Lumber prices have finally DROPPED!

Issue 15, September 2021

Hi ,

Well here’s a bit of good news that might brighten your day: lumber prices are dropping!

As a traded commodity, lumber is priced per 1000 board feet on the wholesale market. We’re talking framing lumber here, the materials used in building construction.

On May 28, 2021, the cash market lumber price hit its all-time high of $1,515. (Yikes!) According to Fortune Magazine, the price has since fallen 74%, putting it back to 2018 prices. Currently, lumber is around $400.

How this translates to retail prices will vary depending on where you live, but both Home Depot and Lowes are reporting a spike in the sale of lumber as prices drop.

And with the Labor Day weekend coming soon in the U.S., this might be a great reason to buy some wood, remove the cobwebs from your power tools, and start on one of those projects you’ve been putting off for way too long.

BTW, if lumber prices have had you on the fence about signing up for The Weekend Woodworker, now is the perfect time to get started! You can literally make your first project this weekend.

September is a traditional time for many woodworkers to regroup and return to the shop. Kids are back in school and the summer heat is subsiding. (As a homeschool family, we always enjoyed going to Disneyland in September... practically had the park to ourselves!)

If you've been itching to get back in the shop, but feel a little rusty and don't know what to make, might I suggest a basic box. I know, I know, I'm big on boxes. But really, it's the perfect project to fire up some idle power tools and revisit some basic skills.

A box won't cost a lot to make, allowing you to explore new techniques without fear of wasting lumber. And the best part is that there are a million different ways to make each box unique. Try some inlay, maybe get a woodburning kit and try some pyrography. How about experimenting with homemade wooden hinges? Maybe a new joinery technique? Carving? Get creative!

And I'll just dare to say it: Christmas is right around the corner. Lol, at least from a woodworker's gift-making perspective.

Have a great month,

Steve
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Hey, I want to thank all of you who have been listening to The Woodworking Talk Show podcast. The feedback I've received has been so positive. I absolutely love talking to other woodworkers and makers and hearing their stories.

I hope you'll give it a listen. It's perfect for listening to in the shop, car, gym, or wherever. If you haven't heard any episodes yet, I suggest listening to one featuring a guest you aren't familiar with. For me, those people are the most interesting to learn about.

You can listen to it on Spotify or any other podcast platform, or watch a video version on my YouTube channel.

Have a spectacular September!