Oriented strand board (OSB) was conceived in 1965 as an alternative for plywood. Originally called āwaferboard,ā it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as āchipboard.ā But chipboards are made from waste material produced at lumberyards. The sizes of the chips are extremely inconsistent, negatively affecting the overall strength of the product. OSB on the other hand … Read more
The idea of making aircraft out of plywood may seem strange to us today, but back in World War II, when there was a shortage of enough aluminum to make the massive fleet of aircraft needed for the war, plywood became one of the alternatives used by aircraft designers. The British De Havilland Mosquito bomber … Read more
All plywood is made from veneers laid up andĀ gluedĀ together so that theĀ grainĀ is perpendicular to the adjacent layers. But even within that seemingly tight definition, there can be a world of difference between one sheet of plywood and the next. Wood choice, quality of material,Ā thickness, surfaceĀ finish, and the way the wood veneers are cut all play … Read more
Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) was developed in the 1930s as an alternative home-building technique. Yet, it is hardly known by the general population. Interest in the use of SIPs has been growing in recent years, primarily due to the potential energy savings that SIP homes are promoted as offering. SIPs consist of an … Read more
Today’s average lumberyard or home improvement center carries many different types of plywood, giving you a wide selection. Businesses specializing in architectural trim for cabinetmakers and contractors will have even more choices, especially if youāre looking for hardwood plywood. Of course, not all plywood is created equal, so you need to know what youāre looking … Read more