What's Behind the Lumber Numbers

Curious as to why it seems like you’re paying more for lumber these days? It has nothing to do with demand, according to an article on WALB.com. It’s a supply problem. Here’s the short answer to your question, as the news outlet explains:

“The housing market slump forced lumber mills to cut production. Now that lumber suppliers are re-stocking in hopes building will pick back up, the supply isn’t there, and prices are soaring. ‘Demand in the last year has been off about 50%. It’s back up maybe 20% now and that’s even creating more pressure on the price of lumber,’ says D & D Wood Preserving owner Russell Davis.

Davis says the paper industry is also demanding more pulp, so a lot of the timber normally used for lumber is going to paper production. That’s adding to the problem.”