Lumber Price Update: First The Bad News, Then The Good

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It’s been a wild ride for lumber prices lately. First, the bad news: lumber prices have been on the rise, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. But don’t worry, the good news is that there are still plenty of ways to get your woodworking projects done without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll give you an update on lumber prices and provide some tips on how to stay within your budget.

Softwood is commonly used to build things like houses and furniture. The wood is strong enough to hold up, but also light so it’s easy to work with.

But lately, the price of softwood lumber has been going up. In fact, in February 2018 the cost of a thousand board feet of softwood lumber was $517. That’s a big increase from just a few years ago, when the price was around $300.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. The good news is that there are ways to offset the higher cost of lumber. For example, you can use other materials like hardwood or metal in your woodworking projects. You can also look for wood that has been recycled or salvaged.

Whatever you do, don’t let the higher cost of lumber stop you from woodworking. There are plenty of ways to work around the problem, and the results are worth it!

Hardwood is commonly used to build things like cabinets and flooring. The wood is strong, so it can hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

But lately, the price of hardwood lumber has been going up too. In fact, in February 2018 the cost of a thousand board feet of hardwood lumber was $815. That’s a big increase from just a few years ago, when the price was around $600.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. The good news is that there are ways to offset the higher cost of lumber.

A great way to continue woodworking on an affordable budget is to build small projects like picture frames, coasters, signs, birdhouses, or cutting boards. You can also use other materials like hardwood or metal in your woodworking projects. Whatever you do, don’t let the higher cost of lumber stop you from woodworking! There are plenty of ways to work around the problem, and the results are worth it!

Wait for dips in lumber prices and stock up while prices are low.

Lumber prices are cyclical, meaning they go up and down over time. So if you can’t afford to buy all the lumber you need right now, wait for the next price dip and stock up then! That way, you’ll have what you need when you’re ready to start your woodworking project.

Look for tools that aren’t imported from overseas. The prices on these tools should be more affordable because they are avoiding the clogged up logistics chain to reach you.

Look for tool alternatives like Diamond stones to sharpen your planer blades. Diamond stones are a woodworker’s best friend and will save you money in the long run.

Woodworkers have been evolving for centuries to the changes in the industry and with the internet it is easier than ever to stay up to date and evolve when needed.

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