Notice: Norbord is now part of West Fraser. Click here to visit westfraser.com
Yes, in fact OSB3 15mm has the same strength properties as 18mm P5 chipboard flooring. In addition, 18mm OSB3 can be a substitute for 22mm P5.
Absolutely – OSB flooring is used successfully throughout Europe. If using a battened floating floor, you must ensure that battens are used for the substructure and are appropriately spaced at 400mm centres for 15mm and up to 600mm for 18mm.
All floating floors will need to use a DPM (damp proof membrane).
SterlingOSB Zero does everything that softwood plywood does and has many additional benefits:
OSB stands for ‘Oriented Strand Board’ – in layman’s terms this means strands of timber that are laid in cross directional layers and mechanically pressed to form a structurally engineered board. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an engineered wood-based panel designed for construction and other industrial use. SterlingOSB Zero or ‘Sterling Board’ as it is often called is one of Europe’s most widely used and trusted structural panels.
Yes! Our OSB3 board is available T&G, ideal for many jobs such as roofing, timber frame and flooring.
OSB3 is moisture resistant, suitable for use in humid conditions. For use outdoors where the OSB will be exposed long-term, a protective varnish or coating should be used to protect the panel.
Our OSB3 is BBA certified, OSB3 is certified for load bearing in humid conditions. Manufactured to EN300 and EN 13986.
SterlingOSB Zero can do the same jobs softwood plywood can – including roofing, timber framing, hoarding, boarding up and sheds. OSB has the benefit of having no weak spots and a high board strength thanks to the 50 layers and cross-oriented strands that make up the board.
8mm – 112 boards
9mm — 100 boards
11mm – 84 boards
15mm – 60 boards
18mm – 50 boards
22mm – 40 boards
25mm – 36 boards
All our product safety data sheets can be found in our resource library, where you can filter by product. Click here to go there now.
Yes, OSB can be painted using oil-based paints.
OSB should be laid with the black print side facing downwards.
The resin now used to bind the flakes of our SterlingOSB Zero boards now contains zero-added formaldehyde. This means the board is “greener” – using less resin and more wood, and safer with less emissions compared to standard OSB.
The technical and physical properties of SterlingOSB Zero are the same as the previous OSB – all meeting standards. SterlingOSB Zero is paler in colour and also significantly smoother on the surface – this means that it no longer needs to be sanded for GRP systems.
Definitely not. The previous SterlingOSB had low levels of formaldehyde and was compliant with formaldehyde Class E1.
It complies with E1 Formaldehyde classification.
No, the new mill produces the boards to a much tighter tolerance and sanding is not required. The new board has a smooth surface which has been tested with various coatings: e.g. GRP (Tuff Stuff & Cure It), rubber and felt, and performs well using the natural board without sanding.
When choosing a coating system, the desired longevity, decorative effect and level of maintenance should be considered. Priming and top coating with a spirit based coating, as directed by the manufacturers, will give the highest quality finish. Where the final appearance is less important, water-based products may be used. These may cause some slight swelling of the surface wafers emphasising their outline. Small test areas are recommended and manufacturers’ guidelines on applications should always be followed.
If requires SterlingOSB Zero can be treated further to protect against fungal and insect attack. It is recommended that a 3-minute dip cycle rather than a double vacuum cycle should be used in preference to a water-based system.
Yes. When using our Joint&Joist glue, this practice reduces the chance of squeaking associated with joist shrinkage. Gluing the panel allows the board to move with the joist.
Yes, our CaberDek and CaberShieldEco flooring panels are both BBA approved and guaranteed when installed using CaberFix adhesives and/or tape, and as per the fixing instructions.
When laid in accordance with our fixing instructions CaberDek and CaberShield Eco provide a safe working platform during construction prior to roof installment. CaberDek is protected from weather and dirt for up to 60 days, while CaberShieldEco has a 60 day BBA certificate pending.
We recommend that both panels are laid, fixed and joints sealed in dry conditions. If excessive wetting occurs, ensure that any ‘ponding’ is cleared. Also ensure all board joints and perimeters are taped using CaberFix tape (for CaberDek) or CaberFix D4 glue (for CaberShield Eco).
They are both very strong and design for fixing chipboard flooring. Joint&Joist is a mastic glue whereas D4 is a foaming glue.
Joint & Joist is slightly flexible, ensuring a silent floor, with good cohesion strength. This required a skeleton gun and can require additional products (tape) to seal the flooring.
CaberFix D4 forms a brittle bond line and is less flexible. However, it omits the need for tape as the glue can also be used to seal the edges of the boards. The bottle is hand-held and provides a one-bottle solution for all sealing and fixing – no need for tape!
18mm panels – 100 boards
22mm panels – 82 boards
Taping joints provides superior moisture protection compared to glue alone. Taping the perimeter ensures the BBA guarantee is valid on the floor and provides protection from moisture and construction mess.
6 rolls of tape would be needed to secure and entire pack of flooring.
Recommended expansion gap is 2mm per metre run. The usual practice is to leave this gap at the perimeter so it can be covered by skirting boards.
A 2mm gap must also be provided at any abutments, i.e. internal partitions, door thresholds or pillars.
The immediate effect would be a more “springy” floor. It is not expected that failure would occur in domestic circumstances, however it must be recognised that NHBC guarantees may not apply and hence the client may wish to put the floor in order. This would be our recommendation in this instance.
Our particleboard flooring panels should be laid text-side up.
Yes! The edges should always be supported.
No – all short ends must be supported by a joist.
It is common in new build situations for boards to increase in moisture content. Fortunately, this behaviour is predictable and as a guide an increase in moisture of 3% increases length and width by 0.1%. This is normal and given building operations continue 12 months per year – levels do tend to be higher in October to March in the UK compared to the summer months. Typical levels of moisture content in flooring panels in an unheated building tend to be up to 15%. Intermittent heating will typically reduce this level to 9% to 12% and a typical further reduction would be 7% to 9% in a continuously centrally heated space.
For water exposure during construction, wipe dry as soon as possible. If water is a future concern, consider one of our waterproof chipboard flooring solutions – CaberDek or CaberShieldEco.
The durability of CaberFloor P5 Moisture Resistant is excellent. This is due to specially developed melamine fortified resins being used during the construction process.
On exposure to intermittent rain and dampness the product retains a high percentage of its original strength. It is recommended that CaberFloor is installed in dry conditions. It is important to understand that CaberFloor P5 is not ‘waterproof’ and should never be used as such.
For all first floor and above applications, 22mm CaberFloor flooring should be used (CaberFloor P5, CaberDek or CaberShield Eco). This satisfies building control and NHBC requirements.
In connection with joist centres, the maximum spans are 450mm for 18mm and 600mm for 22mm. These are for domestic applications only.
It is more usual to use 400 or 600mm joist spacing as they “fit” the most commonly used board lengths of 2400mm.
For a silent floor we recommend use of our Joint&Joist adhesive to glue boards to joists (5 times stronger than nails). Alternatively, our one-bottle solution CaberFix D4 can be used for all panel fixing and sealing.
However panels can also be screwed or nailed to joists, battens or existing timber floors. Panels should be nailed at 200 – 300mm centres along the edges and 300mm elsewhere along the joists. Fixing should be at least 9mm from the edge of the panel and nails should be 10 gauge.
In practice this equates to 3 fixings on short ends and 2 fixings at intermediate joist positions. When gluing boards with Joint & Joist, only 5 fixings per board are required, one at each joist position.
Yes – CaberFloor P5, CaberDek and CaberShield Eco all meet the requirements of latest E1 definition when tested according to EN120.
Our boards are designed to be laid with the text side visible. The floor will not be as strong if laid upside-down, even if correct adhesives have been used.
Yes – CaberMDF all meet the requirements of latest E1 definition when tested according to EN120.
No – this is a common myth, all wood related products create dust when cut or machined. We advise the use of appropriate PPE and ventilation when machining, cutting, drilling, sawing any timber product including MDF. For further information on working with MDF and wood panels, download our MSDS sheet.
Most types of screws can be used. Best results are obtained with parallel thread screws.
| Product / Application | General purpose joinery | Simple designs with minimal profile | Humid conditions | Architectural mouldings – skirting architraves | Deep routed profiles (e.g. membrane pressed PVC doors) |
Designs with advanced deep routed profiles and painted finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CaberMDF Trade | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| CaberMDF Trade MR | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| CaberMDF Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| CaberMDF Pro MR | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| CaberMDF Industrial | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Yes, you can paint onto MDF using oil-based paints.
CaberMDF is available in five main grades – Trade (Light), Pro (Standard), Trade Moisture Resistant, Pro Moisture Resistant and Industrial. Colour is a means of identification between the MR and non-MR grades and does not correlate to the board performance.
Trade, Pro and Industrial grades are the traditional ‘sandy’ colour, whereas Pro Moisture Resistant and Trade Moisture Resistant are distinguished by a green identification dye.
We do not currently produce this product. We do, however, make a fire-resistant OSB – SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions.
We do not currently produce this thickness of MDF. We currently go down to 6mm.
All our product safety data sheets can be found in our resource library, where you can filter by product. Click here to go there now.
Our products can be found in builders merchants and distributors across the UK and Northern Ireland. For details, see our stockists page. For search by postcode, please visit the individual merchants’ website.
Yes, all of West Fraser’s wood panels can be recycled where wood recycling facilities are available.
A distinct advantage of the weatherproof CaberDek and CaberShield Eco P5 chipboard flooring panels is the ability for the products to be laid in various weather conditions. Dryness can’t always be guaranteed, but our weatherproof flooring panels can be laid in damp conditions meaning less time wasted on the build.
Yes. Our carbon negative building materials are available from UK distributors of engineered floors and are compatible with I Joist and metal web joists within their designs.
One of the biggest benefits of West Fraser’s chipboard products is the security and stability whatever the weather. The CaberDek® flooring panel comes with a 60-day weather resistance guarantee and the CaberShield®Eco P5 chipboard panel also offers and impressive 60 days of weather resistance (BBA certificate pending) when laid in accordance with fitting instructions.
Yes. The CaberDek protective film is a solid compound, not a woven product and will not cause this issue.
All our products manufactured in Europe have been certified as net carbon negative.
This is when more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than is emitted and locked up into long term storage. This should be is the ultimate goal for businesses of all sizes.
Carbon negative is better than being carbon neutral. Some manufacturing emits more CO2e into the atmosphere than it locks up in the product it’s making. This is carbon positive and is contributing to climate change. Being carbon neutral means the CO2e being emitted is equal to the CO2e locked up. A Net Carbon negative building product is where more CO2e is locked into the product than is emitted in manufacturing them.
Carbon dioxide (known as CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is produced by almost everything humans do. It increases the amount of heat that is trapped in the atmosphere, one of the major causes of climate change.
‘Carbon dioxide equivalent’ or ‘CO2e’ is a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit. For any quantity and type of greenhouse gas, CO2e signifies the amount of CO2 which would have the equivalent global warming impact.
In simple terms, we lock up more CO2e in our UK made products than we emit making them.
To be certified net carbon negative, our data from 3 years was analysed.
A lot of data analysis! Data was collated and evaluated by independent consultants and then verified by independent certified verifiers. This data included cradle to (customer) gate, including scope 1 (Direct Emissions), scope 2 (Energy Indirect) and scope 3 (Indirect) data. To be net carbon negative, the sum of the greenhouse gas emissions (not just carbon, but carbon equivalents too like HCFCs) needs to be less than the carbon sequestered by our activities (in our case, the carbon locked into wood for the long term).
West Fraser’s panel products are predominantly made of wood which naturally absorb carbon as part of its natural life cycle. In the UK, SterlingOSB Zero sequesters 828kg CO2e per cubic metre.
We sequester (lock up) 1.18 million tonnes of CO2e per year.
828kg of CO2e is sequestered per m3 of SterlingOSB Zero made in the UK.
74% of our primary energy use is from renewable sources. We use 1.5 million metric tons of biomass every year for energy, mostly from process residues – that’s the equivalent of about two million barrels of oil.
At a corporate level, a journey towards sustainability across all areas is underway. This is led at board level and includes impacts like water use, waste, resource efficiency, energy conservation, transport etc.
West Fraser’s net carbon negative status applies from cradle to gate, so everything from a tree growing, being harvested, raw material production, transport to West Fraser’s UK sites, production, waste, and transport of our products to our customers’ gates.
In the EU it was a consultancy called Wood. This was independently verified and certified by the international EPD system Secretariat in Sweden.
The fewer carbon emissions we produce, the better it is for the planet. Without action, global warming will irreparably damage the planet.
The UK government has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050. This target will require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-becomes-first-major-economy-to-pass-net-zero-emissions-law
Our engineered wood panel products can help UK construction comply with net zero targets. The carbon negative value of Norbord’s products can be used by building designers to off-set the operational emissions of a building. By 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have at least 40% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction, and all new buildings will be net zero operational carbon. By 2050, new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have net zero embodied carbon, and all buildings, including existing buildings must be net zero operational carbon.
In-depth life-cycle assessments (LCA) of carbon emissions in buildings is giving rise to growing advice to the building sector to design and build with wood as a replacement for concrete and steel due to their high levels of embodied carbon.
We have a number of Case studies demonstrating successful use of our products which can be found here.
We have a number of support documents on our product that can be found in our downloads page. For architects and specifiers we have created a RIBA accredited CPD on the Benefits of OSB that will guide you through all you need to know about OSB. RIBA CPD Network
All of our products technical data can be found in our interactive brochure
You can order a free sample of our products via our sample request form.
Samples for all of our products can be requested here.
Not all timber products are sustainable but looking for certifications like the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) can help consumers identify sustainably sourced wood.
Recycled wood plays an essential role in eco-friendly construction by reducing waste, conserving resources, lowering energy consumption, and promoting sustainable practices. Its aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits make it a preferred choice for green building projects Our Particle board is made from 80% recycled content. All of our engineered wood panels can be recycled at local recycling centres.
Stay informed about sustainable practices: Keep up with the latest news on sustainable forestry and timber certification practices. This will help you make informed decisions about which products to choose for your project. Partner with suppliers who have a clear commitment to sustainability. Ask them about their sourcing policies, environmental standards, and certifications. One of the most reliable ways to ensure timber is responsibly sourced is to check for certification by recognised organisations. These certifications indicate that the wood has been harvested sustainably and legally.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): FSC certification ensures that the timber comes from forests that are managed responsibly, with attention to biodiversity, workers’ rights, and local communities.
PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): This certification is another widely recognised standard for sustainably sourced timber. It focuses on forest management that ensures ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
Look for the FSC or PEFC logos on timber products or ask your supplier for proof of certification.
Using locally sources timber products in your project reduces the carbon footprint of your build by omitting a number of miles of transport. On top of that, ensuring that your timber product provider uses localy sources timber cuts the carbon footprint even more.
Yes! All of West Fraser’s UK manufactured products are certified Net Carbon Negative meaning they lock in more carbon in their lifetime than is emitted whilst manufacturing it, and this carbon is stored throughout your build.
All of our UK manufactured boards are certified Net Carbon Negative and use wood from FSC® certified forests.
We do not provide any pre-made internal joinery products but our CaberMDF has superior screw and fastener holding, along with the ability to handle intricate edge profiling and surface routing therefore it is used by a number of commercial cabinetry and mouldings manufacturers.
SterlingOSB Zero panels offer excellent durability and performance across a wide range of building applications. They are particularly valued for their structural strength, moisture resistance, and sustainability. With proper installation and maintenance, they can have a long and reliable lifecycle, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for both residential and commercial projects. CaberFloor P5 panels offer excellent durability, moisture resistance, and long-term performance for a wide range of flooring applications. With proper installation and care, they can last for several decades, providing a solid, stable foundation for a variety of building types. Their moisture resistance, structural strength, and eco-friendly properties make them a highly durable and sustainable choice in both residential and commercial projects. CaberDek & offers an added layer of protection during the build that is BBA certified for 60 day protection against the elements and CaberShield Eco providing a staggering 100 days of guaranteed protection provided they are installed per the guidelines. CaberMDF panels are durable, versatile, and sustainable products, ideal for a wide range of interior applications. While their life cycle can be significantly extended with proper care and maintenance (especially in moisture-controlled environments), their durability is primarily influenced by exposure to moisture, wear, and the quality of finishes applied. Whether used in furniture, cabinetry, or as wall panels, CaberMDF provides excellent performance when used correctly and can last for many years when protected from extreme conditions.
Prefabricated panels provide numerous benefits for self-builders, particularly in terms of speed, cost efficiency, quality control, and environmental impact. They can be a great choice if you’re looking to simplify your build while maintaining a high standard of design and construction.
Our process for handling custom or large-scale orders is tailored to ensure we meet the specific needs of each client. For these types of orders, we recommend reaching out to our sales team, who will guide you through every step—from initial quote to final delivery. To get started, simply use our contact form, and you’ll be directed to the right team member who specialises in custom or large-scale orders. They’ll work with you directly to provide the support, advice, and expertise needed to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Our products fire ratings can be found on their DoP’s which you can view in our documents and downloads page.
All thermal and acoustic values can be found on our products DoP’s in our download page.
A passive self-build house is a highly energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable home designed to minimize energy consumption through intelligent design, insulation, airtightness, solar orientation, and natural ventilation. It reduces the need for mechanical heating and cooling while ensuring a healthy indoor environment and a low environmental impact.
All of our panels Safety Data Sheets can be found in our download page. Our SterlingOSB Zero boards have zero added formaldehyde.
Fire Resistance: May not be suitable for high-risk areas requiring high fire resistance unless treated. In high-risk areas, such as those subject to stricter fire safety codes (e.g., buildings over a certain height or those in densely populated areas), the fire performance of materials is crucial. Wood panel boards typically have a Euroclass rating of D-s2, d0 (as per EN 13501-1), which means it has a moderate fire performance and doesn’t contribute excessively to fire growth, but it may not meet the more stringent requirements for high-risk areas, especially for applications like external cladding or fire-resistant walls.
In these situations, non-combustible or fire-rated materials may be required, and SterlingOSB Zero could be limited in use unless combined with other fire-resistant treatments or coatings.
Moisture Resistance: Consider additional treatments or use of our more moisture-resistant materials in wet or high-humidity environments.
Structural Load: Verify load-bearing capacity if used in areas with high structural demands.
Building Codes: Ensure compliance with local and national regulations specific to high-risk zones (e.g., residential, industrial, healthcare).
Always consult with a building professional or structural engineer to confirm that SterlingOSB Zero is suitable for your specific high-risk application.
SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 offers better moisture and mould resistance than standard OSB, though it is not impervious to moisture or mould and should be used with caution in areas with high moisture levels. Proper installation, sealing, and moisture management are key to maximising its performance. For extended exposure to moisture or high humidity, especially in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, additional protective measures such as moisture barriers or proper sealing may be necessary to fully prevent mould and water damage.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refer to a range of innovative, non-traditional construction techniques that aim to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of building projects. These methods leverage technology, prefabrication, and streamlined processes to create buildings more quickly, at lower cost, and with fewer environmental impacts than conventional on-site construction. MMC is gaining popularity in response to challenges in the construction industry, such as labor shortages, increasing housing demand, and environmental concerns.
Timber-based materials offer a range of benefits that align well with the principles of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). They support sustainability, improve construction speed and efficiency, reduce waste, and provide flexibility in design. As building trends shift toward faster, greener, and more cost-effective solutions, timber’s inherent advantages make it an ideal choice for a variety of MMC applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
West Fraser’s range of products is highly compatible with off-site construction methods. Their OSB and other engineered wood products are used in a variety of pre-fabricated and modular construction systems. They can contribute to faster build times, cost savings, and enhanced performance when used in off-site or factory-built applications. If you’re considering using their products for off-site construction, they are a solid choice due to their versatility, sustainability, and performance characteristics.
No, MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) is not only suitable for large-scale projects. While it has gained prominence in large-scale construction due to its ability to deliver faster, more cost-effective, and consistent results, it can also be beneficial for smaller projects.
West Fraser’s products can be compliant with UK building regulations for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) when used correctly. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, including structural panels, internal finishes, flooring, and walls in modular and off-site construction. However, to meet UK building regulations, especially for fire safety it is important to ensure that the correct grades and treatments are selected for the intended use, and that they are incorporated into MMC systems designed to meet regulatory requirements. Always consult each products DoP’s before specifying to ensure that they meet the needs of your project.
Request an A5 sample of any of our boards. Our samples come with an informative wraparound cover.
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