB boards safe for health?

Today on the Internet you can often find negative reviews about such a common material as OSB board, which emphasize its negative impact on health. The fact is that synthetic resins are used in production. Indeed, the outer surfaces and inner layers of OSB boards are impregnated with substances containing formaldehyde to bind the chips together. Their mass fraction in the finished building material can exceed 10%, which makes it possible to release toxic substances into the environment. This circumstance undoubtedly shows the harmfulness of OSB boards, which is what causes the existing restrictions on the scope of their use for interior work. To cover internal partitions and walls of houses from the inside, it is necessary to use special environmentally friendly brands of this material, although their prices are significantly higher.

Most manufacturers from EU countries have today abandoned the use of formaldehyde-containing resins in their products. They switched to producing completely safe slabs, usually labeled “ECO” or “Green”. In any case, when purchasing OSB boards for building a house, you need to study the certificate of conformity and make sure that they correspond to the emission class of formaldehyde compounds no higher than E1 (preferably E0).

OSB boards: already yesterday?

As you know, scientific and technological progress is unstoppable. So, instead of the OSB boards we are used to, several years ago new chipboards QSB appeared on the market.

They consist of a single layer of smaller, specially sorted chips than OSB. Such plates are not pressed, but dynamically rolled, like sheet steel. In this case, an unprecedented density is achieved (about 800-900 kg/m3), while the density of OSB2 and OSB3 is in the range of 550-650 kg/m3. In addition, QSB boards are coated on both sides with a water repellent.

In terms of strength and moisture-proof characteristics, as well as price indicators, the new material turned out to be approximately equivalent to OSB4 boards. Therefore, there was no noticeable displacement of the familiar OSB3 from the market with its appearance.

The latest word in structural wood board technology is the so-called wood-cement board (for example, the Green Board brand). Their basis (up to 60% of the mass) is narrow and long wood strips (“wood wool”) and a binder in the form of high-quality cement. Such plates are absolutely non-flammable and moisture resistant.

OSB flooring is now very popular. It has many advantages and makes it possible to reduce the repair time. OSB is a highly compressed board that consists of several layers. The raw materials for the production of this material are long wood chips (6-9 cm each) obtained from coniferous trees (pine, sometimes aspen). The strength of OSB is ensured by the different orientation of the chips. For example, in the middle it is placed perpendicularly, and in the outer layers - along the length. Pressing is carried out under high temperature and pressure. At the same time, the material is impregnated with resins and waxes, which ensure its moisture resistance.

OSB has the following advantages:

  • and processing.
  • During sawing or drilling, the sheet does not begin to crumble.
  • No warping during operation.
  • Homogeneous structure.
  • Very high strength sheets that can even replace wood materials. Please note that the material can withstand enormous loads if distributed correctly.
  • No knots.
  • High degree of resistance to moisture.
  • Long service life - about 20 years.

As you can see, OSB is an excellent material for arranging both rough and finished floors.

Production of OSB boards and use for flooring on joists

Types of material

Before you start working with sheets, you need to understand what they are:

  1. OSB - 1. This is the least durable and thinnest board. It can only be used in rooms where there is never an increase in air humidity.
  2. OSB – 2. Such sheets can be used for arranging load-bearing structures only in dry rooms.
  3. OSB – 3. This material is well suited for arranging load-bearing structures in rooms where the humidity level is often high. This type of product is most often used in construction.
  4. OSB – 4. Such sheets must be laid in those rooms where a very strong mechanical load is expected on the floor. The thickness of such a slab is maximum. In addition, the material is carefully treated with wax and resins, so it is not at all afraid of moisture.

Comparison of OSB with other wood materials

Specifications

Before buying OSB, you need to consider its technical parameters:

  • Resistance to moisture: depending on the type of coating, this parameter ranges from 12-25%. The most resistant to moisture is the slab with the lowest rating.
  • Mechanical strength. The most reliable slabs can be considered class 3 and 4. In general, the strength of the product along the transverse axis ranges from 1200-1800 N/mm2, and along the longitudinal axis - 2500-4800 N/mm2.
  • Product weight. One slab can weigh from 12 to 43 kg.

Table of characteristics of OSB-3 with different board thicknesses

  • Material thickness: 0.6-2.2 cm.
  • Environmental friendliness: according to laboratory studies of various organizations, the content of harmful components in the product does not exceed permissible limits.

The cost of the slab depends on its technical parameters and ranges from 420-780 rubles. a piece.

How to choose the right product?

Before laying OSB, you need to decide on the following parameters:

  1. Type of base. The thickness of the material depends on this.
  2. Product size.
  3. Necessary qualities (for example, if you are laying OSB in a dry room, then you may not need such quality as moisture resistance).
  4. Manufacturer. It is best to give preference to European, Canadian and North American manufacturers. Their products are certified by international organizations.

Use of OSB for finishing and rough finishing of floors

OSB-3 is most often used for flooring.

How should the material be treated for different types of flooring?

OSB floors can be rough or finished. In the second case, the surface is simply sanded and varnished. Naturally, the gaps between the sheets should be invisible. If you decide to lay another facing material on top of OSB, then the base must be pre-prepared depending on what kind of coating you will use:

  • . The base must be level, especially at the junctions of the slabs.
  • or. In this case, it is better to use thin slabs, which will make the transition between them smooth and almost imperceptible. Additionally, it is treated with a sealing agent. Please note that if one sheet of OSB is laid on the floor, then the compensation gap is arranged on the side of the walls.
  • . When choosing such a facing material, it is necessary to take into account that the base for its installation should be as strong and level as possible. Sheets should be secured so that they are motionless. If you are laying OSB on logs, then in this case they should be mounted at a short distance from each other.


Features of installation of the rough foundation

So, if you decide to use OSB boards for subfloor equipment, you need to decide what you will lay them on: concrete or wooden joists. In any case, the most acceptable material will be OSB - 3. If the base for installation is a concrete screed, then the thickness of the sheet may not exceed 1 cm. In the case of laying on wooden logs, this parameter can reach a maximum of 2.5 cm. The material is attached to concrete at using dowels. You can fix it on the tree using self-tapping screws. Please note that the fastener heads must be recessed into the slab. This way you will achieve a perfectly even surface. If you need to achieve maximum strength of the base, then the sheets should be laid in 2 layers. In this case, the seams in the lower and upper layers should not match.

During installation, pay attention to the quality of the joints. They need to be leveled and smoothed as much as possible. For this, an elastic sealant is used. The arrangement of the subfloor is done as follows:

  • To begin with, logs are installed on the floor.
  • Now you can screw additional bars to them (at the bottom). Their cross section should be 5x5 cm.
  • The side that will be in contact with the concrete or facing the ground must be additionally treated with an antiseptic or bitumen mastic (one layer is enough).
  • Fastening plates. This can be done using special nails, screws or glue.
  • . This can be polystyrene foam or mineral wool. Expanded clay can also be poured between the slab and the ground.
  • Laying an additional OSB board, which will serve as the basis for subsequent cladding.

Subfloor pie made from OSB boards

Before laying the first layer of sheets, it is necessary to waterproof the floor.

The material can also be laid on a dry screed. The filling must first be leveled along the beacons. Next, it is necessary to install a layer of OSB, on top of which the same sheets are laid, only with the seams shifted. They can be fixed using self-tapping screws, the pitch between which is 15 cm. Please note that the fasteners must be screwed along the edge of the second layer.

Many owners of suburban areas, apartments and individual houses are interested in inexpensive and high-quality material suitable for renovating a room, cladding a building, or building a frame country house in the shortest possible time.

Currently, a relatively new type of coating has become quite popular - OSB board, the dimensions of which allow you to cover a fairly large area with an even layer without any special costs and immediately carry out external finishing on it (for more information about OSB finishing, see and).

Advantages of OSB boards

OSB is a product that replaces the previously popular chipboard material and is in many ways reminiscent of its predecessor. However, the use of more advanced production technology, which involves the use of a certain type and size of wood chips and in a special way of laying it (three mutually perpendicular layers), allows one to obtain quite important advantages:

  • Great strength and elasticity. The outer layers of chips, oriented along the main axis of the slab, and the inner layer, perpendicular to them, form a single structure with improved characteristics;
  • Moisture resistance. Provided using improved modifications of resins as a filler and binding element;
  • Ease of processing. The dimensions of OSB boards and their shape are strictly the same, so these boards are very easy to cover and level surfaces of any size. In addition, they are perfectly cut with any hand or electric tool;
  • Low price. The cost of the most popular OSB board is around 150 rubles per square meter.

What sizes of OSB boards are there?

Depending on the performance properties, which are determined by the raw materials used and the production method, OSB boards are divided into four classes. They are designated by a combination of the letters OSB and the corresponding number. The most popular are boards of the OSB-3 standard, which, due to their higher moisture resistance, have the widest scope of application.

Unlike chipboard panels, there is no single agreed standard for the size of OSB sheets. Therefore, manufacturers produce different types of slabs, both in terms of the ratio of width and length, and in thickness.

Historically, the first oriented strand boards were created in North America and only a little later appeared on our side of the ocean. This led to the division of manufactured products into American and European versions, each of which has its own traditional sizes and method of surface treatment. The most common types of slabs are:

  • 2440x1220 mm. This is the most popular size for American products. The most famous brands supplied to Russia: Norbord, Arbec, Grant and others;
  • 2500x1250 mm. Its European analogue, which is produced by Glunz, Kronospan, Bolderaja, etc.;
  • 2440 x 590 mm. A rather useful type of American slab with tongue-and-groove edges, most often used for constructing a base for floors (Norbord).

In addition to the most popular ones, there are also non-standard slab options. For example, the Austrian manufacturer Kronospan produces OSB sheets 2800 x 1250 mm, and the Belgian Norbord NV – 1200 x 2700 mm.

A few words about the third size - thickness. Slabs with a thickness from 6 to 40 mm are available on sale. The most popular sizes are:

  • 6 mm, 9 mm – for subfloors, packaging and other structures not subject to heavy loads;
  • 12 mm – arrangement of a continuous base for roofing coverings, internal partitions;
  • 15 mm, 18 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm – flooring, external cladding of buildings. The thickness is selected depending on the distance between the logs on which the slabs are laid - 15-18 mm in increments of up to half a meter, 18 mm - 22 mm - up to 60 cm, and 25 mm - at large distances.

It is necessary to separately mention that OSB from leading manufacturers is subject to fairly strict standards for the possible deviation of the dimensions of each unit of production from the specified values.

For example, for OSB-3 boards, American standards CSA0437 and CSA0325 establish a maximum tolerance for thickness of 0.3 mm, and for linear dimensions - no more than 3 mm. Such production precision guarantees the absence of gaps and unevenness when installing large-area coverings.

How OSB boards are supplied

OSB boards can be purchased either in bulk (if their quantity is small) or in packs. Usually, when purchasing a large amount of material, starting from one pack, it becomes noticeably lower than for a single quantity. Therefore, for large volumes of construction, it is advisable to select the required size and thickness based on design requirements and optimization of the cost of the entire batch.

In order to be able to combine these two often opposing factors, you need to know how OSB boards are packaged at manufacturing plants for shipment to trading organizations. The weight of the pack and the number of slabs in it depend on their linear dimensions, thickness and the technological features of the manufacturer.

As an example, we provide data on products from the Canadian company Norbord for sheets measuring 2400 x 1220 mm:

Parameter
Sheet thickness, mm 6 9 12 15 18
Number of sheets per pack 140 110 97 75 55
Surface area of ​​sheets in a pack, m2 416 327 288 223 163
Weight of one sheet, kg 12 18,5 24 31 38
Total weight of sheets in a bundle, t 1,7 2,0 2,3 2,3 2,1

These data show that the sheets of the most common sizes have an accessible weight for manual movement up to working at height when constructing upper floors and roofing surfaces.

Article

Technical characteristics of OSB boards

Sheet thickness can vary from 8 mm to 25 mm. Conventionally, the slabs can be divided into three groups.

  1. The first group (thin sheets) - 8, 9 and 10 mm, weight - 16.6 kg, 18.4 kg and 20.6 kg, respectively.
  2. The second group (average thickness of the canvas) - 12 and 15 mm, weight - 24.1 kg and 30 kg.
  3. The third group (thick sheets) - 18, 22 and 25 mm, weight - 35.3 kg, 43.1 kg and 48.8 kg.

Dimensions of OSB boards:

  • 2440x1220 mm. one of the most popular sizes, most often used in construction;
  • 2500x1250 mm. this size, as a rule, has cheaper European analogues;
  • 2440 x 590 mm. a rather rare size of slab with tongue-and-groove edges, usually used to create subfloors.

When purchasing material not individually, but in pallets, you should take into account that the thinner the canvas, the more pieces there will be on it. So 8 mm canvases will fit 120 pieces, and 25 mm canvases will fit only 38 pieces.

Types of material

This material is divided into types according to parameters such as strength and moisture resistance. Based on these, the following options are highlighted:

OSB-1

This type has the lowest resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. It is most suitable for the production of furniture elements, as well as for use as a material for packaging and transportation.

OSB-2

This type has the same low resistance to moisture, but has higher mechanical strength. Most often used in the manufacturing process of load-bearing structures (floor beams).

OSB-3

This type is endowed not only with sufficient strength, but also with good moisture resistance. Therefore, it is used in exactly the same way as the previous type, only with the possibility of installation in places with high humidity levels.

OSB-4

This type of material is endowed with the highest rates of all the above properties. That is why there are many options for its use. Can be used in situations with the most stringent conditions and requirements.

Advantages

  • Does not delaminate or crumble.
  • Has a homogeneous structure.
  • Affordability.
  • Absolutely harmless in environmental terms.
  • Finished elements have higher elasticity and flexibility (compared to brick or stone masonry).
  • Do not collapse under the influence of sudden temperature changes.
  • Easy to process and finish.
  • The peculiar structure allows for much more rigid fixation of metal elements in the canvas (nails, screws, etc.).
  • It is possible to use the tongue-and-groove connection option.

Flaws

  • When using canvases indoors, the external finishing of the canvases is mandatory (to ensure an aesthetic appearance).
  • When cutting, it is mandatory to use respirators. This is due to the presence of resins that are harmful to the respiratory tract.

Scope of application of OSB boards

As such, there are a huge number of areas and use cases. Let's list the most common ones.

  1. Lathing for roofing.
  2. An OSB board is used for the floor, namely for its quick leveling for laying parquet or laminate flooring.
  3. Installation of formwork.
  4. Installation of partitions indoors.
  5. Cladding of building facades.
  6. Used as structural elements during the construction of buildings of one or two floors.
  7. For the manufacture of closed containers for transportation or pallets.
  8. Construction of counters, stands and other things.
  9. Laying floors inside vehicles intended for transporting goods.
  10. Used for the construction of seasonal housing or non-residential premises (summer cottages, garages, work outbuildings).

This wood-based building material was specially created for its intended use - in the construction industry. Due to the fact that OSB boards have many advantages and virtually no disadvantages, they are in high demand, especially in the private sector. Knowing the dimensions and approximate cost of an OSB board, it is easy to determine the required number of samples and optimize your costs for their purchase.

OSB has many differences from other types of board and sheet materials. The structure of samples, the technology of their manufacture, the appropriateness of use in a particular case and a number of other issues are separate topics. In terms of size, one of the GOST requirements is more interesting. Technical conditions for OSB are reflected in standard No. 32567 of 2013 (Table 1 - about dimensions). In particular, only the minimum values ​​of linear parameters are noted in it, and nothing is said regarding their upper limit.


All values ​​given below are in mm, prices are in rubles/pcs, in relation to the Moscow region.

OSB board sizes

Standard (according to GOST table):

  • Length (width) – from 1,200 (with gradations of 10 mm).
  • Thickness – from 6 (gradation 1 mm).

There is also a caveat that is typical for GOST with specifications for other sheets and slabs - the manufacturer has the right to produce OSB (by agreement of the parties) and other sizes different from the standard values. That is, there are no “strict” requirements in this matter. It turns out that all tabular data are approximate. Consequently, any slab, no matter what size it has, is manufactured without violating the relevant provisions of GOST.

Before planning construction (repair) work, drawing up diagrams and calculating the required number of products, it is worth carefully studying the OSB assortment on the local market and literally adapting to it.


Dimensions of OSB boards most often found on sale

The fact that the manufacturer has the right to determine their linear parameters himself does not mean that the choice is large enough. Any company focuses not least on demand. Based on this, the production of OSB in the most popular sizes is organized. What does the market mainly offer?

  • Length – 2440, 2500, 2700, 2800.
  • Width – 590, 1 200, 1 220, 1 250.
  • Thickness: 6 – 25.

When determining the feasibility of using OSB in each specific case, you need to focus on the optimal combination of structural strength and its weight. This means, first of all, a competent calculation of the thickness of the slab, and not its dimensions.

  • 10 – for unloaded elements, rough floors (can be used for the manufacture of I-beams).
  • 12 – partitions, continuous sheathing.
  • From 15 to 25 – facing OSB, for dry screeds and the like.


Prices of oriented strand boards

The cost of OSB depends on several factors: group (moisture resistance), sample dimensions, thickness, manufacturer, region of sale (that is, transport surcharge).

  • The most popular boards are in the “moisture resistant” category (OSB-3). The approximate price for such a sheet is 2,500 x 1,250 (9) – 602.5. An analogue with a thickness of 12 will cost 719 rubles.
  • A slab 2,440 x 1,200 (9.5) costs 538. The price of the same 12 mm OSB is about 676.

Examples for individual slab manufacturers are summarized in the table.


It is advisable to purchase products from well-known, reputable companies. If their interpretation (as noted above) of OSB dimensions is quite arbitrary, then the requirements for tolerances (various deviations of parameters) are as “strict” as possible.


This means that the discrepancy from the declared dimensions is minimal. Consequently, during the installation of the slabs there will be no problems with their joining, significant gaps formed, and so on. Even if such products cost a little more, you won’t have to waste time and money (for example, on sealants or mastics).

Most people who decide to buy their own home or renovate their apartment, one way or another, are faced with the problem of choosing a relatively inexpensive and at the same time high-quality material intended for cladding the walls of a room or for building a frame country house in a short time.

In today's building materials market, a type of coating such as OSB boards is gaining increasing popularity. Their size allows you to cover a significant area with an even layer, without having to spend a lot of money. External finishing on the slabs is completed almost immediately.

The main advantages of OSB boards

OSB boards are products similar to the recently popular chipboard, and have many similar characteristics. However, in the production of OSB boards, special technologies are used that involve the use of a certain size and type of wood chips. In addition, the method of laying chips, which is carried out in three mutually perpendicular layers, allows you to obtain additional advantages.

Advantages:

  • It is thanks to this installation that the slabs gain additional elasticity and strength. A single structure with better characteristics is formed as a result of the fact that the outer layers of chips, directed along the main axis of the slab, are combined with the inner ones, located perpendicular to them.
  • Moisture resistance is another quality of OSB boards. This quality is ensured with the help of more modern and improved modifications of resins used as fillers and binders.
  • OSB boards are easy to process, their sizes and shapes are always the same, which is why any surfaces of different sizes can be easily covered and leveled with them.
  • When cutting slabs, both manual and electric cutting tools are used.
  • And another important advantage is the low cost of building materials. On average, one OSB board costs about 150 rubles per square meter.

OSB boards are divided into four main types, depending on the performance properties determined by the method of their production and raw materials. Each type is designated by the letters OSB and a number characteristic of this type. Among others, OSB-3 boards are more popular. They have fairly high moisture resistance and are widespread and popular among consumers.

Another difference between OSB boards and chipboard sheets is that there are no uniform standard sizes for OSB boards. They are produced in various sizes, widths, lengths and thicknesses.

There is also a division of manufactured slabs into American and European versions. Each type differs in traditional processing methods and sizes. This distribution was due to the fact that particle boards were first created in North America, only later did they appear in our country.

For the most part, slabs are divided into the following types:

  • The most popular type is OSB boards, American-made, 2440x1220 mm in size. These include brands that are especially popular in Russia such as Arbec, Norbord, Grant, etc.
  • Their European analogues are slabs produced by Kronospan, Bolderaja, Glunz and many others. Their size is 2440x590 mm.
  • Another type of American-made slabs, Norbord, has tongue-and-groove edges; they are most often used for floor subfloors; their size is 2440x590 mm.

In addition, there are non-standard types of OSB boards; they are not among the most popular. These include slabs from the Austrian manufacturer Kronospan, which produces slabs measuring 2800x1250 mm, and another manufacturer is the Belgian company Norbord NV, which produces sheets 1200x2700 mm.

I would like to say a few words about one more parameter of OSB boards - thickness. Often, the consumer is offered slabs with a thickness of 6-40 mm.

Among them, slabs of the following sizes are more in demand:

  • Plates with a thickness of 6.9 mm are used mainly for constructing subfloors and other structures that will not be subject to excessive loads.
  • OSB boards of 15, 18, 22 and 25 mm are used for laying floors, as well as external cladding of buildings. In this case, the thickness of the slabs intended for floors is determined based on the distance between the logs. With a step of 0.5 meters, slabs of 15-18 mm are used, with a step of up to 60 cm, the thickness of the slabs is 18-22 mm, and with a large distance between the logs, the thickness of the slabs should be 25 mm.

Slabs from leading manufacturers are defined by strict standards for permissible deviations. For example, American standards CSA0325 and CSA0437 define minimum thickness tolerances of 0.3 mm, tolerances according to linear standards are no more than 3 mm. When installing large surfaces, this eliminates unevenness and gaps.

Methods of supplying OSB boards

As a rule, slabs are offered to buyers either individually, if the batch is small, or in packs. Moreover, when purchasing slabs from one pack, it will reduce the cost of the material. That is why, when purchasing slabs, it would be advisable to choose the desired thickness and size. And for this you need to know how the manufacturer packs the slabs for sending to stores. In general, the number of slabs in a pack and its weight depend on the technological features, linear dimensions of the slabs and their thickness.
These indicators indicate that the slabs have the most common sizes, and also have everything that allows them not only to be easily moved by hand, but also to work with them at height when installing roofing surfaces and upper floors.

The properties of OSB boards discussed above explain the increasingly growing popularity of the material and its widespread use in the construction of structures and country houses.