Random Lengths Lumber and Panel Market Report

The framing lumber market took a step back after showing signs in prior weeks that it might break out of its longstanding malaise. Weather continued to play a role in some regions, but the consensus was that sluggish year-to-date sales had allowed too much supply to build up in the distribution system. Despite reports that consumption in some markets was picking up, ample supplies were available to meet most buyers’ immediate needs.

	This Week May 17	Last Week May 10	Year Ago 2018
Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price*	$345	$352	$568
KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2×4 R/L Mill Price	314	329	647
KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2×4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes	405	409	716
Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2×4 R/L (Portland)	317	317	595
Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2×4 R/L	379	392	593
KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2×4 R/L	360	360	645
Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1×12 R/L	860	860	760
* Weighted average of 15 key items

Random Lengths Panel Market Report

Structural panel prices fluctuated mildly amid lackluster sales. A quiet week of trading left prices of OSB unchanged across North America. Lean inventories spurred enough Southern Pine plywood sales to maintain a narrow trading range in rated sheathing, but mills struggled to obtain premiums. Recent trends prevailed in western Fir plywood, including price direction. Excesses at mills and reloads lingered. After purchasing significant volumes last week, Canadian plywood buyers backed away to digest those orders.

(f.o.b. mill prices)	This Week May 17	Last Week May 10	Year Ago 2018
Random Lengths Structural Panel Composite Price*	$352	$353	$557
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 3-ply rated sheathing plywood	360-395	360-395	540-575
Southern (west-east) 15/32-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood	365-400	365-400	545-580
Western 1/2-inch 4-ply rated sheathing plywood	358	356	547
North Central 7/16-inch Oriented Strand Board	190	190	430
*Weighted average of 11 key items