
You have likely heard the term “solid sheet” when researching panels for use in construction. Solid sheet is a term that describes the various types of panels used in construction such as MDF, plywood, or OSB. What makes solid sheet materials ideal for use in gardens and outdoor structures is their durability, affordability, and weather resistance.
What is OSB board? How does it compare to other options?
The below will focus on oriented strand board (OSB) which is known for its popularity and versatility. OSB is used in many outdoor garden structures by customers who need a strong, affordable, and weather-proof material.
What Is OSB board?
What is OSB board, and why is it a popular go-to choice? OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board and uses multiple layers of wood strands compressed and is held together using adhesives such as wax and synthetic resin.
What is OSB board used for?
OSB is the logical choice for walls, floors, and for general use within sheds and other garden buildings and structures. OSB for shed walls is often chosen as a more affordable alternative to plywood and provides good weather resistance once properly sealed and treated. OSB board can be easily cut and is well-suited for several different types of DIY projects and furniture. It is common to see OSB used for subflooring or OSB shed roofing.
OSB manufacturing process
Knowing the manufacturing process of oriented strand board allows you to better understand the features of the material, and why it is such a good fit for sheds and garden structures.
Firstly, timber is cut into small strands that are mixed with adhesives such as wax and synthetic resins for moisture resistance, and then layered to form a strong surface. These strands are then overlapped to maximise resilience and provide additional durability.
The layered material then undergoes an intense heat and pressure treatment which fuses the strands in place together as they become part of one surface.
The process then moves to its final stage where the OSB is cleaned up via sanding down and trimming down to size, ready to use in your shed or garden buildings. It is important to note that OSB panels will benefit from additional treatments to lock in a weather-resistant and long-lasting finish.


What is the strength of OSB vs plywood?
In terms of the strength of OSB vs plywood, although both OSB and plywood are durable, there are some key differences that are important to understand when choosing between the two.
OSB is better suited to strain and pressure which makes OSB for shed walls and subflooring a great fit. Plywood is better at handling tension and maintaining strength while being shaped or flexed into specific requirements. Plywood is also more resistant to moisture naturally and avoids the type of swelling that can be experienced when using OSB before treatment is applied.
The strength of OSB vs plywood comes down to the use case, and how the material will be used.
Types of OSB available
It is important to know that OSB is available in several grades; each has its own use cases which further adds to its versatility. Below are the different grades explained along with their typical use case.
OSB2
OSB2 boards are suitable for interior use if it is not exposed to moisture. This grade is suitable for load bearing and can be used confidently for subflooring within dry environments such as bedrooms or living rooms and is also used frequently in walls for added structural support. OSB2 would not be recommended for environments that are regularly exposed to moisture, humidity, or poor ventilation.
OSB3
If you are looking to use OSB for load-bearing applications in an environment that occasionally experiences high humidity and moisture levels, OSB3 is the grade that you should consider. OSB3 provides a moderate level of protection against moisture making it a popular choice as OSB shed roofing, walls, and subflooring within other garden structures.
OSB4
OSB4 is made for high-humidity environments and is the highest grade of OSB available. This type of OSB has significantly better moisture resistance and strength than the lower grades and is more appropriate for heavy-duty use while being exposed to harsh environments.
Why use OSB in gardens?
OSB provides an affordable solution for customers looking for versatile and robust materials for use inside their garden buildings.
Below, we highlight some of the key benefits that make OSB a popular choice with customers:
1) Cost-effectiveness - OSB is an affordable and cost-effective alternative to other solid sheet options, it is ideal for customers working on a budget
2) Strength and durability - due to the manufacturing process, OSB is a strong and durable material that is composed of layers of overlapping strands of timber bonded by adhesives
3) Sustainability - OSB is considered an eco-friendly material due to the fast-growing nature of the trees used and is suitable for customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint
4) Weather resistance - once an appropriate treatment has been applied, OSB is a good weather-resistant choice for use in moderate or harsh conditions depending on the grade chosen. This makes it a great choice as OSB shed roof material in addition to being used in walls and flooring
OSB in garden structures
OSB is commonly used in garden structures throughout the UK and is a popular choice for good reason.
OSB shed roof and OSB for shed walls
Having OSB shed roofing or OSB for shed walls are common choices due to the resilient properties of the material that come because of the manufacturing process. Once treated and protected from the weather, OSB can withstand exposure to the typical conditions experienced within UK gardens while maintaining its strength and durability.
Decking subfloor
Another situation where OSB can excel is when used as a decking subfloor. It is important to reiterate the importance of proper treatment first, ensuring protection against the effects of long-term exposure to moisture which can lead to swelling and other issues that could weaken the material over time.


Garden room flooring
Using OSB as a support for your choice of flooring will save you money and is also very easy to install. The versatile nature of the material makes it easy to work with and provides a good subfloor for whichever floor cover options you decide on.
Again, OSB should be treated to ensure longevity and protection against exposure to moisture and humidity. The grade of OSB required will depend on your needs and the environment in which it will be used.
Using OSB outdoors
Using OSB outdoors requires additional considerations and steps that should be taken to maximise its effectiveness.
Moisture protection
This is very important and can be achieved by applying a waterproof treatment. Using a sealant or coating will prevent the material from absorbing moisture which leads to weakening of the material over time. As OSB is a material favoured for its strength, correct treatment is paramount when using it outdoors.
Edge sealing
The edges of your OSB are prone to absorbing moisture and should be sealed with an edge sealant to prevent warping and weakening. This serves as a second layer of defence that will further protect the board from exposure ensuring that strength is maintained.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is always important inside garden buildings, and it is no different here. By having good ventilation and airflow, you reduce the build-up of moisture adding yet another layer of defence in the fight against the elements. Modern garden buildings should be built with ventilation in mind to promote the circulation of air.
Final thoughts
In summary, OSB is a versatile, tough and cost-effective material for garden buildings and outdoor projects. Its layered construction and strong adhesive properties make it resilient, proper treatment makes it weather resistant. By choosing the right grade and applying the right moisture protection OSB will perform well in any conditions. For shed roofs, walls, decking subfloors and garden room floors OSB is a practical solution for pros and DIYers.
Contact us
To speak about OSB and its use in our products do not hesitate to contact Shedstore in the following ways:
- Phone - 0333 003 0518
- E-mails – send emails through the from in our contact page
- Text chat – message us in real-time via our Live Chat app to message us. This can be accessed using the green button at the lower left corner of any page