Glossary · General construction

OSB

Definition

Oriented strand board — an engineered panel of compressed wood strands and resin, commonly used for sheathing and subfloor. Cheaper than plywood but less moisture-tolerant.

Source: Wikipedia — Oriented Strand Board

  • Plywood

    An engineered panel of thin wood veneers glued in cross-grain layers for strength and stability. Preferred over OSB for cabinet boxes and…

  • Sheathing

    The structural panel layer (plywood or OSB) attached to studs or rafters that braces the frame and provides a base for siding, roofing, o…

  • Subfloor

    The structural sheet material (plywood or OSB) fastened over floor joists that everything else — underlayment and finish flooring — is bu…

  • OSHA

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration — the federal agency setting and enforcing job-site safety standards. A contractor's sa…

  • Mortar

    A cement-based paste used to bond masonry or, as thinset, to adhere tile to a substrate. Different mixes are rated for different applicat…

  • Partition

    A non-load-bearing interior wall that divides space but carries no structural load above it. Generally simpler and cheaper to move than a…

  • Load-Bearing Wall

    A wall that carries weight from the structure above down to the foundation. Removing or opening one requires an engineered beam and posts…

  • Permit

    Official jurisdiction authorization to perform regulated work, triggering required inspections. Unpermitted remodels can force teardown,…

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