by Calculated Risk on 11/06/2017 10:55:00 AM

Here is another update on framing lumber prices. Early in 2013 lumber prices came close to the housing bubble highs - and prices are once again near the bubble highs.

This graph shows two measures of lumber prices: 1) Framing Lumber from Random Lengths through October 2017 (via NAHB), and 2) CME framing futures.

Prices in 2017 are up solidly year-over-year and might exceed the housing bubble highs in the Spring of 2018.

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

Right now Random Lengths prices are up 25% from a year ago, and CME futures are up about 45% 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 2018.