Cost of lumber

[Desi]

I am the only one noticing this, the cost has skyrocketed. Every piece of lumber that we have needed has doubled in price. I'm wondering if it's just here or everywhere?

 

[Pinewood Acres]

No, you're correct, the rates have gone up. I've been part of the industry, mostly growing cedar and pine, and can explain why you're seeing such a price increase. The droughts, tornados, fires, hurricanes, and floods that have ravished the US this year and last year have wiped out a good portion of the trees that would normally be heading to the sawmills. We've also seen an influx of diseases that damage trees from the inside out, which is nearly impossible for the owner to catch until it's too late. So there aren't as many pieces of lumber to go around as usual. Plus the government gave everyone stimulus checks, even though some people weren't hurting for money. Many of those families used it to improve their landscaping and renovate their homes. So you're basically falling victim to good old capitalism with demand outpacing the supply. Those aren't the only reasons that you're seeing a price increase, but that's a good portion of it.

 

[Wildlife]

Seems every other delivery at HD prices goes up....supply and demand.

 

[Charli1]

You wouldn't believe the new sheds, garages and other things I see people building around here. I think the whole stimulus check idea is right on. I mean, I'm glad the money went back into the economy.

 

[MichaelS]

Tell me about it! The cost of lumber is crazy here too. There is a huge shortage too. We went looking to buy pressure treated wood to build a picnic table and it was gone!

 

[Henderson]

Put off your project if you can. Once the pandemic settles (assuming it does) prices will go down on everything. What Pinewood Acres says is true, but prices always rise and fall so there's no harm in waiting a bit if it's nothing you need done right now. I worry about firewood, but we have plenty of trees on the land. I worry about others though.