Oriented strand board (OSB) is a common building material made from chipped wood. It is similar to chipboard or particle board but is made from bigger, coarser pieces of wood giving it increased strength and water resistance. OSB panels are lightweight and easy to handle and install.
It is available in assorted sizes, grades and thickness and each is engineered for a specific use and performance level. In home construction, it is a common material for roof decking, wall sheathing and floor sheathing. It can also be used as a subfloor under wood or wood-look floors. This type of OSB usually has a tongue and groove edge. It should be noted that OSB is more flexible than plywood as a subfloor so should not be used under tile or stone floors that tend to be heavy. OSB will also swell at the cut edges significantly more than plywood when exposed to moisture.
There are many opinions among flooring experts as to whether OSB or plywood makes a better subfloor. One of the bigger advantages of OSB is the lower cost per panel. It is a dimensionally stable material that resists delamination and warping, unlike plywood. OSB is also considered to be a more environmentally friendly product since it is made from scrap timber and smaller trees.
The importance of using a good subfloor system in the basement
When finishing a basement, it’s important to ensure your basement floor remains as dry as possible. To achieve this, install a basement subfloor. While there are a variety of options to choose from, here we will review the benefits of Barricade Subflor Air Plus panels, the one-step engineered subfloor solution specifically designed for basements.
The raised moisture barrier covers cold, damp concrete to protect, insulate and cushion your finished floors. Concrete continually releases moisture and Barricade Subfloor Air Plus panels have been designed with an OSB top surface and patented Air Gap technology to keep basement floors dry, comfortable and cozy throughout the entire year.
These panels promote good indoor air quality by allowing concrete to breathe, which in turn reduces the potential for mould and mildew. They are fast and easy to install; a typical 500 square foot basement can be installed in an afternoon.
Ready to start your next project? Find quality OSB and other building materials at your local TIMBER MART to ensure you have the right materials for the job.
