A method and a multi-platen press for the practice of the process for the manufacture of wood material boards, especially OSB boards, in which an endless mat is formed from a wood chip and binding agent mixture. The mat is introduced between the heated press platens of a multi-platen press, the press platens have steam openings directed at the mat and by steam and contact heat from press platens they are heated, pressed and cured into wood material boards. The mat, formed from a wood chip and phenolic resin mixture, is introduced into the level(s) of a single-stage or multi-stage press and deposited therein. After a light precompression, the introduction of a small amount of steam with a low steam temperature takes place through the press platens only in the cover layers of the mat. The mat is quickly compressed and cured to the end thickness of the board.