Lumber Prices GuideWhat Does Wood Cost?

Lumber Prices by Species

Wood species is the single biggest factor in lumber pricing. Here is what common species cost in the current market:

Dimensional Lumber vs Engineered Wood

Modern construction increasingly uses engineered wood products alongside traditional sawn lumber. Understanding the cost differences helps you choose the right product for each application:

• •Dimensional lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x10, etc.) is sawn directly from logs and is the default choice for wall framing, roof framing, and short-span floor joists. It is the cheapest option per lineal foot for spans under 16 feet.
• •Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams cost $3 to $6 per lineal foot for a 1-3/4 x 9-1/2 inch beam — roughly 3 to 5 times the cost of a comparable 2x10. LVLs are used for headers, ridge beams, and long spans where dimensional lumber would require oversized members.
• •I-joists (TJI, BCI) cost $3 to $7 per lineal foot depending on depth and series. They replace 2x10 and 2x12 floor joists for spans over 14 feet, offering lighter weight, no crowning issues, and pre-punched knockouts for plumbing and wiring.
• •Glulam beams cost $6 to $15 per lineal foot depending on size. They are used for exposed structural beams, long-span garage door headers, and custom architectural elements.
• •Parallel strand lumber (PSL) like Parallam costs $8 to $20 per lineal foot and is used for heavy-load columns and beams where maximum strength is needed in the smallest cross-section.

For most residential framing, dimensional lumber remains the most cost-effective choice. Engineered wood products make economic sense when you need longer spans, heavier loads, or more predictable performance than sawn lumber can provide.

Understanding Lumber Grades and Their Impact on Price

Lumber grade directly affects price — higher grades cost more because they have fewer defects and more consistent structural properties:

• •Stud grade — the most economical structural grade, suitable only for vertical load-bearing members (wall studs) up to 10 feet long. Typically $0.50 to $1.00 less per piece than #2 grade.
• •#2 and Better (No. 2) — the standard structural grade for joists, rafters, headers, and general framing. This is what most lumberyards stock as their default framing lumber.
• •#1 grade — fewer knots and higher strength values than #2. Used when engineering calculations require higher allowable stress values. Costs 10-20% more than #2 and may need to be special-ordered.
• •Select Structural — the highest structural grade with the fewest defects. Required for some engineered designs and heavy timber applications. Costs 25-50% more than #2.
• •Appearance grades (C&Better, D Select) — used for finish carpentry, trim, and exposed applications where looks matter. Priced 50-100% above structural grades.
• •FAS (First and Seconds) — the top hardwood grade, requiring large clear-face cuttings. The most expensive hardwood grade, typically 30-50% more than #1 Common.

For framing, #2 grade is the standard and most economical choice. Only specify higher grades when engineering or appearance requirements demand it — you will pay significantly more for marginal improvements in strength.

Lumber Price Trends and Forecasting

Lumber prices are notoriously volatile, and understanding the market cycle helps you time your purchases:

Where to Buy Lumber: Retail vs Wholesale

Where you buy lumber significantly affects your total project cost. Here are the main channels, ranked from most to least expensive per board:

• •Home centers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards): Most convenient for small projects and individual boards. Prices are consistent and posted, returns are easy, and inventory is immediately available. However, pricing is 15-30% above lumberyard pricing for the same species and grade. Best for: homeowners, small repairs, and projects under $500 in lumber.
• •Local lumberyards: Better quality control (hand-picked boards), wider species and grade selection, knowledgeable staff, and volume pricing. Most offer delivery for orders over $500. Expect 10-25% savings over home center pricing on comparable materials. Best for: contractors, large DIY projects, and anyone who values quality over convenience.
• •Wholesale/direct from mill: The lowest pricing, typically 30-50% below retail, but requires large minimum orders (often 1,000+ board feet or full units). Some mills sell direct to the public, especially in lumber-producing regions (Pacific Northwest, Southeast). Best for: house framing packages, commercial projects, and builder accounts.
• •Online specialty retailers (Woodcraft, Bell Forest, Rockler): Best source for exotic species, specialty hardwoods, and turning blanks. Pricing includes a premium for selection, grading, and shipping. Best for: woodworkers needing specific species, sizes, or figured wood.
• •Sawmill direct / Wood-Mizer owners: Rough-sawn local lumber at the lowest possible prices ($0.25 to $1.00/BF for common softwoods, $2 to $5/BF for hardwoods). Requires air-drying or kiln access and surfacing equipment. Best for: rural builders, woodworkers with shop equipment, and timber-frame projects.

For projects over $1,000 in lumber cost, always get a quote from at least one lumberyard in addition to checking home center prices. The savings on a framing package can easily reach $500 to $2,000.

Bulk Buying and Volume Discounts

Buying lumber in volume unlocks significant savings. Here is how bulk pricing works at each level:

• •Unit pricing: Framing lumber sold by the unit (a banded stack, typically 200-300 pieces of the same size) costs 10-20% less than individual piece pricing. A unit of 2x4x8 studs contains 294 pieces and costs $800 to $1,500 depending on market conditions — roughly $2.70 to $5.10 per stud versus $3.50 to $6.00 individually.
• •Framing packages: Many lumberyards will quote your entire framing material list as a package deal, including studs, plates, headers, joists, rafters, sheathing, and hardware. Package pricing is typically 15-25% below the sum of individual retail prices. Submit your framing plans and get at least two quotes.
• •Contractor accounts: Builders who purchase regularly can set up contractor accounts with lumberyards for an additional 5-15% discount below package pricing. Most require a business license and a track record of purchases.
• •Pallet pricing for plywood/OSB: Buying a full pallet of plywood (60-75 sheets for 3/4 inch, more for thinner panels) saves 10-15% over individual sheet pricing. A pallet of 3/4" CDX at $42/sheet versus $50/sheet saves $480 to $600.
• •Seasonal promotions: Home centers run major lumber sales during spring (to capture building season demand) and fall (to clear inventory). Watch for 10-15% off framing lumber, buy-one-get-one deals on treated lumber, and contractor pack pricing on fasteners and hardware.

The biggest single savings opportunity is getting a complete framing package quote from a lumberyard. For a typical 1,500 sq ft house frame, the difference between retail piece pricing and a lumberyard package can be $3,000 to $8,000.

Frequently Asked Questions