Concern About OSB Flooring Quality in New Build

[MariaDi]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of buying a new build and recently had a walk-through of the property. I noticed that the subfloor on the first floor is made of OSB boards. However, the boards look quite rough—there are deep bumps and they’re far from smooth (I am not sure yet if there are uneven surfaces).

Is this standard practice for builders? I was expecting a more finished subfloor, especially in a brand-new home. I’m wondering whether this is something I should raise with the builder and ask to have replaced or properly leveled before proceeding.

For context, I have the letter of offer from my bank, but we haven’t done the drawdown yet—so I still have some leverage, I suppose. And, I'm going to install SPC planks.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with similar issues. In attachment there are a few pictures of the OBS boards on the first floor.
Thank you.

 

[Charlie George]

Could it be temporary covering, that can't be the finished floor, if it is, get it replaced with proper flooring, i wouldn't have a shed floor that bad.

 

[MariaDi]

@Charlie George Hi Charlie, the OBS boards are used as subfloor not as the finished floor. I am going to install SPC planks over the OBS boards.

 

[Charlie George]

@Charlie George Hi Charlie, the OBS boards are used as subfloor not as the finished floor. I am going to install SPC planks over the OBS boards.

I didn't mean finished as in the final floor, that OSB is not suitable flooring, even as a subfloor, which is why i said it may be protecting the flooring underneath, you also have no skirting on, which also points to it being a temp floor, well i hope it is

 

[opps]

The OSB looks really rough. I am only guessing, but I suspect that the plasterers made a mess and damaged the OSB wilist cleaning up.

I don't see that it will be a problem going forward.

 

[opps]

I didn't mean finished as in the final floor, that OSB is not suitable flooring, even as a subfloor, which is why i said it may be protecting the flooring underneath, you also have no skirting on, which also points to it being a temp floor, well i hope it is

I don't have a dog in this fight- so ply and chipboard is OK. Why is OSB not?

And I say this as someone who appreciates your previous answers.

 

[Charlie George]

I don't have a dog in this fight- so ply and chipboard is OK. Why is OSB not?

And I say this as someone who appreciates your previous answers.

Thats just normal 8x4 sheets of OSB , never seen OSB used like this in a new build house, normally chipboard/floorboards/ply, structurally ok but not very kind to feet, it could also be a regional thing as noticed the OP has an Irish flag.

Noticed your reply blaming plasterers for the damage when cleaning, thats not possible

 

[endecotp]

It looks to be covered in white dust. It seems to extend below the plasterboard, so I don't think it's temporary.

Ask them about it. It's not acceptable, for several reasons. It should be T&G, it shouldn't be bashed up, and it should be cleaner than that.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

OSB3 15mm has the same strength properties as 18mm P5 chipboard flooring, just saying .....

 

[Charlie George]

OSB3 15mm has the same strength properties as 18mm P5 chipboard flooring, just saying .....

But it's not OSB3 its 8x4 sheets of an unknown thickness, and in 45 yrs i have never seen 8x4 OSB used as house flooring, even my sheds have ply, the OSB for roof and walls, i did say it was probably ok strength wise, but for a new build house it's rough, also what else have they scrimped on.

 

[Deluks]

There may not be anything wrong with it, but I hope the asking price reflects the cheapness. OSB floor just screams minimal effort and penny pinching.

 

[Deluks]

The OSB looks really rough. I am only guessing, but I suspect that the plasterers made a mess and damaged the OSB wilist cleaning up.

I don't see that it will be a problem going forward.

Would you buy a brand new car that's covered in bird ****?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

But it's not OSB3 its 8x4 sheets of an unknown thickness, and in 45 yrs i have never seen 8x4 OSB used as house flooring, even my sheds have ply, the OSB for roof and walls, i did say it was probably ok strength wise, but for a new build house it's rough, also what else have they scrimped on.

How do you know? Please base your answers on knowledge/facts not what you think is right.

 

[Charlie George]

How do you know? Please base your answers on knowledge/facts not what you think is right.

This was your reply to a poster who asked for advice to replace his sub flooring prior to laying laminate, not so different to my view.

T&G plywood with plenty of screws to avoid squeaks, its a no brainer really, chipboard is best avoided and you wish to avoid it anyway, forget OSB its OK for a shed but not here, the others are just expensive and pointless if they'll not be visible. Mark any pipe/electrical runs on the plywood as you go There are thousands of threads on here detailing how to insulate the floor.

 

[Notch7]

Just be grateful you didn’t see that floor when the trades were all in the house, esp the plasterers.

New build subbies are animals, I bet under that floor is full of crisp packets and energy drink cans