Subroadbed

[Texas Zepher]

Bill14

Has anyone tried to use OSB (oriented strand board) rather than plywood as roadbed on  L-girder and riser benchwork construction?

Yes, well as sub-roadbed.   It is harder to work with.  It is more brittle when one is trying to bend it.  It eats the nice sharp edges on tools.  Plan on sharpening more often and/or buying more saw blades to compete the same amount of cuts as compared to plywood.

I used thinner OSB than I would have plywood.  That is instead of 1/2" plywood I used 7/16" OSB.  Instead of 3/4" plywood I used 5/8" OSB.   The OSB weighs more than plywood, if that is a consideration. 

I do not have any "long time" installations to compare how it bows / bends / or folds over time.  I generally use 16" or less than between supports.

I still prefer plywood due to its known long term properties and working qualities, but cost is always a consideration. 

[Bill14]

Has anyone tried to use OSB (oriented strand board) rather than plywood as roadbed on  L-girder and riser benchwork construction?