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Late August 2026: A Split Lumber Market Worth Paying Attention To
If you’ve been asking our team about lumber prices lately, you’re not alone — it’s been the top question at our Spokane, Colville, Kettle Falls, and Airway Heights counters all week. Here’s the short version: this isn’t a market where everything moves together right now. Framing lumber and pressure-treated stock are holding firm or ticking up, while OSB and plywood are actually getting cheaper. That split matters, because it means the right move depends entirely on what’s on your cut list.
We’ve been keeping an eye on regional lumber trends since 1979, and honestly, this is one of the more interesting stretches we’ve seen in a while. Buyers who understand the details — instead of assuming “lumber is lumber” — stand to save real money or avoid getting caught flat-footed on supply.
What’s Firming Up: Framing Lumber and Pressure-Treated Stock
Standard framing lumber — your everyday 2x4s and 2x6s — is holding steady with a slight upward lean across Eastern Washington. Residential builds and remodel work are keeping demand consistent, and we’re not seeing anything close to the wild swings that rattled the market in past years. If you’re framing a new build in Airway Heights or adding a room in Spokane, you can buy on your normal timeline without much worry.
Pressure-treated lumber is the category to watch closely. Deck and fence season is still going strong in Colville, Kettle Falls, and across the Spokane area, and PT lumber prices are running roughly 3% firmer year-over-year. Specialty PT sizes — posts and deck boards especially — are tightening the fastest. If you’re planning outdoor work before the weather turns, this is not the category to put off.
- 2×4 framing lumber: Steady, slight upward pressure
- 2×6 framing lumber: Steady to firm
- Pressure-treated lumber: Firm, up roughly 3% year-over-year
- Specialty PT sizes (posts, deck boards): Tightening fastest — buy sooner rather than later
What’s Cooling Off: OSB and Plywood
Sheet goods are telling a completely different story. OSB and plywood prices are softening across the region, and that opens up a genuine buying window if you’ve got a sheathing-heavy project coming up. Contractors planning fall construction or a major addition should take this seriously — dips like this tend to close quickly once building activity ramps back up heading into next year.
- OSB: Softening — favorable pricing window right now
- Plywood: Trending down — good time to buy ahead
- Sheathing-grade panels: Best value we’ve seen in months
If you’ve got sheathing needs on the horizon, this is the moment to stock up rather than wait and hope prices hold.
What This Means for Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls Buyers
Pricing can vary a bit by location, product mix, and what’s currently on the shelf, which is why we post current pricing in-store and keep our team updated daily. But here’s the general direction across our four locations this week:
- Framing lumber (2×4/2×6): Steady — buy on your normal schedule, no need to rush or delay
- Pressure-treated lumber: Firming — lock in your pricing now if you’ve got deck or fence work planned before fall
- OSB: Softening — a solid window to stock up on upcoming sheathing needs
- Plywood: Softening — same buy-the-dip opportunity as OSB
Stop by any of our four locations and our team will walk you through exact current pricing for your project size and specs, plus what’s worth ordering ahead versus buying today.
How to Time Your Next Purchase
Here’s our practical, no-nonsense advice for contractors and DIYers alike:
Framing a build soon? Prices are stable. No need to rush, but no reason to wait either — buy as your schedule requires.
Building a deck or fence this fall? Buy your pressure-treated lumber now. With demand holding strong through the season in Kettle Falls, Colville, and beyond, waiting could mean paying more or scrambling for stock.
Got a project with heavy sheathing needs? This is your window. OSB and plywood are softer than they’ve been in months — take advantage while pricing works in your favor.
This is exactly the kind of market where being local and independently owned makes a real difference. Big regional chains often manage inventory at a national level, which can mean inconsistent pressure-treated stock right when Eastern Washington homeowners need it most. We manage our own inventory locally across Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls, so we can tell you honestly what’s in stock, what’s tight, and what’s worth buying now versus waiting on.
Visit Builders Supply & Home Center Today
Whether you’re locking in pressure-treated lumber before fall demand peaks or taking advantage of softer OSB and plywood pricing, our team is ready to help you plan your next purchase. Stop by our Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, or Kettle Falls locations to talk with our knowledgeable staff and check current in-stock pricing, or shop online anytime at bldrsupply.epicor-inet.com. Family-owned since 1979 — we’re here to help you build smart, no matter which way the market moves.
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