Supply chain issues continue to affect the woodworking industry, with domestic hardwood prices showing signs of stabilization after two years of volatility.
Current Pricing Trends
Red oak has dropped 12% from its peak last spring. Walnut remains elevated but stable. Cherry and maple are following similar patterns, with dealers reporting more predictable supply.
Kiln capacity has improved significantly, reducing the backlog that plagued suppliers throughout 2024.
What This Means for Shops
Custom furniture makers may find this an opportune time to stock up on popular species. Several lumber dealers are offering volume discounts to move inventory.
The consensus among suppliers: prices likely won’t drop much further, but the extreme volatility of recent years appears to be behind us.
