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Oriented strand board facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Oriented strand board at Courtabœuf 2011
OSB can be easily identified by its visible wood strands.

Oriented strand board, commonly called OSB, is a type of particle board which is made of carefully positioned strands of wood. Aspen and other similar woods are cut into long strands parallel to the grain of the wood. It is manufactured into sheets made up of wood strands, wax, and resin adhesives. Sheets are formed under pressure and heat. The finished sheet size varies by country. OSB is very strong making it ideal for building construction. Its most common uses in construction are for covering walls, floors and roofs before the finish products are applied.

  • OSB-2 is specially designed OSB for load-bearing purposes. It is for use in dry areas.
  • OSB-3 is designed the same, but is for use in wet areas.

OSB can also be made from trees from areas burned over by forest fires.

Related pages

Images for kids

  • LSFosb05

    OSB is frequently used in light steel frame house construction.

  • OSB production

    OSB in production before pressing in a thermal press

  • OSB-Platte

    OSB, closeup of corner

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Oriented strand board para niños

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Oriented strand board Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.