Economy
OSB vs Plywood Prices 2026
OSB vs plywood 2026: 7/16" OSB $14-20/sheet vs 1/2" CDX plywood $28-52/sheet. Sheathing cost comparison, when to use each, price history, and regional pricing.
Danny Reeves · 2026-07-06
EconomyLabor Burden Rate: How to Calculate Your True Hourly Cost
Learn to calculate labor burden rate. A $28/hr worker costs $40+/hr fully loaded. Formula, worked example, and calculator.
EconomyDemolition Cost Per Square Foot: $4-$15/SF Commercial in 2026
Commercial demolition costs $4–$15/SF in 2026, averaging $8/SF. Asbestos/lead abatement adds $2–$8/SF. OSHA Subpart T requires engineering survey and hazmat protocol.
EconomyConstruction E-Verify Audits Up 340% in 2026: How to Pass Without a Stand-Down
Construction e verify audit 2026 — ICE I-9 audits up 340%, NOI timelines, penalties $281-$27,894, internal audit protocol that keeps crews working.
Key Metrics
PPI materials
267.4
indexProducer Price Index for construction materials. Measures input cost inflation for contractors.
Lumber
$487/MBF
Random Lengths composite price. Volatile — driven by Canadian tariffs and housing demand cycles.
Steel HRC
$820/ton
Hot-rolled coil steel. Key input for structural and rebar. Tariff-sensitive.
Construction GDP
+2.1%
AGC confidence
58