A Historical Look at Lumber Prices: Economic and Policy Impacts for Lake Forest Park Homeowners
Lumber is a fundamental building material for homeowners, whether for new construction, renovations, or DIY projects. However, the price of lumber is anything but steady. Over the years, lumber costs have swung dramatically in response to economic cycles, trade policies, and global events. This article provides an objective, historical overview of how various factors — from international tariffs to pandemics — have influenced lumber prices. With a focus on impacts relevant to homeowners in Lake Forest Park, Washington, we will examine notable price trends (including the COVID-19 volatility), discuss policy and economic drivers of these fluctuations, and offer guidance on planning home projects and storing lumber in a wet Pacific Northwest climate. By understanding the forces behind lumber price changes, homeowners can better plan projects, prioritize essential needs over wants, and protect any lumber they purchase.
Historical Lumber Price Trends and Economic Influences
Lumber prices have always been closely tied to the classic economic forces of supply and demand, as well as broader economic conditions. In booming housing markets or periods of high construction activity, demand for lumber rises and prices tend to increase; conversely, during housing slumps or recessions, demand falls and prices often drop. For example, during the Great Recession of 2007–2009, the U.S. housing market collapse led to a sharp decline in lumber demand and prices. By late 2007, lumber prices had fallen to record lows (around $220 per thousand board feet for some wood species), a level that was the lowest on record when adjusted for inflation (U.S. lumber 2008 outlook dim as housing woes persist | Reuters). Analysts at the time noted that an immense glut of unsold homes and a severe housing slump kept lumber demand weak, and mills had more capacity than the market needed (U.S. lumber 2008 outlook dim as housing woes persist | Reuters) (U.S. lumber 2008 outlook dim as housing woes persist | Reuters). In short, the 2008 housing crisis vividly demonstrated how a weak housing sector can send lumber prices plummeting.
Historically, natural disasters and regional supply changes have also affected lumber pricing. Events like hurricanes or wildfires that destroy homes can create sudden spikes in demand for rebuilding materials. In such cases, prices often rise nationally as rebuilding efforts in one region tighten the overall supply of lumber (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). For instance, a severe hurricane season or major wildfire can cause a surge in lumber demand for repairs and reconstruction, pushing prices up for a time even if other economic factors are stable (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). On the supply side, environmental policies and resource conditions have played a role: in the Pacific Northwest during the 1990s, logging restrictions (aimed at protecting old-growth forests and endangered species) reduced domestic timber supply, increasing reliance on Canadian imports. Such shifts in supply sources can influence price by changing the balance of available lumber. Overall, the lumber market’s history shows a pattern of cyclicality, with prices rising in times of strong construction demand or constrained supply, and falling in periods of weak demand or oversupply.
Volatility During COVID-19 and Other Market Swings
No discussion of lumber prices would be complete without examining the extreme volatility that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020–2021 period was unprecedented for lumber markets in both magnitude and speed of price changes. In early 2020, when COVID-19 hit, sawmills across North America curtailed production, expecting a drop in demand as economic uncertainty loomed (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). For a short time, both supply and demand for lumber did dip. However, the housing market rebounded much faster than anticipated, and many stuck-at-home Americans turned to DIY home improvement projects, creating a massive surge in lumber demand (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). Sawmills were caught off guard: they had slowed output just as demand was skyrocketing, which created a classic supply crunch. The result was a skyrocketing of lumber prices. Between April and September 2020, industry indexes show lumber prices climbing about 175%, setting record highs week after week (Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation | NAHB). By May 2021, prices hit an all-time peak of roughly $1,500 per thousand board feet, nearly three times the previous record high before the pandemic (Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation | NAHB) (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB).
(File:Lumber prices chart.webp - Wikimedia Commons) Figure 1: Historical lumber prices (per thousand board feet) from 2012 through 2022. Note the relatively stable prices in the 2010s followed by extreme spikes in 2020–2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lumber costs soared to unprecedented highs around $1,500/mbf (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). Prices later corrected but remained volatile.
After that peak in spring 2021, lumber prices plummeted by late summer 2021 as supply caught up and demand cooled, only to surge again in late 2021. In fact, after a mid-2021 dip, prices tripled from August to December 2021 (Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation | NAHB). By early 2022, lumber was once more over $1,000/mbf, adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building a new home compared to pre-pandemic times (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB) (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). Industry reports from January 2022 noted that the renewed price spike was driven by lingering supply chain disruptions, a doubling of tariffs on Canadian imports, and a strong wildfire season in western North America in 2021, all of which constrained supply or added uncertainty (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). This roller-coaster cycle during 2020–2022 is a dramatic example of how multiple factors (pandemic disruptions, policy changes, and natural events) converged to create wild swings in lumber costs.
Notably, previous market swings, while less extreme, follow a similar logic. In 2017–2018, for example, lumber prices rose significantly, reaching then-record highs in spring 2018 amid strong housing demand and the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber. Prices fell again later in 2018 as interest rates rose and demand cooled. These patterns underscore that volatility is an inherent risk in lumber markets. Homeowners who remember fluctuating lumber quotes for projects over the years have been witnessing this interplay of supply constraints, surging demand, and policy shifts. The COVID-19 era amplified those swings, but even as of 2023–2024, volatility persists. By late 2022 and into 2023, lumber costs dropped back closer to historical norms (though still above pre-pandemic levels) as rising interest rates cooled the housing market and allowed supply to catch up ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ) ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ). As of late 2024, prices had stabilized in the range of about $450–$600 per thousand board feet, thanks in part to higher mortgage rates dampening construction demand ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ). This recent stabilization offers some relief and predictability, but history suggests that shifts in the economy or policy can quickly change the trajectory of lumber prices yet again.
International Trade Policies and Tariffs Affecting Lumber Costs
One of the major policy influences on lumber prices — especially relevant to U.S. homeowners — is the ongoing trade dispute over softwood lumber between the United States and Canada. Canada is a leading exporter of softwood lumber to the U.S., and for decades the two countries have sparred over trade terms. U.S. industry groups have often argued that Canadian lumber benefits from unfair subsidies (due to Canadian government management of timber on public lands), allowing Canadian producers to sell wood at lower prices in the U.S. market (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). In response, the U.S. has periodically imposed tariffs (import duties) on Canadian lumber to protect domestic lumber producers. These tariffs, and the negotiations around them, have had a direct impact on lumber prices in the U.S., since Canadian wood makes up a significant portion of U.S. lumber supply in many years.
The history of lumber tariffs is long and complex. A notable episode was the 1996 Softwood Lumber Agreement, in which the U.S. and Canada set up a framework intended to stabilize trade and limit litigation (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). That agreement eventually expired without a permanent resolution, and since the early 2000s the dispute has flared up repeatedly. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Commerce has set varying tariff rates on Canadian softwood imports. For instance, in 2017 the U.S. imposed significant duties on Canadian lumber, which contributed to higher prices for American buyers in 2018. During the pandemic price surge, the tariff rate was about 8–9%, but in late 2021 the U.S. doubled the tariff to roughly 18% (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). This doubling came at a time when supply was already tight, exacerbating price volatility (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). As of 2024, the tariff rate stood around 14.5%, with plans under review that could potentially raise it further (Framing Lumber Prices | NAHB) (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). Each percentage-point increase in these duties effectively raises the cost of imported lumber and tends to push prices up for consumers, unless domestic mills can somehow fill the gap.
For homeowners in places like Lake Forest Park, these international policies might seem far removed, but they can hit the wallet directly. Higher tariffs mean that any lumber sourced from Canadian producers (common for western species like spruce, pine, and fir) will be more expensive at the local lumber yard. Industry experts note that tariffs are passed along through the supply chain almost immediately — as one lumber retailer explained, when tariffs rose, every mill “bumped up prices immediately by 25%,” causing even a basic 2x6 stud to jump from $7 to over $10 within days (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior). Thus, U.S. trade policy has a tangible effect on the price of building a new deck or fence in your backyard. It’s not just Canada either; trade policies affecting other materials (like tariffs on steel or aluminum) can indirectly influence lumber demand (for example, if builders substitute wood for steel in some applications, increasing lumber use). But the U.S.-Canada lumber tariff dispute is the clearest example of a policy-driven price factor.
Homeowners should also be aware that efforts to negotiate or change trade policies are ongoing. Organizations like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have lobbied the U.S. government to reduce or eliminate lumber tariffs to ease the burden on home construction costs (High Lumber Prices: Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers — RISMedia) (High Lumber Prices: Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers — RISMedia). While these negotiations are high-level, the outcome could determine whether lumber prices moderate in the future or continue to carry an added “tariff premium.” In summary, international trade policies — especially tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber — have historically been a key driver of U.S. lumber price fluctuations, directly impacting how much homeowners pay for wood.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Other Economic Influences
Beyond housing demand and tariffs, a variety of supply chain and macroeconomic factors have played a role in lumber pricing. The lumber supply chain includes everything from forestry operations and sawmills to transportation by truck or rail and distribution to retail yards. When this chain is disrupted, prices often rise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, supply chain bottlenecks were a major contributor to high lumber costs (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). Sawmills faced labor shortages and new safety protocols that slowed production. Trucking and shipping faced delays, and shortages of workers (like truck drivers) made it harder to move lumber where it was needed. Even pallets and other shipping materials were in tight supply. These bottlenecks meant that even lumber which had been cut and milled sometimes couldn’t reach the market quickly, creating localized shortages and pushing prices higher (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior) (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior).
Global shipping issues also had an impact. In 2020–2021, worldwide logistics were disrupted: high demand for shipping containers, port congestion, and even events like the temporary closure of the Suez Canal all strained supply lines for many goods. Lumber is often shipped by land rather than in containers, but related materials (like plywood or specialty wood products) may be imported via ship. Additionally, when international supply of wood products is constrained (for instance, if European or Asian markets face shortages), U.S. markets can feel a ripple effect as global buyers compete for lumber. All these factors illustrate why smooth supply chains are crucial for stable prices.
Other economic influences include monetary policy and interest rates, as well as general inflation. When interest rates are low (as they were in 2020–2021), it’s cheaper to borrow for home purchases and renovations, which can boost construction activity and lumber demand. When interest rates rise (as seen in 2022–2023), mortgage costs increase and housing construction often slows, easing lumber demand. Indeed, the cooldown in the housing market due to higher interest rates was a primary reason lumber prices fell from their pandemic peaks toward more normal levels by 2023 ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ) ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ). Inflation in the wider economy can also affect lumber: higher fuel costs make logging and shipping more expensive, labor cost increases can slow production or raise costs at mills, and overall inflation can encourage speculative buying of commodities like lumber as a hedge. There have even been instances of commodities speculation in lumber futures markets contributing to short-term price swings — lumber futures prices at one point resembled a wild stock chart, drawing comparisons to volatile assets like Bitcoin (High Lumber Prices: Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers — RISMedia). While futures market dynamics are complex, they ultimately reflect expectations of real supply and demand, and extreme speculation can temporarily overshoot or undershoot actual market conditions, causing additional volatility that filters down to physical prices.
Environmental factors also bear mention. Pest infestations (such as the mountain pine beetle epidemic in Western Canada) have killed large swaths of timber in the past, affecting long-term lumber supply. Wildfires not only spike short-term demand for rebuilding, but can destroy timber stock and disrupt logging operations over large areas. In 2021, severe wildfires in the western U.S. and British Columbia coincided with already tight lumber markets, adding more pressure to prices (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB). Weather plays a role seasonally as well: harsh winters can slow logging and transportation (reducing supply in late winter), whereas the spring construction season typically sees lumber demand rise as builders start projects after winter — a reason prices often increase in spring and summer and ease in winter in a typical year ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ). Homeowners might notice that lumber yard sales are more common in the off-season; this is tied to those seasonal demand patterns.
In sum, numerous economic factors beyond just housing starts and tariffs influence lumber prices: supply chain efficiency, labor and fuel costs, interest rates, global market trends, and unforeseen events all interact in a complex way. Lumber is a commodity, so it responds to these influences quickly. Being aware of these dynamics can help homeowners understand why the price quotes for a backyard deck might double within months or why a project might cost less if delayed until winter. It reinforces the point that lumber pricing is multi-faceted, driven by both policy decisions and economic conditions at home and abroad.
Impacts on Homeowners: Navigating Needs vs. Wants
For homeowners in Lake Forest Park and elsewhere, the fluctuation of lumber prices isn’t just an abstract issue — it directly affects the cost and timing of home projects. When lumber prices skyrocket, the budget for building a new deck, remodeling a room, or even tackling a small fence repair can suddenly swell. In extreme cases like the 2021 price spike, some homeowners and contractors had to delay or cancel non-essential projects because material costs became prohibitive. Reports during that time indicated that many construction projects, from large developments to DIY jobs, were put on hold due to lumber shortages and high prices (Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects). Builders began including cost escalation clauses in contracts, and some suppliers even limited how much lumber customers could buy at once (Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects). This situation filtered down to “your average home handyman,” meaning that even weekend DIYers felt the pinch of constantly changing lumber tags (Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects).
Given this reality, it’s wise for homeowners to critically evaluate “needs versus wants” when planning projects, especially during times of high lumber prices. A key strategy is to prioritize essential projects — those necessary for safety, structural integrity, or preventing further damage to the home — over purely cosmetic or luxury upgrades. For example, if your fence is structurally unsound or your deck has significant rot, addressing those issues should come before adding a new decorative pergola or remodeling a non-critical space. Essential repairs and maintenance (a leaky roof, a sagging porch, etc.) generally shouldn’t be deferred, because delaying could lead to bigger problems or higher costs down the line. On the other hand, projects that are more of a “want” (like installing new hardwood flooring when the existing floor is serviceable, or building a shed for extra storage) might be timed strategically. In periods of unusually high lumber prices, it could save money to postpone discretionary projects until prices moderate. Indeed, many homeowners in 2021 chose to wait on building that dream deck or home addition, hoping for prices to come back to earth. Surveys found that a majority of homeowners who saw costs spike in 2021 ended up delaying some improvements, resuming them only once prices started falling again the next year.
To make these decisions, homeowners should stay informed about lumber market trends. Watch for news about lumber prices and forecasts; if prices are at record highs, ask if the project can wait a few months. If you’re working with a contractor, discuss options: perhaps use alternative materials if appropriate (e.g. composite decking, metal studs, etc.), or break the project into phases. Also, consider scaling the project to fit your budget during high-cost periods — maybe build a slightly smaller deck or simplify the design, then enhance it later when materials are cheaper. Being flexible and critical about what you truly need at the moment can help avoid overpaying. It’s also prudent to get multiple quotes for materials; local suppliers might have differing inventory situations, and some may have bought lumber stock at lower prices and can pass along the savings. In Lake Forest Park, you have access to big retailers as well as local lumber yards in the Seattle area — checking around can sometimes find a better deal or at least confirm you’re getting a fair price.
Finally, consider the time value of your project: if a project will genuinely improve your quality of life or prevent damage, it may be worth doing even at higher cost. But if it’s something you can live without for a while, patience can pay off. Lumber prices are cyclical, so an extraordinary peak is likely to be followed by a decline (as we saw after mid-2021). In summary, by distinguishing needs from wants and timing projects wisely, homeowners can mitigate the impact of lumber price swings on their personal finances.
Practical Lumber Storage Solutions in Lake Forest Park’s Climate
Whether you’re a homeowner who has leftover lumber from a project or someone who snagged a good deal on materials during an off-peak season, proper lumber storage is essential — especially in a climate like Lake Forest Park’s. The Pacific Northwest’s weather is characterized by mild temperatures but high rainfall in the fall and winter months. Lake Forest Park receives around 37–38 inches of rain annually, with the bulk of it coming in autumn through spring ( Lake Forest Park, WA Climate ) ( Lake Forest Park, WA Climate ). This means wood left outdoors is continually at risk of absorbing moisture, which can lead to warping, mold, and rot if not stored correctly. Below are some practical storage solutions for different types of lumber, tailored to our damp climate:
General Lumber Storage Principles: All lumber, regardless of type, should be kept dry, elevated, and ventilated. Store wood in a covered area if possible — a garage, shed, or carport is ideal. If outdoor storage is the only option, choose a spot that is off the ground. Place lumber on top of pallets or scrap 2x4s so it’s not touching soil or puddles (wood readily absorbs ground moisture) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). Next, cover the lumber with a waterproof tarp or plastic, but do so in a way that allows airflow (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). In practice, this means you should not wrap the lumber tightly in plastic; instead, drape a tarp over the stack, and if possible, elevate the tarp above the wood surface (using stakes or blocks) so that air can circulate underneath (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). This prevents condensation from being trapped, which would dampen the wood from within (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). Regularly check on stored lumber, especially after heavy rain, to ensure your cover is secure and water isn’t pooling or sneaking onto the wood.
Pressure-Treated Lumber: Many outdoor projects (decks, fencing) use pressure-treated lumber, which is wood infused with chemicals to resist rot. Don’t be fooled into thinking pressure-treated wood can be left in the rain without care. It can still warp or develop mold if not properly stored. In fact, when new, this lumber often comes still damp from the treatment process. Store pressure-treated boards off the ground and under cover, just like any other wood, and make sure there’s airflow so they can dry gradually (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). The chemicals help prevent decay, but if boards are left flat on wet ground or sealed wet under plastic, they can twist or cup as they dry unevenly. Give them “room to breathe,” as builders say, by using spacers (small strips of wood) between boards in a stack (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). This ensures even drying and minimizes warping. Properly stored, pressure-treated lumber will stay straight and ready for use when you need it.
Plywood and Engineered Wood (OSB, etc.): Sheet goods like plywood and oriented strand board are particularly sensitive to moisture. They can delaminate or swell at the edges if they get wet. Always keep sheet materials fully sheltered — if you can store these indoors, do it. For outdoor storage, in addition to tarp coverage, consider wrapping the stack in plastic sheeting loosely before tarping, with desiccant packs inside, to minimize moisture infiltration. Store panels flat to keep them from bowing, with full support underneath (e.g., several 2x4 spacers along the length). In a damp climate, even a brief rain can wreak havoc on OSB or untreated plywood, so double down on weatherproofing their storage. Remember to also avoid direct ground contact for these; even pressure-treated plywood (used for subfloors or sheathing) should not sit in puddles.
Hardwoods and Interior Lumber: If you have specialty hardwood boards for interior projects (oak, maple, etc.), these should ideally be stored indoors in a climate-controlled area (like inside the house or a dry basement). Rapid changes in humidity can cause these woods to crack or warp. Before using them, let the wood acclimate to the indoor environment where it will be installed. In Lake Forest Park, winter indoor air can be dry (with heating) compared to the moist outdoor air, so acclimating prevents sudden moisture loss or gain in the wood. Stack and sticker (place thin strips between layers) these boards as well, and avoid stacking too high to prevent crushing the lower pieces (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). The goal is to maintain even moisture content in the wood, around the level it will have in service (typically 6–12% for indoor use lumber).
Additional tips: In our rainy region, inspect stored lumber regularly. Look for any signs of mold beginning to grow (a white or black fuzzy film) and allow more airflow if needed to dry it out. If you find puddles forming on your tarp, adjust the cover to shed water better (consider a tent-like peak). Also, keep the area around the lumber clean; wet leaves or debris can hold moisture against wood. If storing wood for many months, you might rotate pieces in the stack (use the older ones first, and re-stack) to ensure none stay damp too long on one side (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply). By following these practices, homeowners can safely store lumber through our soggy winters without significant loss of quality. Then, when it’s time to tackle the next project, the materials will be in good shape — and you might have saved money by buying and storing them at an opportune time.
Conclusion
Lumber prices have ridden a historical roller coaster influenced by economic booms and busts, international policy decisions, and unforeseen disruptions. From the housing downturn of 2008 that sent prices crashing, to the COVID-19 pandemic that sparked record highs, we see that multiple forces converge to drive lumber costs. U.S. trade tariffs and agreements, especially with Canada, have played a pivotal role in pricing, illustrating how government policy can impact even the local home remodel. Likewise, supply chain efficiency, natural disasters, and macroeconomic trends (like interest rates) all feed into the price at the lumber yard. For homeowners in Lake Forest Park, staying informed about these factors is more than just academic; it helps in making savvy decisions about when and how to pursue home improvement projects.
By understanding the historical context and current drivers of lumber prices, homeowners can approach projects with open eyes — recognizing when a price spike might be a temporary hurdle or when a drop might present an opportunity. This knowledge, combined with a thoughtful evaluation of needs versus wants, allows for smarter project planning. Doing the “must-do” projects first and perhaps pausing the wish-list items during costly times can ensure you maintain your home responsibly without overextending your budget. Moreover, once you have purchased lumber, taking care to store it properly in our moist Pacific Northwest climate will protect your investment and reduce waste. A stack of boards bought on sale won’t do you any good if it’s left uncovered in the rain and warps beyond use. Implementing the storage best practices outlined above will keep your lumber straight, dry, and ready for action when you are.
In conclusion, while homeowners cannot control lumber prices or global economic forces, being aware of them is empowering. Treat lumber as the commodity it is: plan for price changes, purchase strategically, and handle the material wisely. An objective look at the history and factors affecting lumber shows that today’s price is a product of many influences. By staying objective and informed — just as we’ve aimed to be in this article — Lake Forest Park homeowners can navigate the ups and downs of the lumber market and successfully see their home projects through, come rain or shine.
Works Cited
Bradbury, Alex. “Lumber Market Update: Trends, Prices, and What It Means for Builders and DIYers.” Exotic Wood Zone, 4 Nov. 2024. (Discusses pandemic price spikes and 2024 price stabilization) ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone ) ( Lumber Market Trends: Pricing Insights for Builders & DIYers – Exotic Wood Zone )
Keating, Dennis. “Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore.” North Shore Journal, 10 Feb. 2024. (Details U.S.-Canada lumber tariff history and local impacts of tariff increases) (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior) (Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Will Affect the North Shore | North Shore Journal | Two Harbors, Silver Bay & Lake Superior)
Logan, David. “Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation.” NAHB – Eye on Housing, 4 Feb. 2022. (Provides statistics on pandemic-era lumber price records and historical comparisons) (Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation | NAHB) (Lumber Prices in 2020 and 2021 Set Record Highs Even When Adjusted for Inflation | NAHB)
Ostrowski, Jeff. “High Lumber Prices: Here’s What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers.” RISMedia/Bankrate, 28 June 2021. (Describes the spring 2021 lumber price spike, its impact on homebuilders and buyers, and tariff lobbying) (High Lumber Prices: Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers — RISMedia) (High Lumber Prices: Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Homebuyers — RISMedia)
Plume, Karl. “U.S. Lumber 2008 Outlook Dim as Housing Woes Persist.” Reuters, 29 Nov. 2007. (Analysis of lumber price lows during the 2007–2008 housing crash and factors causing weak demand) (U.S. lumber 2008 outlook dim as housing woes persist | Reuters) (U.S. lumber 2008 outlook dim as housing woes persist | Reuters)
“Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects.” Dayton Daily News, 17 Apr. 2021, by Nick Blizzard. (Reports on the 2021 lumber price surge, including cost impacts on homes and project delays) (Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects) (Record-high lumber prices affect suppliers, new homes, DIY projects)
“Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home.” NAHB Now, 4 Jan. 2022. (NAHB blog post explaining late-2021 lumber price jump, citing supply chain issues, tariffs, and wildfires) (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB) (Latest Wave of Rising Lumber Prices Adds More than $18,600 to the Price of a New Home | NAHB)
Wilson, Mark. “How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping.” Wilson Bourg Lumber, 22 July 2023. (Guide to lumber storage best practices, emphasizing keeping wood dry and ventilated) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply) (How to Properly Store Lumber from a Lumber Yard to Avoid Warping - Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply)
Climate Data – “Lake Forest Park, WA Climate.” BestPlaces.net. (Provides climate statistics for Lake Forest Park, WA, notably annual precipitation) ( Lake Forest Park, WA Climate ) ( Lake Forest Park, WA Climate )
