Here is another update on framing lumber prices. Early in 2013 lumber prices came close to the housing bubble highs – and prices finished 2017 near the bubble highs.
This graph shows two measures of lumber prices: 1) Framing Lumber from Random Lengths through December 2017 (via NAHB), and 2) CME framing futures.
Prices in 2017 are up solidly year-over-year and will probably exceed the housing bubble highs in the Spring of 2018. Note: CME prices hit an all time high briefly in November.
Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.
Right now Random Lengths prices are up 20% from a year ago, and CME futures are up about 43% year-over-year.
There is a seasonal pattern for lumber prices. Prices frequently peak around May, and bottom around October or November – although there is quite a bit of seasonal variability.
It looks like we will see record prices in the Spring of 2018.