4x8 sheets of plywood and OSB are useful in many applications including sheathing and subflooring. Below are calculators and data related to 4x8s.
Sheathing refers to the layer of material that's applied to the exterior of a building's frame to provide structural support, insulation, and a surface for attaching exterior finishes such as siding or stucco. Sheathing materials can vary widely depending on factors like climate, building codes, and construction methods. Common types include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and various types of composite panels. Sheathing plays a crucial role in strengthening the building structure, providing stability, and protecting against weather elements. Sheathing and subflooring typically come in 4'x8' panels that may be tongue in groove.
Subflooring serves a different purpose compared to sheathing used on walls or roofs. Subflooring provides a sturdy, level surface for the installation of finished flooring materials such as hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet. The material commonly used for subflooring includes plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or even traditional tongue-and-groove boards. These materials are installed directly over the floor joists and provide structural support for the flooring above.
Concrete forms, also known as formwork or shuttering, are temporary structures or molds used to contain and shape freshly poured concrete until it sets and becomes self-supporting. They provide the necessary support and shape to the concrete during the curing process. Concrete forms can be custom-built on-site using lumber, plywood, or other materials, or they can be prefabricated and assembled according to specific project requirements. They need to be properly designed and securely anchored to resist the pressure exerted by the wet concrete. Once the concrete has cured and gained sufficient strength, the forms are removed, leaving behind the desired concrete structure.