During last week in the US, trading in framing lumber was mixed, but most price trends pointed upward. Activity was strong in Coast and Inland species, while buyers backed off purchases of both Western and Eastern S-P-F. Southern Pine was measured, but single-digit price gains were posted in #1 and #2 narrows and 2x10. The Green Douglas Fir Composite Price reached a record higher, eclipsing the previous mark set in May 2004. Fire danger increased in the West, while firefighters struggled to get the upper hand on B.C. wildfires.
Week Jul 28 |
Week Jul 21 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $428 | $422 | $363 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 414 | 414 | 329 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 505 | 501 | 431 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 480 | 465 | 353 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 385 | 380 | 410 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 435 | 425 | 350 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 685 | 690 | 705 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
The Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price increased for the eighth consecutive week, but the gains were more measured than in previous weeks. The frenzied pace in OSB subsided, and a number of producers spent all or a good portion of the week off the market. Order files in some regions extended well into August, if not September. In Southern Pine plywood, trading was steady but calm. Activity was strongest on the westside. Western Fir plywood traded with less emotion, and some sheathing prices fell.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Jul 28 |
Week Jul 21 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $454 | $448 | $397 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 380-405 | 377-402 | 372-400 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 385-410 | 382-407 | 370-405 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 502 | 500 | 421 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 405 | 395 | 310 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |