Particle and Wafer Board for Coop Construction

[FutureChickenMan]

They each have their place.

Particle board is meant to be covered with some kind of laminate. It's typically used for countertops. Those sauder put them together yourself furniture things are particleboard.

OSB/Chipboard is typically used as "sheeting" and flooring for houses. The first exterior layer over the studs. OSB is great for that because the chips make the wood grain go all different directions which makes it strong. But, it's not an exterior grade product. It's ment to be covered by something else.

Visual

Particleboard: http://www.poplitewood.com/Photos/FireRetardantParticleBoard.JPG

OSB/Chipboard:
http://www.wolman.de/imagepool/OSB_Platte_frontal_1.jpg

Plywood:
http://www.halexcorp.com/plywood_underlayment.jpg

Completely different construction between the 3. I don't want to hijack the thread so I'll leave it at that.

 

[speckledhen]

Deniece, which material are you talking about? I know the difference, I just use the same term for chipboard, pressboard, particleboard and OSB. I would never build a coop out of the actual particleboard- I had kitchen cabinets out of that once and they were falling apart after four years. I said particle, but was referring to the chipboard. I don't like to use OSB, either, but it's definitely cheaper.

 

[DoctorGoose]

I used OSB for my coop--the original one that I built 10 years ago. It's lasted fine, except the roof is now starting to break down a little and sag, despite the many layers of shingles and tar paper....time for a new roof!

As far as particle board, we built some shelves in the garage out of them--it's been fine, but I definitely wouldn't put it anywhere near water...that stuff decomposes fast!

 

[kstaven]

OSB works fine in my climate. But you are right. It needs to be covered. Parcticle board will fall apart in a year around here. Exposure to water or high humidity does it in quickly.

 

[Zylphrix]

im useing some OSB in the construction of my coop .. I was in the check out line at Lowes with some plywood and I see the OSB on sale for $5.55 a sheet (4x8) .. I couldnt resist. .... I dont own my own place so I consider this coop temporary anyway but im going to paint it inside and out .. that should help ...


there are pics on my BYC page but im going to try to post my latest pic ... (and thanks for the linolium on the floor reminder .. im gonna need that)

Mark

 

[LoneCowboy]

I didn't use any of that stuff on the exterior of the coop, except that stuff that comes preprimed and has the wood grain look in it. The chip board (big chips in it.) I used on the interior walls, coated side out. I'm sure that it will hold up for many many many years. I was just wondering how you all felt about the chemicals and glue in the stuff. The walls 2x2 covered inside and out so I don't think much moisture will get to it. I built this thing to last a lifetime.

 

[speckledhen]

They can react to the glues and chemical smells in new building materials by sneezing, noses running, but that subsides when the smells subside and the coops are aired out well. I dont know that it will actually harm them in any way.

 

[ZuniBee]

I used the $5.55 OSB for my coops. I painted a primer coat and two coats of barn paint. Then sprayed it with sealer. So far it is holding up just fine. If I notice any deterioration I will put lap siding on top of it and it will still be cheaper than plywood....