HomeKnowledgeOSB — 7/16 inch Oriented Strand Board
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OSB — 7/16 inch Oriented Strand Board

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Engineered wood panel for wall/roof sheathing. Structural alternative to plywood at lower cost.

OSB (oriented strand board): wood strands bonded with wax and adhesive, pressed into panels. 7/16 in thickness for wall sheathing and roof sheathing at 24 in o.c. spans. PS 2 or APA rated. Span rating: 24/16 (24in roof, 16in floor). Structural: can be used as shear wall bracing panel per IRC R602.10. Nail pattern: 6in edge, 12in field for shear walls. Moisture: more susceptible than plywood to edge swelling when wet — H-clips required at unsupported edges for roof, 1/8in gaps at panel edges. Weight: ~46 lb per 4x8 sheet. Cost: $12-$25/sheet (volatile — peaked at $60+ during 2021 shortage). CSI 06 16 00. Fire: Class C (treat with fire retardant for Class A). Used in: ~65% of residential sheathing market.

TAGS
OSBsheathingstructural-panelwallroof
DETAILS
thickness
7/16 in
csi division
06 16 00
cost per sheet
$12-$25
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