Random Lengths Lumber Market Report
Prices of framing lumber ended the week on firmer footing, but buyers continued to approach the market with caution. A move up in futures on Wednesday was attributed in part to reports of a large block of Western S-P-F sold to China. This drew in wholesaler short covering, and other buyers stepped in as producers lifted quotes off their lows for the week. Key prices, however, failed to recover all of their lost ground, and the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price posted its 10th decline in 11 weeks.
Week
Apr 11 |
Week
Apr 4 |
Year Ago
2013 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* |
$362
|
$370 |
$449
|
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price |
336
|
344
|
392 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes |
440
|
445 |
490
|
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) |
327
|
335 | 383 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L |
373
|
387 |
480
|
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L |
388
|
390
|
440
|
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L |
730
|
725
|
630
|
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel markets gained momentum. The tone of trading in OSB improved by the end of the week on the heels of a pickup in sales of framing lumber and plywood. However, prices finished flat to lower. Southern Pine plywood demand heated up Wednesday, and sales were steady through Friday morning. Home centers, contractor yards, and distribution centers were the most active participants. Activity in western Fir plywood picked up Wednesday and Thursday, and the week ended with an upbeat tone.
(f.o.b. mill prices) |
Week
Apr 11 |
Week
Apr 4 |
Year Ago
2013 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* |
$354
|
$355
|
$519
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 368-400 |
368-395
|
505-530
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood |
368-400
|
368-395
|
510-540
|
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 382 | 372 |
480
|
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 205 | 208 | 420 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |