October 31, 2025
The lumber market has stayed fairly steady over the past month, without any big pricing swings up or down. Despite historical expectations of a fall rally, prices have largely remained flat or posted modest gains in narrow product segments. Eastern SPF mills are quoting two-week lead times with consistent pricing across dimension and stud trims, though takeaway has not been strong enough to move prices significantly. Retailers and yards continue to purchase cautiously, focusing on fill-in needs, and mill order files are staying current as a result. Canadian production remains stable, but without fresh demand pressure, most players are sitting on the sidelines waiting for a clear directional signal.
In the Eastern SPF Boston reload zone, prompt availability is generally healthy, particularly in 2x4x16s and standard stud trims. However, specific lengths such as 2x6x8s and premium trims have become harder to source, with price spreads reflecting those shortages. Quotes have been firm, and counters are rarely accepted. Many buyers remain hesitant to load up inventories given soft jobsite activity and a lack of urgency from end users. There’s been a growing gap between eastern and western species. While Southern Yellow Pine and Western Fir have dropped in price, Eastern SPF has stayed steady—showing it’s still a reliable and in-demand option for the jobs ahead.
Housing activity within Hancock Lumber’s service area has continued its late-summer cooling trend, though not uniformly. In counties such as York and Cumberland in Maine, and Rockingham and Strafford in New Hampshire, new listings have slightly increased while pending sales have slowed. Builders report project starts are delayed more by consumer hesitancy than cost alone, with high mortgage rates and tightening credit acting as a persistent drag on demand. That said, the remodeling segment remains active in parts of Maine, and multi-family interest in the Seacoast region continues to support moderate levels of lumber flow. Overall, the pipeline is thinner than normal for this time of year, but not without signs of life.
Looking ahead, the market remains delicately balanced. Traders are watching the calendar closely—any early winter weather or a further slowdown in housing could suppress demand enough to trigger discounts from mills. Conversely, if inventory levels among yards and reloads tighten too far, late Q4 restocking could put upward pressure on select items. European spruce imports remain a wild card. While they’ve helped backfill domestic shortfalls, port availability is uneven, and buyers are hesitant to commit heavily amid tariff risk and volatile freight conditions. Given the uncertainty, we recommend staying flexible with purchasing plans—we’re here to support you with product availability, market insight, and timing to keep your jobs running smoothly and your inventory working for you.
Vendor Spotlight:
Cleary Wholesale is a family-owned door, stair, and millwork supplier that aligns closely with values of quality, integrity, and responsiveness. Operating across New England and New York, they provide an extensive product line including interior and exterior doors, commercial doors, millwork, and fully preassembled stair systems through their Cooper Stairworks division. What truly sets Cleary apart is their advanced prefinishing capability via their Fortress Coating Systems, which utilizes high-quality coatings in a controlled factory environment to deliver painted, stained, and clear finishes that are both durable and consistent. Their ability to prefinish doors in ten business days or less allows builders and dealers to shorten project timelines and avoid the risks and delays of on-site finishing. This speed and consistency are especially valuable during this time of year, when unpredictable regional weather can make job-site painting and staining difficult or unreliable. In addition, their preassembled staircases are crafted with precision to minimize labor on site while maintaining the aesthetic and structural standards that professionals expect. By combining speed, craftsmanship, and family-owned values, Cleary Wholesale has positioned itself as a trusted partner for those seeking reliable, high-quality door and millwork solutions.
As always, please reach out to me directly or to the entire team at [email protected] with any procurement questions, comments, or concerns.
James Gigliotti | Commodities Purchasing Manager | 207-713-0237 or [email protected]