Framing lumber continued to trade at prices on either side of last week’s reported levels, although the gainers outnumbered the losers on the week. The Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price registered a $5 uptick week over week, and has held in a narrow $8 range over the past eight weeks.
Traders remained focused on the Southeast, and awaited damage assessments from the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that battered the region with a one-two punch. Western S-P-F traders reported a mixed market, heavy on inquiries but with average sales.
Most mill quotes were reported at or slightly above recently reported levels. A couple of buyers noted a spread in prices between supplies sold in the U.S. and Canada. Surging Southern Pine prices provided a firmer feel in other species. Despite a relatively stronger tone, buyers lacked conviction, limiting most purchases to near-term needs.
Lumber futures were uneventful through much of the week, with modest volumes and change in the settlement price from last Friday. Traders took note of the premium of the November contract to the cash market in most species.
In the Inland region, #2&Btr and Std&Btr 2×4 were the lone weak points in dimension. Supplies were tightest on wides, resulting in the largest — albeit modest — gains on 2×12. Upper grades were stronger. Studs remained a challenge, although some traders reported an pickup in sales.
Hem-Fir trading was a mixed bag. Several mills reported that they continued to face pressure from aggressive counters on #2&Btr 2×4. Others stuck to their quotes with moderate success, and trading ranges for 2×6 and 2×8 trended upward. Meanwhile after weeks as a standout, #2&Btr 2×12 topped out and mills opened to counters.
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