How Much Does Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Cost?
Normal range: $30 - $75
A 4-by-8-foot sheet of OSB costs $30 to $75, with a national average of $50. Cost depends on board thickness and whether it's OSB sheathing or subfloor.
The average cost of OSB is $30 to $75 per 4-by-8-foot sheet, depending on the type and thickness. To successfully install materials like siding, luxury vinyl planks, or shingles, you need a supportive and durable layer between the studs, floor joists, or rafters. This is where OSB comes in. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a construction material commonly used for wall sheathing, floor underlayment, roofing, and siding. Here’s a full breakdown of how much it costs to use OSB board for your home reno project, whether it’s a kitchen remodel or building a shed.
- Average
- $50
- Low end
- $20
- high end
- $100
How Much Does OSB Board Cost per Square Foot by Type?
| OSB Sheathing | OSB Subfloor |
|---|---|
| $1.00 – $1.82 per sq. ft. | $1.56 – $2.41 per sq. ft. |
OSB Sheathing
Wall sheathing should usually 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 costs $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.
How Much Does 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
OSB Cost Breakdown
No matter the project, installing OSB is largely made up of materials and labor. You’ll also need a few tools if you’re doing the project yourself.
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 usually 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:
| Tool | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tape measure | $10 – $40 |
| Level | $10 – $30 |
| Chalk line | $8 – $30 |
| Circular saw (with a carbide blade) | $140 – $370 |
| Hammer | $12 – $31 |
| Nail gun | $130 – $400 |
| 8D (common) nails | $6 – $20 |
Labor
The labor cost to install OSB board ranges from $25 to $30 per hour, depending on the project's complexity and 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.
Cost to Install OSB Board Yourself
To install OSB yourself, you’ll need the boards and nails along with a few tools (circular saw, tape measure, level, chalk line, and hammer or nail gun). Installing exterior wall sheathing and subflooring can be done yourself if you’re an experienced DIYer. You’ll want to ensure you install the OSB boards the proper distance apart, usually with a 1/8-inch gap between boards. You also want your boards to be secure and level, as they are the foundation for your walls, flooring, or roofing.
“When we install OSB in any area that has the potential to be exposed to moisture, we take the time to do two things,” Tschudi says. “The first thing we do is coat all the edges with painters’ caulk. The second thing we do is paint the surface with several coats of paint. Since color doesn’t matter, we can get paint from big box stores at very low costs—their paint departments always have a rack of paint that was mixed the wrong color or was returned at a fraction of the cost. Just roll it on and your OSB is moisture resistant for a very long time.”
When OSB is installed correctly, you’re less likely to experience water damage or instability down the road. Depending on your skill level and how much time you have available, you may decide to hire a local flooring installer or rough carpenter.
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
You’ll spend about $25 to $30 per hour on labor when installing OSB sheathing or subflooring. The length of time depends on the size of the area and any intricacies, such as installing subflooring around a toilet. Proper installation can save you money down the road, as it can prevent costly water damage or weak flooring or roofing.
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.
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 where you’ll need a lot of OSB panels.
Install OSB board yourself instead of hiring a contractor, or do some of the work yourself, such as ripping up old flooring.
Jenna Jonaitis contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is made of large, flat wood chips bonded in layers with glue and compressed into sheets. OSB is typically sold as panels and tongue-and-groove panels by home improvement stores and lumber and construction supply companies.
OSB is a common material used in sheathing, so when OSB prices go up, so does the cost of sheathing. Depending on the economy and supply chain, increased costs can reduce demand, though some homeowners proceed with their projects despite the elevated expenses.
While prices fluctuate because of increased demand, fewer supplies, and engineering time, OSB generally remains more affordable than plywood at $1 to $2.40 per square foot compared to the $4.50 to $10 for plywood. Cost is only one factor you should consider when deciding between OSB and plywood.
There are a few downsides to using OSB:
The edges can swell if they get wet.
It’s not suitable for heavy flooring types like ceramic and stone tile.
It’s slightly weaker than plywood.