Random Lengths Lumber Market Report
Trading in framing lumber was mixed. Warmer weather in the South and West spurred increased sales of Southern Pine and some western species. But wintry conditions prevailed in Canada, the Upper Midwest, and Northeast, snuffing out demand for Canadian S-P-F. Acute railcar shortages were evident among Western Canadian producers, holding back mills’ ability to ship a backlog of sold volume. Gains in SYP and western species more than offset weakness in S-P-F, and the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite edged up, putting an end to a four-week losing streak.
Week
Feb 28 |
Week
Feb 21 |
Year Ago
2013 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* |
$389
|
$387 |
$416
|
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price |
362
|
366
|
390 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes |
455
|
455 |
482
|
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) |
395
|
390 | 370 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L |
422
|
422 |
470
|
KD Coast Hem-Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L |
402
|
398
|
425
|
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L |
755
|
765
|
590
|
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel sales were steady to slightly more active. Recent price trends were unabated in OSB, with weather a key factor in determining producers’ success in raising quotes. Mills across the South garnered $3-8 price increases as order files extended into late March. Steady sales kept Southern Pine plywood sales creeping upward. Mills maintained two-week order files, and several were booked into the week of March 17. Western Fir plywood sales picked up modestly at midweek, but failed to match last week’s pace.
(f.o.b. mill prices) |
Week
Feb 28 |
Week
Feb 21 |
Year Ago
2013 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* |
$365
|
$363
|
$511
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 375-410 |
370-405
|
445-475
|
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood |
380-410
|
375-407
|
470-490
|
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply exterior sheathing plywood | 390 | 383 |
445
|
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 215 | 215 | 430 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |