US OSB prices have skyrocketed more than 500% since January 2020

The price of OSB has increased 510% since January 2020, exceeding the peak price increase in lumber by nearly 180 percentage points in the USA, as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported.

Although plywood panel prices have substantially increased over the past 18 months as well, the increases have been less than half those seen in the OSB market. In addition to elevated prices, acute shortages have plagued the residential construction industry — particularly after the severe winter weather experienced in the south in February.

Prices and price fluctuations vary depending on use and location, with increases since the start of 2020 exceeding 650% for some OSB products.

OSB accounts for the most wood product used in structural panel applications in new construction. For example, OSB accounted for roughly two-thirds of wood panels used in wall sheathing in 2019. Oriented strand board is heavily relied upon in roofing applications as well. Roof sheathing comprising OSB made up nearly two-thirds of all roof sheathing in 2019.