Sales of framing lumber slowed considerably from the previous week’s chaotic pace, as buyers stepped back to digest recent purchases and discern the market’s staying power. Many traders were wary that the most recent hikes in prices had too much air in them, and waited to see whether mills could sustain them. Prices carried higher early on from last week’s momentum, but upward pressure dissipated as the week progressed. Even so, the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price rose an additional $14.
This Week Feb 17 |
Last Week Feb 10 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $405 | $391 | $314 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 389 | 387 | 267 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 447 | 438 | 360 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 370 | 365 | 312 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 476 | 454 | 379 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 400 | 390 | 303 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 570 | 580 | 670 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel prices climbed amid a quieter trading pace. OSB sales slowed dramatically from the fervent pace of recent weeks. Buyers backed away after addressing immediate needs and building inventories with earlier purchases. Mills leaned on order files that reached mid-March. Southern Pine plywood mills raised quotes throughout the week as demand continued to outpace supply. Trading in western Fir plywood was steady and considered a good week, although not on par with the previous two.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Feb 17 |
Last Week Feb 10 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $401 | $387 | $346 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 395-410 | 380-395 | 365-393 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 395-410 | 380-395 | 370-393 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 409 | 405 | 330 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 302 | 288 | 223 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |