Monday, 19 October 2026 — the lumber market is calm, and calm markets reward planning.
The key news: CME lumber futures closed last week at $532.50 per thousand board feet (mbf), almost unchanged on the week and 16% below a year ago. Trading was thin: about 444 contracts a day, against a 12-week average of about 749. Madison’s softwood index stands at $499 per mbf, down $6 in a month.
What it means for timber buyers: Low volume means fewer big buyers are chasing wood right now. Prices have moved inside a narrow band for weeks.
Example: A 50 mbf order at Madison’s $499 costs about $24,950 at index level, about $300 less than a month ago at $505. Freight, grading and delivered terms are extra.
Advice for buyers: Use the calm to place regular, medium-sized orders instead of one large order. Agree delivery windows early, before winter demand and shipping schedules tighten.
The honest caution: Thin markets can jump suddenly when news arrives, such as a duty change or a housing report. Index prices are not delivered prices. Confirm every quote in writing.
Lord Wood — timber you can plan on.
