Twenty-one osb plants are scheduled to open between 1995 and 1997. Nobody is building plywood plants. In fact they are closing down. Also, strong supplies reduce price volatility. Prices remain stable when the distribution chain expects adequate supplies.
Market data show that conversion from plywood to osb among builders is irregular.
Northeastern and Southwestern housing markets are still plywood markets. North central and Southeastern regions have largely converted to osb. Osb products will improve. Production will reflect market needs. Perhaps thickness-swell will be included in future performance standards.