Framing lumber prices and sales in the US quietened last week after a period during which traders cited seasonal factors and tight supplies, along with a record run in prices. Even so, many key framing lumber items posted modest increases, as mills maintained order files, some of which reached early and mid-December.
While cracks in a few items developed, the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price posted a $2 increase to finish the week at $438.
Week Nov 17 |
Week Nov 10 |
Year Ago 2016 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $438 | $436 | $346 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 494 | 490 | 308 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 561 | 561 | 392 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 455 | 455 | 323 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 428 | 416 | 428 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 490 | 485 | 330 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 730 | 725 | 625 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
The downward spiral was unabated in structural panel prices. OSB prices continued to tumble in all producing regions, as the market looked for a level where producers could sell volume. Some mills reported activity picked up late in the week.
Orders for Southern Pine plywood trickled in as the week progressed, but overall steady sales were not enough to ease downward price pressure on rated sheathing. Western Fir plywood sales picked up from the middle of the week into Friday.
Buyers sensed a floor had been found, and stepped into rebuild inventories.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | Week Nov 17 |
Week Nov 10 |
Year Ago 2016 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $466 | $486 | $364 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 435-495 | 455-510 | 348-380 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 440-500 | 460-515 | 350-385 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 452 | 468 | 340 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 380 | 410 | 287 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |