The seasonal demand for lumber in the US helped producers regain command of the framing lumber market, and many prices moved higher during last week.
Green Douglas Fir was the major exception, as prices fell in chunks before mills saw any renewed interest from customers. As warmer weather spurred increased demand, supply-side issues — mostly involving freight logistics — remained at the forefront. With gains in dry species outweighing the rout in green Fir, the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price rose $4, to $498.
| Week Apr 20 |
Week Apr 13 |
Year Ago 2017 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $498 | $494 | $437 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 556 | 546 | 410 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 630 | 620 | 489 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 530 | 540 | 395 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 554 | 554 | 502 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 560 | 547 | 425 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 755 | 755 | 655 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel trading was cautious, and prices shifted mildly. Prices of OSB were mostly unchanged, although cracks appeared in some markets. This was most apparent in Eastern Canada, where producers had loads available for quick shipment. Sales of Southern Pine rated sheathing picked up at midweek, as buyers stepped back in to replenish depleted inventories. Western Fir plywood trading was steady, but unspectacular. Sheathing sales picked up Wednesday.
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Apr 20 |
Week Apr 13 |
Year Ago 2017 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $529 | $528 | $426 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 500-545 | 490-540 | 385-410 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 505-550 | 495-545 | 390-415 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 520 | 521 | 441 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 405 | 405 | 333 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
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