What type of wood panel has all strands laid at right angles and consists of significantly smaller strands?

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a type of engineered wood panel that is made by layering strands of wood in specific orientations. The key characteristic of OSB is that these strands are arranged at right angles to one another, providing strength and durability to the board. This cross-directional layering helps distribute loads more evenly and enhances the structural integrity of the panel. Additionally, the strands used in OSB are significantly smaller than those found in traditional plywood, allowing for a denser and more uniform product that is both cost-effective and versatile for various construction applications.

In contrast, plywood is composed of multiple layers of wood veneers that are glued together, with each layer typically oriented perpendicular to the next but using larger sheets of veneer. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made from wood fibers that are bonded with resin under heat and pressure, resulting in a homogenous and smooth panel, but it doesn’t utilize strands or layers. Laminated lumber involves the bonding of multiple pieces of lumber together to form larger structural components, but it does not specifically utilize the strand arrangement seen in OSB. Each of these alternatives has its distinct properties that differ from the design and function of OSB.