A supply-driven framing lumber market accelerated amid a decided increase in seasonal demand. This sent prices soaring in all species, with many setting all-time highs. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price hit a new high of $525, rushing past its previous record of $513 set in early March. Buyers urgently sought coverage, but were frustrated by long mill order files and transportation problems. Railcar shortages remained particularly acute in Western Canada, followed by Eastern Canada.
This Week May 4 |
Last Week Apr 27 |
Year Ago 2017 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $525 | $506 | $429 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 598 | 565 | 403 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 654 | 640 | 485 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 543 | 530 | 395 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 570 | 560 | 480 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 590 | 570 | 425 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 755 | 755 | 675 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading was more active, and prices posted modest gains. Sales of OSB picked up late in the week, although not all regions participated. In the South, activity gained momentum as the week progressed. In Southern Pine plywood, warmer weather and an overall positive tone in commodity markets spurred another round of steady trading. Mills extended order files into late May. Western Fir plywood trading was steady and a notch above the previous week's activity, as sales picked up Wednesday.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week May 4 |
Last Week Apr 27 |
Year Ago 2017 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $536 | $532 | $424 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 520-560 | 510-550 | 385-410 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 525-565 | 515-555 | 390-415 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 527 | 520 | 429 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 410 | 405 | 333 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |