Is OSB BOARD safe

[gracebowen]

I bought OSB BOARD to use under a twin mattress in place of a box spring.

After I got it home I noticed how it smelled. It's outside while I determine if its safe and or how to make it safe.

 

[SailBoat]

The quick and dirty answer is no. This due to the chemicals used to bond the wood fiber together, hit a low price point, and have a limited resistance to rain/water during a normal build cycle. It sounds like you picked-up roofing or siding (exterior) OSB.

However, like most things today, there are different types of OSB in today's market. At this point, its back to the big box store to return the purchased board. This time instead of looking for the cheapest board ask for help and make sure that you tell the staff person what you're use will be (indoors and exposed). The price will change, so you will need to compare whether the box spring may have been the better choice.

Try looking at plank (6" or wider) white pine. May need to use 6 to 10 pieces depending on whether it will be supporting a child or and adult.

 

[Flboy]

Besides being unsafe, the OSB, depending on the frame, will sag!

 

[gracebowen]

I've used OSB BOARD in the past with no problems but I didn't have birds then.

I can't take it back because I had it cut. I'll just give it away on Cl or find some other use for it.

 

[SailBoat]

FYI: OSB or any other solid board under a mattress is 'in general' not a great idea. Its likely OK for a short term fix (couple of months), but not recommended for long term use.

Anyone who has purchased a box spring, especially the more recent versions is left wondering what has happened to the springs. Today's box spring look to be little more than an expensive spacer. In the past, they provided additional support for the mattress and the human above, and they where a very important part of the overall comfort and long life of the mattress. Today's mattresses are far more self-supporting, i.e. they do not require the additional 'spring support' of the old style box spring. So, why invest in a box spring? As in the past, today's box spring provide much needed ventilation at the bottom the mattress to allow passive movement (gravity) of naturally occurring moisture from the bottom of the mattress. Using a solid surface under a mattress halts this 'venting' and will result in a build-up of moisture in the mattress.

In short, if you do not want to purchase a box spring or the height you want will be to tall if you use one - use plank cross boards, not a solid board.

If you have purchased a high-end mattress, you really do need a matched box spring to assure their long life. If not, you just wasted a lot of money and will be back buying a new mattress in about half the stated normal life.

 

[gracebowen]

My original post is missing a word. its a twin air mattress. She actually prefers an air mattress.

 

[SailBoat]

Hmmm, one word makes all the difference.

Target plywood with one finished side (furniture grade), and yup, finished side-up. 1/2" for pre-teen, 3/4" for everyone else. Bring measurements with you, the big box stores will cut it for you, dead square and flat.

Yes more money, but is will bring a life time of use and can be used in the future for other interior projects.