BS EN 300 : Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) – Definitions, classification and specifications

(Has replaced BS 5669 Part 3 – Particleboard – Specification for oriented strand board, which has now been withdrawn.)

This standard gives definitions, a classification and specifies the requirements for OSB.

OSB is classified into one of four types:

• OSB/1 - General purpose panels for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry conditions
  
• OSB/2 - Load-bearing panels for use in dry conditions
  
• OSB/3 - Load-bearing panels for use in humid conditions
  
• OSB/4 - Heavy duty load-bearing panels for use in humid conditions

Table 1 lists the general requirements that all OSB must comply with i.e. size tolerances, edge straightness, squareness, moisture content, mean density and formaldehyde class.

The requirements for specified mechanical and swelling properties are given for each of the four classes, in Tables 2, 3, 4, & 6, together with the test methods for deriving these results. These characteristic values are for use in a factory production control system and are NOT to be used for design calculations.

Tables 5 & 7 deal with the requirements for moisture resistance in panel types OSB/3 and OSB/4.

The standard continues by describing a means for proving verification of compliance for the OSB with this standard.

Marking requirements, including voluntary colour coding is given, plus details of where to find test methods for supplementary properties.

Finally, in the annex it lists the alternative requirements called for in several other European countries, namely Austria, Denmark, Germany and Sweden.

More product information and Bear Hill case study.