Lumber Prices: October 2026 Report
Bottom line: wholesale framing lumber is drifting down. Madison's Lumber Prices Index was $500 per thousand board feet (MBF) for the week ending 2026-10-09. That is down 1% on the week and 3% on the month, from $514 (Madison's). NAHB reports the same series at $500.36, down 4.3% year over year (NAHB).
Key numbers (as of 2026-10-14)
| Series | Latest | Prior / change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison's framing index (US$/MBF) | $500 (wk ending 2026-10-09) | $514 a month earlier; −1% w/w | Madison's |
| Madison's, Sept 25 reading | $506.76 | — | Residential Contractor |
| SPF 2x4 #2&Btr KD, f.o.b. mill | $454 | prior week $464 | BC Gov. weekly prices, 2026-10-09 |
| SPF 2x10 #2&Btr KD, f.o.b. mill | $675 | prior week $638 | |
| Gordian Framing Lumber Cost Index | $1,004.40 (Q4 2026) | +9.67% q/q, +11.21% y/y | Gordian |
AD SLOT PLACEHOLDER: in-article 300x250
What it means for a DIY project
- A 2x4x8 holds 5.33 board feet. At $500/MBF, its wholesale lumber content is about $2.67, before freight, distribution and retail margin. Shelf prices are higher and follow wholesale moves with a lag.
- Commodity 2x4 prices fell on the week, but 2x10 prices rose ($638 to $675). Wide joist and rafter stock is not following the 2x4 trend.
- Gordian's index rose while mill prices fell. That's because it measures construction cost, not mill price. Don't compare the two directly.
We don't report retail shelf prices because we have no reliable published source for them. For the weekly series, see the Lumber Price Index. For places to buy, see where to buy cheap lumber.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14. Prices are national planning ranges; get local quotes.