I'm working on a roof for my garage, which is 32 feet long with a 1-foot overhang on each side. I'm about to set the trusses, which are spaced 2 feet apart, and I'm trying to figure out how to lay out my OSB sheathing. Since the total roof length will be 34 feet, the first sheet won't be a full 4x8 sheet because of the overhang. I'm thinking about starting with a layout of 7', 8', 8', and 3' for the first row. For the next row, I was considering 3', 8', 8', 8', and 7'. Is there a more efficient way to minimize waste?
2 Answers
It looks like you're on the right track with alternating your OSB sheets to minimize waste. Just make sure to keep your truss spacing in mind—since you're dealing with 2-foot spacing, you'll want to stagger the lengths. You could play around with your sheet sizes like starting with 3', 8', 8', and maybe a shorter piece again to keep those cuts even. Don’t forget to measure how many rows you need; adjusting those scrap pieces will help, too!
Good point about the scraps! It might add up over time, so keeping those lengths consistent is key.
Additionally, since you're mentioning truss height, aim for about 13'10" from the fascia to the peak. This will help maintain integrity and avoid any sagging issues. Also, consider how many rows you plan to lay out; using 3', 5', and 8' pieces efficiently can really minimize your cuts. Just be strategic about it!
Exactly! It can make a big difference over the whole project. Planning ahead pays off.
Yes! If you alternate correctly, you'll save both material and time. Plus, it’ll look neater.

Totally! And if you can, try to avoid using the shorter scraps at the gables. It might look cleaner and be stronger overall.