Framing lumber trading paused after a mostly busy first three weeks of February. Prices in key species still finished last week higher, but the overall pace of sales slowed. Producers cited mid-March order files as the key reason for the pause, and buyers acknowledged that they needed time to digest recent purchases and higher prices. Weather was also a factor, with warm conditions stoking demand in some markets and wintry or severe weather slowing sales in others. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price edged up for a fourth straight week.
| This Week Feb 26 |
Last Week Feb 19 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $315 | $314 | $357 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 271 | 267 | 313 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 364 | 360 | 418 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 318 | 312 | 317 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 372 | 379 | 420 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 310 | 303 | 330 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 670 | 670 | 665 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
Random Lengths Panel Market Report
Structural panel demand faded modestly. Strong OSB sales the previous two weeks dissipated to a more measured pace at the end of the month. Prices continued to post increases, but most gains were in single digits. Upward momentum ebbed late in the week. Southern Pine plywood buyers closely managed inventories, but replenishment purchases were steady enough to keep prices on a firm footing. Western Fir plywood sales were a grind, and prices of most items were flat to soft.
| (f.o.b. mill prices) | This Week Feb 26 |
Last Week Feb 19 |
Year Ago 2015 |
| Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price* | $348 | $346 | $381 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood | 368-395 | 365-393 | 440-490 |
| Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 370-398 | 370-393 | 445-500 |
| Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood | 330 | 330 | 413 |
| North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board | 227 | 223 | 195 |
| *Weighted average of 11 key items | |||
SOURCE: Random Lengths
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