Calculate Total Lumber Cost
Price out your lumber list — dimensional lumber, plywood, and specialty wood by quantity and current prices.
Current Lumber Prices (2026)
Lumber prices have stabilized from the pandemic-era spikes but remain 30-50% above 2019 levels. Standard 2×4×8 studs run $4-6 each (framing grade). Pressure-treated 2×6×8: $8-12. Cedar 2×6×8: $12-18. Prices vary by region — call your local lumber yard for exact quotes. Big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) are typically 10-20% higher than dedicated lumber yards for volume purchases.
Buying Tips
Buy in bulk for 10-15% discounts at lumber yards. Inspect every board before purchase — reject boards with large knots, twists, bows, or splits. For projects requiring straight lumber (trim, furniture), hand-select each board. Construction framing is more forgiving — minor bows straighten when nailed into place.
The best time to buy lumber is late fall/winter when construction demand drops. Prices typically peak in spring (building season starts) and trough in November-January. Planning ahead and buying off-season can save 10-20% on materials.
