Lumber Prices Edge Higher as Supply Tightens, Demand Cautious
Demand conditions remained subdued, with buyers hesitant to build inventory and sawmills refraining from increasing production until clearer signs of sustained demand emerge.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Lumber prices began April on a slightly firmer footing, offering cautious optimism to the forest products industry despite lingering demand weakness and extended winter conditions. Current pricing levels sit between those seen in 2024 and the same period last year, supporting expectations for seasonal stability.
For the week ending April 3, 2026, Western Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) prices rose to $490 per thousand board feet (mfbm), up 1% week-on-week and 4% higher than a month earlier, according to Madison's Lumber Reporter. However, prices remain 10% below year-ago levels, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty.
Demand conditions remained subdued, with buyers hesitant to build inventory and sawmills refraining from increasing production until clearer signs of sustained demand emerge. Limited supply from mills and secondary suppliers has begun to tighten availability, particularly as improving spring weather boosts construction activity in key regions like Texas.
The United States housing sector showed mixed signals, with January housing starts rising 7.2% to an annualized 1.487 million units, driven by multifamily construction, while single-family starts declined.
Freight challenges intensified, with rising transportation costs and limited truck availability disrupting deliveries.
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Increased demand sends lumber prices higher
Lumber prices have been trending higher, due largely to constrained supply