I have seen OSB recommended for a table top for a layout. I just bought some today and was wondering if it is true that OSB can release formaldehyde gases into my home? if so, is there anything I can do to help prevent it?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Well someone should tell the EPA about it, hundreds of thousands of homes( if not millions) have it on every floor as well as the roof and walls.
I made my benchwork out of leftover OSB from my own house in fact. After a truckload was used on my house, whats a few extra sheets in the basement?
Having said that, its cheaper, lighter, and flatter than plywood, and it doesn't warp. All while being designed for strength. I'm pleased with the results.
There are 2 different kinds of formaldehyde
type 1: UF = UREA avoid at all costs
type 2: PF = PHENOL safe to use
Rick
thank you for the info. I just checked all over the OSB and I cannot find anywhere where it states whether it is PF or UF
check this link on OSB & formaldehyde.
http://www.sips.org/green-buil...sions-and-exemptions
Here's a key statement from it:
These adhesives, phenol formaldehyde and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), are chemically reacted into stable bonds during pressing. The final products have such low formaldehyde emission levels that they easily meet or are exempt from the world’s leading formaldehyde emission standards and regulations.
I found another article that says urea formaldehyde is used in manufacturing particleboard, hardwood plywood & MFDF moldings (not OSB).
Would 1/2 in. thickness be of sufficient strength on top of Mianne benchwork?
I've been thinking of osb instead of common plywood. I would say too that
pre-painting of both sides would be in order before mounting.
Hoppy
I'd like to repeat my above question re OSB, since I'll be buying the table-top material
soon. Again, it's being put atop Mianne benchwork and I wonder if 1/2 in. is adequate
(I won't have any need to climb on it). Thanks.
Hoppy
Should be fine as mianne bench work appears to me, as it has plenty of cross members
Most panel products have span ratings stamped on them. A number like xx/yy, where xx is the is span for roof sheathing, and yy is the span for floor sheathing; in both cases, the span is where long dimension of the panel is perpendicular to framing members.
If you decide to paint both sides, consider painting the underside white. I found that helped later when working under the layout, especially if there was skirting present.
All the plywood and OSB made these days emits less formaldehyde than is in the air you breathe outside at the time of manufacture. And it decreases over time. That said, not a fan of OSB. You will probably be buying 7/16" OSB not 1/2", maybe not, but 7/16" is what is generally sold at lumberyards. Either one will work on top of your bench work. Just get some, make some sawdust and get it built. Good luck.
I used it for my layout, worked great, covered area with Homasote so not really exposed in many areas. The cost benefit vs plywood, based on my experience is good.
