Hardwood rises North as Midwest suffers

Photo From www.tractorbynet.com

After the Lumber industry saw improvement in January and the first half of february, northernly located sawmills have gotten a boost with the recent influx of cold weather spurts.

Sawmills reported average to good log supply in the Northern United States with the storm surges that have swept through in the last couple of weeks. Due to more wet conditions and lack of loggers in the Midwest, there are substantially low levels of logs. Wholesalers are finding it more difficult to find kiln-dried lumber to sell, while the concentration yards reported some difficulties getting the green lumber needed. Because of decreased green lumber quantities, certain concentration yards were running their kilns at only 65-70% capacity. Over the course of the time distribution yards saw better business, with increased demand posted from architectural millwork and commercial fixture manufacturers. Floor prices stood pat and retail sales improved but many flooring manufacturers were unable buy and dry enough lumber to increase production.