Waferboard, also known as oriented strand board or OSB, is a wood panel made of compressed flakes and resins. It can be used in construction and furniture making, but may not last as long as solid wood. It is graded for strength and thickness and is often covered in laminate.
Also known as oriented strand board or OSB, waferboard is a wood panel made up of flakes that are compressed to create a strong, workable building material. This type of particleboard is classified as an example of chipboard and can sometimes be used in construction projects in place of traditional plywood panels. While normally known as particle board in the US, boards of this type are often referred to as sterling board in the UK.
Making waferboards involves compressing individual flakes into a flat panel. To obtain the desired shape and consistency, the wood flakes are joined with the use of resins that effectively bind the flakes or wafers together. The panel is subjected to a high degree of heat and pressure, which helps seal the bond and also compresses the surface of the panel until it is flat. As a result, the panels are relatively strong and can be used for a number of building projects.
One of the most common applications of waferboard is in creating affordable yet functional furniture. Objects such as television stands, computer desks, and various types of shelving can be created using this type of whiteboard. The pieces are often covered in some sort of laminate designed to mimic the look of wood grain. Furniture of this type is often sold in easy-to-assemble kits and is often sold in discount stores.
Just like plywood and MDF, waferboard can be manufactured to any degree of thickness desired. Thinner panels can be ideal for creating temporary walls within a building, such as setting up a stage in a theatre. Thicker boards can be used to create functional shelving that can be mounted directly to a wall and support a fair amount of weight. Most products made from this type of board are graded, letting consumers know how much stress the board can take and remain functional.
While waferboard is a versatile product, it’s not always the best option for various construction projects. Furniture created with the use of this type of plank is less likely to last for extended periods of time than solid woods. Water can damage the integrity of the waferboard and in some cases even cause the flakes to separate. Fortunately, people who purchase inexpensive furniture made with this product are usually looking for an item that will be useful in the short term, while setting aside resources to purchase something that is more likely to last for many years.
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