Trading in framing lumber markets slowed, as did upward momentum in prices. Even so, prices in most species gained modestly and the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price finished at $512, a new record. Gains came early in the week, with the composite holding at its midweek level and sales finishing with a quiet tone. Buyers held back, unwilling to pay record prices when shipments were several weeks out and mills were indicating shipments might be later still due to traffic issues.
This Week Mar 2 |
Last Week Feb 23 |
Year Ago 2017 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $512 | $509 | $407 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 542 | 540 | 369 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 625 | 619 | 444 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 595 | 600 | 370 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 578 | 567 | 490 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 560 | 560 | 400 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 740 | 740 | 590 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel prices continued to gain ground despite a slower trading pace. Supply shortages of OSB lingered, as mill offerings for shipment in March were a rarity. A number of mills remained off the market throughout the week. In Southern Pine plywood markets, substantial rainfall early in the week slowed rated sheathing sales, but prices remained firm to slightly higher. Western Fir plywood trading quieted as buyers pulled back to digest recent purchases and await deliveries of previous orders.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Mar 2 |
Last Week Feb 23 |
Year Ago 2017 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $540 | $534 | $407 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 530-575 | 530-575 | 400-415 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 535-580 | 535-580 | 400-417 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 550 | 549 | 413 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 405 | 395 | 305 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |