Random Lengths Lumber Market Report
The first quarter came to a close with framing lumber prices still pointing upward. Early week strength in futures buoyed mill positions and trader confidence. Mill order files in various species extended into mid-April and beyond. By most accounts, demand was steady to brisk, and many buyers circulated back to their suppliers for coverage. Supply constraints related to production, weather, spring breakup, or species mix also played a role in strengthening prices.
This Week Apr 1 |
Last Week Mar 25 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
---|---|---|---|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $345 | $340 | $336 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2×4 R/L Mill Price | 309 | 303 | 282 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2×4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 388 | 378 | 381 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2×4 R/L (Portland) | 337 | 332 | 300 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2×4 R/L | 393 | 387 | 399 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2×4 R/L | 370 | 352 | 310 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1×12 R/L | 680 | 675 | 670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
OSB led the way in structural panel trading. OSB sales accelerated and shifted to a higher gear in the second half of the week. Mills extended order files and steadily pushed quotes higher. While most Southern Pine plywood prices finished flat, the tone of the market was cautiously optimistic. On rated sheathing, mills quoted shipments for the week of April 11. Although the pace in western Fir plywood tapered off from last week’s brisk activity, decent follow-through generated steady upward pressure on prices.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Apr 1 |
Last Week Mar 25 |
Year Ago 2015 |
---|---|---|---|
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $358 | $354 | $374 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 373-397 | 373-397 | 442-500 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 375-400 | 375-400 | 447-508 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 365 | 358 | 425 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 235 | 225 | 180 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |
Source: Random Lengths, republished here with permission granted by the publisher.