Trading in framing lumber remained active, and gains pushed some prices to all-time highs. The action left traders shaking their heads — some in near disbelief — given the time of year and another bout of frigid temperatures across much of the nation. Cold, icy weather stifled job sites from the Midwest to the Northeast and into the Deep South. However, it had little impact on mill sales. Sharp price gains pushed the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price up $13 for the week.
This Week Jan 19 |
Last Week Jan 12 |
Year Ago 2017 |
|
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $458 | $445 | $354 |
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 502 | 486 | 306 |
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 582 | 557 | 401 |
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 520 | 495 | 345 |
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 495 | 482 | 426 |
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 515 | 495 | 350 |
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 735 | 735 | 590 |
* Weighted average of 15 key items |
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel markets were active despite distractions from severe winter weather. Sales of OSB gained momentum, especially in the second half of the week. In the South, buyers addressed immediate needs with increasing urgency. Bitter cold and snow disrupted Southern Pine plywood production in some regions. Demand persisted amid lean inventories and a dearth of imported panels. Western Fir plywood trading was active, if a touch slower than the previous week.
(f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Jan 19 |
Last Week Jan 12 |
Year Ago 2017 |
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $454 | $444 | $366 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 470-510 | 460-500 | 345-370 |
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 475-515 | 465-505 | 345-370 |
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 498 | 481 | 357 |
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 320 | 310 | 280 |
*Weighted average of 11 key items |