Why is osb smooth on one side

The indicated down-side is the rough side, correct? I'm thinking that by having the rough side against the studs, you end up with better shear strength. I seriously doubt that there is any structural implication either way. But checking with the manufacturer is of course the best bet. Let us know what you find. Shawn I just called APA. They provide approval for most wood structural panel OSB and Plywood. They stated that they do not have special requirements for a specific side up or down.

However, they stated that some manufactures like to have the rough side up for safety issues. Just spoke to Norbord Two reasons for "This Side Down" 1 Safety- One side has a screened finish rough 2 Inspections- Easy for the Building Inspector to identify the sheathing with the approved stamp looking from below Thanks for everyone's input!!

The stamp is on the smooth side, which will mean the rough side is up on roof rafters or trusses. He had his own stall, but he wanted the whole barn. Little bastard kicked 2x10 southern yellow pine boards in two pieces regularly Dad would say "You sure you don't wan't to ride him?

The Cobbler said:. Spirit20 New member. I did mine smooth side out. The rough side will collect more dust in any kind of shop. Bear Well-known member. Did mine smooth side out. Everyone says it is hard to paint - I thought it no harder than textured sheetrock.

I used two coats of Heinz 57 latex I got for free at the local recycle center. Went on easy and covered well with none of the original ink showing through. The omly downer with Heinz 57 is that you get one choice of color - light grey. Angelfire Well-known member. I would probably go with the smooth side out and prime it good before actually painting it. Gives you the OSB for hanging stuff yet gives you a more finished look, if that's what you're after. Haven't done much research on this to be honest so if anyone has any inputs on that approach, it would be appreciated.

Joined Aug 27, Messages 2. Responder Well-known member. Spirit20 said:. I used Kilz oil based primer and rolled mine on. I put a second coat on it and then covered mine with Kilz Pro-X paint. Another smooth side out.

OSB is chosen over plywood frequently due to its affordability over a comparable panel size. Though not popular, OSB can be used for exposed walls, siding, and becoming popular as an alternative for main flooring. In general, OSB is used where affordable strength is needed and will be covered up later. When installing OSB, woodworkers may find that one side of the board has a rather rough side. But what does this all mean? Is there a reason as to why rough sides exist? Manufacturers of OSB actually create the rough side themselves during the manufacturing process.

As the sheets of wood pieces are compressed together, one side is pressed against a die that imprints a screen-like texture into the face of the board. The reason OSB has one rough side is simply for safety. Plywood and OSB are largely considered the best wall sheathing choices because of their overall abilities to hold fasteners well, create a strong bond between studs, and provide some thermal advantages.

Structural fiberboard is one such option. Ashley Susano Explainer. Can OSB be installed vertically? Using wood structural sheathing vertically on a wall is accepted practice in the building codes. Josebe Vavveti Explainer. What can you use OSB for? The most common uses are as sheathing in walls, flooring, and roof decking.

For exterior wall applications, panels are available with a radiant-barrier layer pre-laminated to one side; this eases installation and increases energy performance of the building envelope. OSB also sees some use in furniture production.

Dorel Schlottbom Pundit. Can I use OSB for siding? Oriented strand board, or OSB , is a siding product sold in sheets or laps depending on preference. It comes in a variety of finishes made to resemble various hardwoods and stucco surfaces.

Many people prefer using OSB as an alternative to other siding materials such as metal or vinyl, which aren't as strong or durable. Assya Espigares Pundit. Is Waferboard the same as OSB? OSB is made from fast-growing harvested trees generally Aspen or Pine. A popular misconception is that OSB is made from scraps of other wood products but this is simply not true.

Joselito Dallinga Pundit. How do you seal OSB board? Soak the tip of your paintbrush in your sealer and begin brushing it over the surface and on the ends of the OSB pieces. Make sure you repeat this process on each side, not just where your cuts were made. Coat the pieces as they lay on the tarp, and then let the waterproofing sit to dry for 12 to 14 hours. Ansoumana Gravenkotter Pundit.