How Much Does Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Cost? [2025 Data]

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) costs an average of $50 for each 4-by-8-foot sheet, but prices range from as low as $30 to as high as $75. This translates to roughly $1 to $2.40 per square foot, depending on the thickness and application. OSB pricing varies based on the thickness of the board and current market conditions affecting availability and cost. You’ll need to keep multiple cost factors in mind as you build a budget.

Oriented Strand Board Cost Factors 

OSB pricing depends on two main factors: the application (sheathing versus subflooring) and board thickness. Subflooring requires thicker panels for structural support, making it more expensive.

OSB Cost per Square Foot by Type

OSB Sheathing

Wall sheathing should be at least 7/16-inch thick, but in some cases, 1/4-inch may be enough. OSB wall sheathing comes in standard 4-by-8-foot sheets, which cost $32 to $58 per sheet.

“If you are using OSB, or any plywood for that matter, for sheathing, you need to use a sheathing tape,” says Bob Tschudi, an Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “This tape straddles the seams and keeps water away from the vulnerable edges of the wood which will quickly swell and deteriorate once it comes in contact with moisture. Sheathing tape is not expensive and is well worth the investment.”

OSB Subfloor 

Subflooring should be at least 3/4-inch thick to offer insulation and durability. Thicker panels carry a higher price than thinner OSB panels. OSB subflooring panels come in 4-by-8-foot sheets that cost between $50 and $77 per sheet.

OSB Board Cost by Thickness

OSB ranges from $32 to $77 per 4-by-8-foot sheet. The cost per panel depends mostly on thickness, ranging from 1/4-inch to 23/32-inch. Here are standard thicknesses and their costs per sheet: 

• 1/4-inch: $32–$37

• 7/16-inch: $34–$51

• 1/2 inch: $34–$51 

• 23/32-inch: $50–$56 

• 3/4-inch: $58–$77

Number of Boards

First, measure your space to determine how many boards you’ll need. Most boards come in 4-by-8-foot sheets, though you can get handy panels that are smaller but cost a bit more per square foot. 

Tools and Supplies

No matter if you’re installing wall sheathing or subflooring, you’ll need some standard tools to install your OSB board:

Labor

The labor cost to install OSB board ranges from $25 to $30 per hour, depending on the project's complexity and the size of the space. If you want to waterproof your OSB or prime and paint it, you’ll need to pay more for the extra labor and supplies. Some pros prefer to charge by the project, which could range from 20% to 50% of the total, while others have a hidden cost of around $1 to $3 per square foot.

Why You Should Hire a Flooring Contractor

When you hire a professional flooring company near you, you’ll spend about $25 to $35 per hour on labor. This typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500—although you may spend less on labor to replace the subfloor in a single room. While it may be tempting to save, a pro can help you avoid costly repairs and potential injury from improper DIY work.

*For sheathing a standard 2,400-square-foot home with a 1,500-square-foot roof

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a flooring pro

While a savvy DIYer may be able to build a small utility shed in their backyard, it’s always best to hire a pro to install OSB flooring for the following reasons:

• Subfloor installation is part of a larger flooring renovation, and you won’t save much money by doing the OSB installation yourself. 

• Improper installation can lead to potentially hazardous issues like leaks, mold growth, floor failure, and structural shifting.

• DIY installation comes with several injury risks, including splintering, power tool accidents, dust inhalation, and slips and falls.

• Professionals know how to avoid hidden hazards, such as plumbing issues, electrical wires, and moisture problems.

• Simple mistakes, like misaligned seams or overdriven nails, can damage your flooring and lead to costly repairs.

• Flooring contractors understand the nuances of OSB installation, including the type of OSB to use, the fasteners that provide longevity, and the proper spacing of boards and nails to prevent issues like buckling.

• A pro can help you improve your energy efficiency by implementing proper air sealing, tight joints, and correct insulation.

• Reputable pros carry insurance and may offer warranties.

• A DIY job may void your homeowners insurance or manufacturer warranties.

If you want to DIY OSB installation

If you want to DIY your own OSB installation, opt for smaller jobs and leave the larger renovations to a pro. Here’s how you can participate in the process without taking on too much:

• Do some of the work yourself (like ripping out the old floor) and hire a pro for the rest of the project. 

• Let the boards acclimate in the area for 24 to 48 hours before installation. Avoid exposure to moisture and high humidity, as this can cause the boards to warp.

• If you're installing OSB in an area with high moisture, ensure your pro uses a moisture-resistant variety and seals it properly.

• Be sure to avoid potential hazards, such as damaging plumbing or electrical wiring, during the demolition process.

• Do not attempt to climb on your roof to install OSB—hire a pro for hazardous jobs instead.

Where Can I Buy OSB?

This versatile building material is readily available at various retail locations, whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast. Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on where you live and where you shop. 

Additionally, having OSB shipped to your home instead of you picking it up will significantly boost your out-of-pocket expense. For instance, having a 7/16-inch, 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of OSB shipped to your home may cost as much as $80 for a sheet that costs less than $16. To keep your budget in check, do your research before moving forward.

Lumberyards and Building Supply Stores

Lumberyards and building supply stores are primary sources for OSB. These establishments stock various sizes and grades of OSB for different construction projects. They’ll also have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in choosing the right type and quantity of OSB for your task. 

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Popular chain stores, including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards, sell the material, but some locations may not stock lumber, so it is best to call first before heading out. You can also order OSB online from these stores for delivery or pick up.

Online Retailers

Speaking of online, OSB is available through numerous online retailers, including large e-commerce platforms like Amazon and specialized construction material suppliers. Online purchasing allows you to compare prices and read product specifications and reviews from other customers before deciding.

Local Hardware Stores

The best part about shopping locally is supporting your community, especially if you want to avoid traveling to chain stores. Many mom-and-pops and Ace Hardware stores carry or will order OSB sheets for your project. Remember, the advantage of shopping at local hardware stores is the personalized service and attention you will get.

Are OBS Prices Increasing?

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), composite lumber prices decreased by 0.9% at the beginning of December 2024. Even though OSB prices stayed flat in the organization’s week-to-week comparison, prices are still 15.8% higher than this time last year. 

One of the biggest reasons behind the overall spike in lumber prices is sawmill closures in Canadian and southern U.S. sawmills. The increased tariffs imposed on Canadian lumber will continue to result in mill closures or cuts, which could result in a decrease of around 670 million board feet of lumber annually. 

4 Ways You Can Save Money While Installing OSB Board

You can protect your budget in a few ways when installing OSB panels:

• Measure your project space accurately and double-check before cutting boards to avoid material waste.

• Choose standard sizes for your space to reduce labor costs and the amount of materials needed for customization.

• Shop around at home improvement stores for the best price, especially if you’re tackling a more extensive project that will require a lot of OSB panels. 

• You can install OSB board yourself instead of hiring a contractor or do some of the work yourself, such as ripping up old flooring.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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