I see that 11mm osb is frequently used for flooring in "budget" sheds - is it good enought for putting down in the loft (storage and access only)?
It is about £10 per 8x4 panel in B&Q - so would be cheaper than T&G or chipboard and lighter?
IMO no.
OSB is not suitable for flooring ... esp at typical joist spacing's.
In article , Geo writes
For, as you say, storage and access only I would say yes. The fact that it is less robust than thicker materials should act as a reminder not to overload the ceiling members.
In article , fred writes
ps: If you need to cut it down to get it into the loft then get B&Q to cut it for you, the first 4 cuts are free. Allow 3mm loss per cut due to the saw blade width.
I assumed by 'access' that the OP might be walking on it.
What's the problem with it?
NT
Not strong enough unless supported well.
I thought so too but for access to the storage only, perhaps only on hands & knees. 18mm osb would have been absolutely solid & my thoughts were that the tiny bit of give that 11mm would give (surprised it's not
12mm) on even 600mm centres would remind the o/p not to overload ceiling members that aren't really made for heavy loads.
What's the problem with it?
11mm OSB at 600c/s ... simply too much give in the sheet.
Would the suggested 12mm be the right choice on top of 100mm Celotex/Kingspan that is sitting on original loft flooring or would 9mm be perfectly adequate for light weight storage (suitcases, decorating kit and the like)?
Mike
For that sort of load the celotex alone (sitting on original flooring would be more than adequate, as long as you aren't planning to hold a dance on it.
OK - thanks for the replies - trusses are at 24" centres so will be using 18mm (16mm finished) T&G from B&Q for the access area.
Although the website said the 11mm OSB was in stock I could not find any to try
- will probably use some for the "storage only" areas (mostly empty cardboard boxes for things with 3-5 year warranties).
And if 24" is standard joist spacing why do all the floorboards leave me with
10" wastage per board -In article , snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com writes
Sorry for the late reply.
Given the low cost of 12mm OSB I wouldn't go below that, it's light and easily cut so very manageable.
I wouldn't suggest using Celotex or similar without a load spreader above, it's printed on every sheet that it specifically should not be relied on in that manner and it's just like skating on thin ice, sometimes you'll get away with it and just once you'll go through and regret it.
Thanks Fred, that is exactly the route I had decided on and am placing an order tomorrow to be delivered with the Celotex from a local independent.
I found the cheapest place on the Internet, took him the quote for 20 sheets and he knocked off 10%. From one place I think top whack was £850 - his price is £635. So there are big savings to be had.
Mike
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.