Price trends in framing lumber were mixed by species, but gainers outnumbered losers, and activity still trumped the seasonal norm. Demand was steady to brisk early in the week, especially in Western S-P-F and whitewood species in the Coast and Inland. Activity hit a lull from Wednesday on as the NAWLA Traders Market in Chicago drew a large number of traders away from their offices. Steady demand in the early fall, along with voids in the distribution system left by Canada’s reduced shipments to the U.S. in the third quarter, kept buyers scrambling for coverage.
This Week Nov 10 |
Last Week Nov 3 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $436 | $431 | $344 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 490 | 467 | 305 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 561 | 559 | 392 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 455 | 457 | 318 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 416 | 405 | 425 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 485 | 475 | 325 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 725 | 725 | 635 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel prices plummeted further. Despite a third straight week of double-digit discounts, OSB producers continued to search for levels that would pull buyers off the sidelines and solidify order files. Downward pressure on Southern Pine rated sheathing prices was unrelenting. Distributors and dealers confined purchases to absolute necessities. Prompt shipment was essential in most negotiations. Western Fir plywood sales were slow but steady, tapering off as the week progressed.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Nov 10 |
Last Week Nov 3 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $486 | $509 | $364 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 455-510 | 475-520 | 348-378 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 460-515 | 480-525 | 350-380 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 468 | 482 | 337 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 410 | 440 | 287 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |