lumber prices

[JimD]

The wood prices look about the same as what I pay in SC at a local dealer. I do not consider him cheap but the only other option is not much cheaper and is 2 hours away.

Our house prices run around $100/square foot. If they are real nice, they might go for $150, if they need some work, maybe under $100. Houses on golf courses are about the same - maybe slightly more. Houses on a lake are a whole different thing (lots start at close to $200,000).

Jim

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I think we argueable have the cheapest wood rates in the country here in PA and I don't think they are all that bad if it is a retail shop.

One of the most "famous" of the hardwood stores in PA is Hearne Hardwood. Looks like they are getting:

Ash 4/4 FAS $3
White Oak 4/4 FAS $3.50
Poplar 4/4 $2.25
Basswood $5.50 (only list 16/4)

Of course that is for those fancy Philadelphia type people who can afford those prices. The "rest" of us are looking at prices like Irvins Sawmill :

Ash $1.60
White Oak $1.85
Poplar $1.40
Basswood $1.40
Alder $2.20 (though #1 common no FAS listed)

So, assuming you are looking at some pretty clear stock in CA I think those are decent prices.

[cabinetman]

Back to the OP:

I'd love to find wood for those prices locally. Even Alder, which is a local wood, is close to $5.00/bf here. That's outrageous for a species that was considered a weed until a few years ago.

I think a lot of forum members from east of the Mississippi don't realize how good they've got it for hardwood prices compared to those of us out west.

Some forestry products are cheaper east of the Mississippi. "Trade" prices sometimes don't beat an "off the street" price. I did a price check for Jeffrey Schronce on Walnut plywood, and the price here in So. Fla. was very close to the PA "street" price, unless Jeffrey got "to the trade" pricing. There is also the possibility the stock could be different. "A1" Walnut ply 3/4" can vary in quality from source to source even though they are graded the same. It could be related to the veneer core, or face thickness. Some large orders for hardwood that include unusually long, or thick, if out of stock, come from the midwest, or wherever my local suppliers have sources. The price may be a link to the supply. I have to call for prices when the wood is needed as price can fluctuate.

Price alone doesn't make up my mind on where to buy. I've established a working relationship with several local dealers, and doing that became familiar with the type of stock carried. Because of that relationship, I get some "perks", like having certain stock "set aside", or just be shown a better selection.

Just as a side on ordering stock. Figure an overage percentage, so one order of like lumber will finish the job. Getting more at a later time because you ran out, may not match.
.

[dtam]

Thanks for everyone's reply. Considering how much more expensive everything else is here, the lumber prices at MacBeath aren't too bad.

[dtam]

edited - double post

[poolhound]

Are these good lumber prices? (all 4/4)

white oak $3.62/bf
basswood $2.9/bf
poplar $2.01/bf
ash $2.48/bf
alder $1.67/bf (knotty)
$3.67/bf (regular)

These prices are from MacBeath which is where I've been buying my lumber. Does anyone know of another lumber yard in the SF Bay Area with better prices?

Thanks.

You didnt say explicitly wether this was for rough lumber of for fully surfaced and edged boards.

As a reference I have paid as little ast 1.60/bf for 4/4 poplar and around 1.75 for 8/4. Both rough.

Jon

[BrazosJake]

And you're not just whistling Dixe, Jack. I flew into San Franciso in 1966 and stayed downtown a week before I had to report to Fort Ord, Ca. I could not believe that a hamburger at that time was about $.89. The same hamburger in Georgia would have cost about $.25.

Friends visiting from Ca. have told me my $150,000 home here with 1 acre on a cul-de-sac surrounded by hardwoods would cost between $775,000 to a million there. I may just put it on dollies.. truck it out.. and sell it at the Walmart parking lot to the highest bidder.

Regards...

LOL,

I recall around 1970, my dad & I played golf at an exclusive Dallas country club (his memberhsip was a job perk). After 18 holes, we repaired for lunch, but were so outraged at a $1.05 hamburger, we went home.

I'd say those prices are so-so. My impression here in N. TX is they're way up, though the last thing I've looked at was 8/4 poplar around $1.81 pbf.

[dtam]

You didnt say explicitly wether this was for rough lumber of for fully surfaced and edged boards.

As a reference I have paid as little ast 1.60/bf for 4/4 poplar and around 1.75 for 8/4. Both rough.

Jon

The prices are for rough lumber. Some more prices for thicker stock at the same lumberyard:
ash 8/4 $3.08/bf
ash 12/4 $4.7/bf
alder (superior) 8/4 $3.66/bf
alder (knotty) 8/4 $1.91/bf

Didn't want to ask for maple, cherry, or walnut because I know I won't be able to afford it.