Lumber Pricing Guide for 2026
A practical look at what lumber costs right now and how to budget for your next project.
Why Lumber Prices Fluctuate
Lumber prices move with supply and demand, just like any commodity. Housing starts, mill production, transportation costs, import tariffs, and even weather all affect what you pay at the yard. In 2020-2021, we saw historic spikes when demand surged and mills could not keep up. Things have stabilized since then, but prices still vary regionally and seasonally.
The best strategy is to call ahead and get current pricing from your local supplier before you commit to a project budget. The ranges below are general guidelines based on mid-2026 market conditions.
Softwood Prices (per Board Foot)
Softwoods — pine, fir, spruce, cedar — are used for framing, decking, and construction. They are generally more affordable than hardwoods.
| Species | Typical Use | Price Range / BF |
|---|---|---|
| SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) | Framing, studs | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | Decks, fence, outdoor | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Cedar | Decking, siding, outdoor furniture | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Redwood | Decking, outdoor projects | $4.00 – $8.00 |
Domestic Hardwood Prices (per Board Foot)
Hardwoods are priced by the board foot at virtually every lumber yard. Prices depend on grade (FAS, Select, #1 Common) and thickness (4/4, 6/4, 8/4).
| Species | 4/4 (1") | 8/4 (2") |
|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $3.00 – $5.00 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| White Oak | $5.00 – $8.00 | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| Hard Maple | $4.00 – $7.00 | $7.00 – $10.00 |
| Black Walnut | $8.00 – $14.00 | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Cherry | $5.00 – $9.00 | $8.00 – $13.00 |
| Poplar | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.50 – $6.00 |
Exotic Hardwood Prices (per Board Foot)
Exotics are imported and priced higher due to shipping, rarity, and demand. These prices vary significantly by region and availability.
| Species | Price Range / BF |
|---|---|
| African Mahogany | $8.00 – $14.00 |
| Sapele | $7.00 – $12.00 |
| Teak | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| Ipe | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| Padauk | $10.00 – $16.00 |
How to Estimate Your Lumber Cost
Once you know the price per board foot, estimating your total cost is simple:
- Calculate the total board feet for every piece in your project
- Add a waste factor (10% is a safe starting point)
- Multiply by the price per board foot
For example, a small table using 20 board feet of cherry at $7/BF with 10% waste: 20 × 1.1 × $7 = $154. You can do this calculation for any species to compare material costs before you buy.
Tips for Saving Money at the Lumber Yard
Buy rough lumber and surface it yourself. Rough lumber costs significantly less than S2S (surfaced two sides) because you are paying for the milling. If you have a planer and jointer, you can save 20-30%.
Ask about shorts and offcuts. Many yards sell shorter pieces at a discount. If your project uses 3-foot and 4-foot lengths, you might save substantially.
Buy in bulk. Most yards offer a discount for buying an entire bundle or a minimum quantity. If you have storage space, bundling multiple projects into one purchase makes sense.
Plan your budget: Use the board foot calculator to build a cut list, add a waste factor, and see your total material cost instantly.