Other sheet stock

Summary

This video explores various types of sheet stock used in theater and construction, including OSB (Oriented Strand Board), MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), backer board, and masonite/hardboard. The presenter explains the unique properties of each material, such as the roughness of OSB, the smoothness of MDF, and the usefulness of masonite for creating clean, aesthetic surfaces. These materials are commonly used in scenery and furniture production but have limitations in weight-bearing and water resistance. The video emphasizes the importance of using all parts of the tree and discusses practical applications of each material.

Takeaways

• 😀 OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is made from pressed layers of wood shavings and scraps, commonly used in vertical walls but not suitable for walking surfaces due to its mushiness when wet.
• 😀 OSB is rough and doesn't hide texture well when painted, making it less ideal for scenic walls unless the rough texture is desired.
• 😀 MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is made from smaller wood particles, steamed and pressed together, and is smooth, making it ideal for furniture like cabinets, but must be primed before painting.
• 😀 Like OSB, MDF gets mushy when wet and isn't suitable for walking surfaces, but is great for smooth and finished products like furniture.
• 😀 Backer board, often used in inexpensive furniture, is made from leftover lumber materials and is glued and pressed together. It is not commonly used in stage productions.
• 😀 Hardboard (also known as Masonite) is a thin, cheap material often used for creating smooth surfaces. Its tempered side is slippery, making it difficult for actors to move on without added grip.
• 😀 Hardboard can be layered over plywood to improve the appearance of the plywood, but care should be taken when painting to add grip for safety.
• 😀 The non-tempered side of Masonite is textured and pressed, making it more useful for cleaning up messy surfaces than for structural purposes.
• 😀 All sheet stock materials discussed (OSB, MDF, Backer Board, Hardboard) are typically sold in 4' x 8' sheets, which are then cut to the desired size.
• 😀 OSB, MDF, and Hardboard are all great ways to use up leftover wood materials, contributing to sustainability by making use of the entire tree.

Q & A

What is OSB and how is it made?

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is a type of engineered wood made by pressing layers of wood shavings and scraps together. It is not visually appealing but is highly useful, ensuring that we use the entire tree after it is cut down.

Is OSB suitable for use as a walking surface?

No, OSB is not suitable for walking surfaces because it becomes mushy when wet. It is made of random wood chips glued together, making it weak in terms of weight-bearing.

Where is OSB commonly used?

OSB is commonly used in construction, particularly for vertical walls in apartment complexes and other buildings. It is used in engineered wood products like those framed with two-by-fours.

What is MDF and how is it produced?

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is made from smaller particles of wood that are steamed, glued together, and pressed into shape. It is smooth and is often used for furniture, though it absorbs paint quickly and requires priming before painting.

Is MDF suitable for walking surfaces?

No, MDF is not suitable for walking surfaces either, as it becomes mushy when wet. However, it is a great material for making smooth surfaces like cabinets.

What is backer board, and where is it typically used?

Backer board is made from leftover wood materials glued and pressed together. It is commonly used in inexpensive furniture, particularly in items from stores like Walmart, Target, and IKEA. However, it is not used much in theater stage construction.

What is the difference between hardboard and masonite?

Hardboard and masonite are the same material, and both terms refer to a dense, smooth board. One side is typically shiny and tempered, making it slippery, while the other side is textured and not suitable for structural use.

Why is hardboard useful in theater set construction?

Hardboard is useful in theater construction because it is inexpensive and helps improve the appearance of surfaces. However, it can be slippery for actors, so it must be painted with a grip-enhancing substance.

How thick is hardboard, and how is it typically used?

Hardboard typically comes in thicknesses up to a quarter-inch. It is often used to cover plywood to improve its appearance but is not suitable for structural purposes.

What are the typical dimensions for sheet stock materials like OSB, MDF, and hardboard?

All these types of sheet stock are typically sold in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets, which are then cut down to the required sizes for specific projects.