Lumber pricing schedule

[jeff...]

I realize that lumber like most everything else varies in price, based on market conditions, environmental factors, supply and demand, availability…
But short of comparing several lumber companies and creating my own, was wondering if there is a up to date, by grade, board foot lumber pricing schedule available for general consumption?

I've recently read a few posts:
* $112.00 figured 1 1/8' x 11" x 60" birds eye maple board. - $21.72 a BDF
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/m...eye.maple.html
* #1 common white or red oak
2000 BDF - $.90 a BDF
1000 BDF - $1.25 a BDF
500 BDF - $1.50 a BDF
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/w...white.oak.html
* I browse a home improvment store and look at the red oak, yeah it's high grade and all. But I about pass out and conclude I would need to take out a bank loan to build anything sizable with that lumber.

I just have to wonder "what gives"? How does one know what they are buying is at a fair price? Or is it more that the value in the eye of the beholder? I guess it might depend on the buyer and their intent? If someone is buying for resale, then they will want the lowest price, if someone is buying to build something for their family then they may be willing to spend a little more for quaility figured lumber. But the bottom line is fair is fair and no body wants to feel like they have been screwed. So how do we know what is fair, what's the guage, who sets the bar?

Thanks

[Sweetgum]

There is a company based in Charlotte (I almost took a job with them) that publishes a weekly report on hardwood lumber prices.

www.hardwoodreview.com

As an alternative to subscribing to their periodical, if you are only looking for generalized market trends and not for specific pricing, you can go to http://www.woodweb.com/Resources/RSL...ervations.html.

I'm not sure what a subscription runs, but I'm sure you could probably have a copy emailed to you (or mailed) to check it out if you prefer.

What's fair I think depends entirely on the buyer, especially at the one-man-shop project-by-project level.

[Kyle]

http://www.woodweb.com/Resources/RSL...deEastern.html

for estimates and hardwood review is an excellent source

[jeff...]

Kyle, this is almost exactly what I was looking for, thanks much!!!

[jfiles]

Jeff, figure out what your milling charges are going to be also. I purchased some land last year that has a lot of 24-30 inch red oak on the ground that I need to have cut into boards. I would love to haul some up to you if you’re priced right!

Jack