Chipboard or OSB 3

[garrymum]

Just been to B&Q to check out loft boards and see there are two types available.

Chipboard and OSB 3 (or is it OBS 3)??

The OSB was almost twice the price as the chipboard and only 15mm thick compared to 18mm for the chipboard.

Which is the better material for boarding out a loft (used for storage).

TIA

 

[Deluks]

Either. OSB3 is much stronger, but that's a moot point because there's only so much weight the loft will take. The ceiling will probably give way before you go through a sheet of 18mm chipboard.

 

[garrymum]

Thanks for the reply. The OSB 3 is 15mm thick (the chipboard is 18mm). Looks like I will have to go with OSB 3 anyway as my joists are 600mm centres. The chipboard pack from B&Q are for 406mm centres.

The fibre glass insulation sticks up quite a bit over the joists, I presume just compressing it is ok so I can screw to the joists?

 

[Deluks]

Have a look at other loft boarding posts for the whole idea of counterbattens. Basically adding lengths of timber at right angles on top of the joists, this spreads the load evenly, helps maintain insulation depths and avoids pipes and cables. Plus you can adjust the centres for whatever boards you like.

I would strongly recommend this option if you have 600mm centres.