Finished floor from OSB board: does it look good?

Question

I am trying to create an inexpensive floor and thought that OSB board stained and varnished might look really good. Has anyone tried this? I am thinking of staining it black.

Darla · Answer

My mother used it as a wall covering, varnished, and it looked good. You might have a problem with splinters, though - it's not smooth.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I have never done this ,however heres a post that another homeowner did www.hometalk.com/diy/floors-ceilings/our-finished-osb-flooring-946080

Maidena · Answer

I've seen it done before and thought it looked great! The trick to not having splinters, I believe, is MANY coats of laquer finish after a good sanding.

Joffler · Answer

I'm not experienced with this type of board as a floor but I see no reason why you can't use it so long as there's still a sub-floor oriented perpendicular to the floor boards and it has a sufficiently thick self-leveling clear sealant of some sort so it's not unpleasant to walk on. As Maidena points out, splinters are a concern.

Hope Williams · Answer

Hi Terry.  Here is 1 of many that came up in a Google search of OSB finished floor.  I think it will be interesting when you finish.  However, there was one super, recurring comment:  the glues and epoxies that are used to hold together the wood pieces are very toxic!  As in two headed babies toxic.  Just be sure to wear a full respirator and sand with a heppa filter vac.  Also close off from rest of house as well.  To fill in the seams, use your sanding particles from the vacuum canister, mix with wood glue and fill the seams that way.
Also, use marine grade varnish for top coats.  Best of luck to you.  Share your finished floors when you get it done!

Terry Howson · Answer

Thanks everybody for your very helpful advice.

Finished floor from OSB board: does it look good?

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Finished floor from OSB board: does it look good?

Our Finished OSB Flooring

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