by Calculated Risk on 3/02/2020 12:08:00 PM

Here is another monthly update on framing lumber prices.   Lumber prices declined sharply from the record highs in early 2018, and have increased a little lately.

This graph shows two measures of lumber prices: 1) Framing Lumber from Random Lengths through Feb 28, 2020 (via NAHB), and 2) CME framing futures.

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

Right now Random Lengths prices are up 15% from a year ago, and CME futures are up 4% year-over-year.

There is a seasonal pattern for lumber prices, and usually prices will increase in the Spring, and peak around May, and then bottom around October or November - although there is quite a bit of seasonal variability.

The trade war led to significant volatility in lumber prices in 2018.   Recently prices have been picking up, but the futures fell sharply last week - probably on concerns about the impact of COVID-19.