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As oriented strand board (OSB) increases in use, improving the mechanical properties is of importance. Improved in-plane shear properties will allow for more efficient use as well as open up other opportunities in engineered wood products with high shear stresses. Based on classical laminated plate theory, composite laminates with laminate alignment patterns produce higher in-plane shear modulus and strength compared with typical alignment. Oriented strand board was manufactured 13.3-mm thick with and alignment patterns, and in-plane shear, bending, nail connection, and small-scale shear wall properties compared to commercial OSB. Results showed a 24% increase in shear modulus for the alignment when compared with the alignment using a method similar to a standard in-plane shear test. Results also show 10% reduction in bending modulus of elasticity in the parallel direction. Small-scale shear wall tests were insensitive to changes of in-plane shear properties. Lateral nail connection tests showed no reduction in connection yield load, implying that these panels can be used in similar applications without affecting connection properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]