Contrary to the usual seasonal trend historically, late-June construction framing softwood lumber prices rose somewhat this year.
Traditionally by this time most customers had ordered, and indeed received, the wood they needed for summer building projects. As prices have generally started softening, the trend lines tend to drop starting in June.
This, of course, is not every single year as disruptions like labour disputes, transportation delays, wildfires, or an unexpected spike in new home building have at times increased lumber prices during summer.
In 2026 it seems the reason for flat-to-higher wood prices is the ongoing decrease of supply. As the continent heads into the truly hot months, when Québec takes its annual 2-week restriction on industrial operations and construction, as well as
other regions where high temperatures prohibit this kind of activity; the balance of supply-and-demand will become more clear.
At this point, no one knows how the lumber market will play out through July and into August.
In the week ending June 26, 2026, the price of benchmark softwood lumber item Western Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$500 mfbm.
This was flat from the previous week, said weekly forest products industry price guide newsletter Madison’s Lumber Reporter.
That week’s price was up +$59, or +12%, from one month ago when it was $478.
Hemlock/fir and Douglas-fir prices surged as that of Plywood showed some sneaky strength in the background.
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KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
• Overall supply of Western-SPF in the US was persistently well-short of typical levels for this time of year.
• Sales of Western-SPF in Canada was considered one of the best showings so far in 2026.
• Downstream consumption was steady.
• Fibre baskets across the continent were beset by hot and dry weather, with severe wildfires already erupted.
• Some customers did their best to hold off buying if they had positions to sit on, but most were reluctantly forced to pay higher prices.
• Limited state of supply of Eastern-SPF was increasingly apparent as sawmills showed firm or upward pricing.
• Buyers in the East scrambled to cover short-term inventory needs.
• Buyers of Southern Yellow Pine with thin inventory positions were tearing out their hair searching for amenable tallies in definable delivery times.
• Reports indicated that many southern mills were running upwards of two weeks behind on shipments.
Madison’s Benchmark Top-Six Softwood Lumber and Panel Prices: Monthly Averages
