Unlike other industries, the current lumber market offers some stability and our team finds this truly fascinating. 

Here’s what continues to be true:

Prices can go up, down or stay the same.

The last several years we have experienced unprecedented lumber market volatility.  2023 has brought more stability to lumber market prices as evidenced in the graphs attached. .

With all of the uncertainty in the economy, one would potentially predict extreme buyer caution and low demand to bring prices to rock bottom. Prices have adjusted but they are certainly not rock bottom and demand continues to be better than expected in both the residential and commercial sectors.

We are experiencing a conflicted lumber market that has chosen stability vs. volatility to maneuver in uncharted territory. The uncertainty is keeping mill orders to a minimum because end users are buying only what they need. Current demand does not seem to be higher than supply. Expect some mills to attempt to influence the market with curtailments and closures soon.

• Residential July Housing Starts Up and Permits Down
  Multi-family July Starts Down and Permits Down
  Builder confidence holds steady in residential and commercial based on housing need.