Oriented strand board (OSB) is a performance-rated structural panel engineered for uniformity, strength, versatility and workability. It is utilized internationally in a wide array of applications including commercial and residential construction and renovation, packaging/crating, furniture and shelving, and do-it-yourself projects. The most common uses are as sheathing in walls, floors, and roofs.
Some manufacturers may treat the wood chips with various compounds toxic to termites, and other home destroying pests (aka “varmints”) as well as to molds, and fungi. This can add to the life of your home.
High technology manufacturing equipment has the ability to orient the strands so they overlap and interlock at a 90 degree angle. Each strand of wood is completely coated with a high performance resin glue. After the OSB leaves the hot press, you have a structural, engineered wood product with superior high strength characteristics.
Because it is engineered, OSB can be custom manufactured to meet specific requirements in thickness, density, panel size, surface texture, strength, and rigidity. This engineering process makes OSB the most widely accepted and preferred structural panel among architects, specifiers and Washington state home builders.
