For those who used OSB/waferboard for their coops

[mikecnorthwest]

Over the long term have you had any problems with the boards deteriorating due to water? I've read several recommendations against using it but I also see that many people are using it.

 

[wcasey911]

I used it on mine. Just make sure its got a good coat of paint especially on the edges of the osb. I'm on my second year and it's held up fine so far.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

OSB is often confused with particle or wafer board. It is not that inferior product at all. It's real wood strands randomly oriented set in non water soluble glue. Over the long haul like any structural plywood it will deteriorate if openly exposed. Degrading is due to wood and moisture combined with intense sun breaking down the glue. That is what paints, stains or vinyl siding is for.

 

[Denninmi]

Quote:
I went with an OSB product for the endwalls of a hoophouse greenhouse I was installing from a kit. Kit was complete except for the endwalls, had to supply your own lumber, etc. My dad helped me build it. He was a little dubious about the OSB holding up. That was in 1994. It's still in perfect condition. I paint it about every 3 to 4 years with exterior latex. A couple of the pressure treated lumber pieces on the sides at the ground level were beginning to rot a little bit (they are only 2 x 2's, so thin, and NOT painted) and I replaced those last year. My father passed away in 1999, I think he would be surprised that this thing is going on 20 years old and the OSB has held up.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
I had a shed that deteriorated made out of that stuff, so when I built my Coop out of mostly salvaged material, I did buy a exterior grade 5-ply plywood and painted it inside and out after caulking all the seams-----that was twenty years ago. See my BYC page for pics.