Should I rip out my OSB flooring?

[MalcolmR]

Many thanks again for everyone's helpful comments. I think I'm pretty much committed to changing the floor (which will be easy now, much more difficult later) and I'll reuse the OSB elsewhere.

Good to hear the OSB has worked well in your kids' treehouse, RD, I guess that means it will work well for me in the roof, or the walls. But I'll get some good plywood and seal it well before I re-install the floor.

Thanks! Malcolm

 

[92Pony]

I don't know about Canada, but here in the SE US, treated plywood goes for about $30/sheet at Lowe's/Home Depot. Those sheets should be a true 4' x 8' (no tongue/groove to worry about), and wouldn't require any additional sealing, imo. My Dad's coop is made from the stuff and has been in the weather, completely ignored for 30yrs - still strong to this day. Just another idea.


Wade

 

[MotherJean]

Quote:
I think you've made a good choice, Malcolm. The OSB would be swell for roof (if covered with tar paper & shingles) or exterior walls (if covered with Tyvek and siding) or interior walls (if you're thinking about insulating). Given your location in a maritime Province, you probably have decent access to marine grade plywood (used in boat building). If there's not a big price difference, I'd consider that for flooring. Different sort of glue. Not as likely to delaminate even if it gets wet.

 

[BHarris]

Why not just lay some linoleom over it? As many pointed out the problem is moisture, most flooring stores have some good sized scrap for next to nothing? Just another idea....

 

[BankerJohn]

paint both the top and bottom to seal from moisture. Use several coats of paint.

 

[nancypo]

Seal it good, should be fine, unless you use a LOT of weight on it. It's used for all kinds sub flooring, etc...

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I have a shed I use for chicks, it came with an OSB floor, i hate it, can't keep it clean, everything that's damp-wet-sticky you can't get it off unless you take some of the floor with it, if you come in with wet feet it takes forever to dry, you can't wipe it up. I'm replacing the floor this summer, I've already started, the worst thing is what's under it is ply-wood (go figure

)

 

[Gypsi]

There are very few wet / dry problems that 45 mil epdm can't at least temporarily fix.

(used it to fix a roof leak last fall) But I am not putting a seating area on my floor. I am going to seal my plywood, but the top layer, under the thin-bed bedding, will be removable 45 mil pond liner. I don't see me doing deep bed and a yearly clean out, and I want it to be very very easy to clean.

btw - is OSB chip board? Because I thought it was particle board.

 

[kipper]

OSB is a naughty word in our house. When you live in a wet climate, it is bad news. What I really think about it I am unable to say on this forum.

 

[bfrancis]

OSB wouldn't be what I'd choose, but at 3/4" it should be fine as long as it stays dry. Poly is a good idea, but you will have to do multiple coats.

Another alternative, regardless of flooring material, cheap vinyl. I just bought a roll 8 x 12 for .20 sq ft. Not only will it keep the top dry, it won't let the poultry "doo" sink in, smell and rot your floor. It is also awesome for ease of cleaning. Check out my BYC page https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=52686-buckeye-coop. for an idea for vinyl.

good luck!