Continued volatility in U.S. lumber prices has contributed to strong demand
At the peak of the pandemic, timber prices hit record highs and construction supply increased by 350% to 400%.
This year, timber prices began to stabilize compared to previous years.
Jeremy Smith, chief buyer and co-owner of Matt Building Materials, said the cost of plywood and lumber has remained stable.
"Today our price reached $18.19. We spend most of the year at $10 and $12," Smith said.
When prices began to drop, contractors began to buy quickly, leading to a shortage of timber materials in the valley.
Jesus Capetillo, general contractor at Aztec Home Leveling and Remodeling, said fluctuating timber prices were creating high demand.
"Yes, it's definitely harder to get more wood. In a sense, some jobs are actually slowing down just because everyone just wants to get wood," Capetiho said. "There are places where we have to go; To McCoy's, we have to go to Lowe's, we have to go to Home Depot... to get the materials you need to do the job correctly. ”
Capetillo added that some lumberyards must impose limits on the amount of material contractors can buy.
The shortage exists not only in Silicon Valley, but across the country.
Canada, the largest importer of timber to the United States, continues to suffer heavy losses from forest fires.
Exas began looking for alternatives to Canadian wood.
Pine lumber is an alternative to Canadian lumber, processed in the South, with more supplies available to contractors and lumberyards if needed, Smith said.
