Lumber Price Forecast: What Spokane Contractors Need to Know for Spring 2026
As Eastern Washington contractors gear up for another busy spring building season, lumber pricing remains one of the biggest question marks for project planning. The market continues to send mixed signals—spot prices jumped 4.3% this month while futures hit one-month lows—leaving many wondering what to expect for their upcoming projects in Spokane, Colville, Kettle Falls, and Airway Heights.
Here’s what we’re seeing from our vantage point serving Eastern Washington builders, along with practical strategies to help you navigate these uncertain waters while protecting your bottom line.
Current Market Conditions: Why Eastern Washington Is Different
The national construction picture looks challenging on paper. Building permits dropped 14.2% nationwide, and major metropolitan markets are experiencing significant volatility. But here in Eastern Washington, we operate in a different reality—one that often works to our advantage.
Our regional market benefits from several unique factors that national forecasters often miss. First, we’re close to Pacific Northwest mills, which means shorter supply chains and more predictable availability. Second, our construction season doesn’t directly compete with high-volume urban markets, so when big city projects slow down, mill capacity opens up for the smaller-scale residential and commercial work that drives much of our local demand.
In Colville and Kettle Falls, for example, we’re seeing steady demand for agricultural buildings and rural residential projects—work that continues regardless of what’s happening in Seattle or Portland housing markets. This consistent, diversified demand helps stabilize pricing compared to markets that rely heavily on large developments.
The agricultural economy throughout Eastern Washington also creates unique timing patterns. Many of our contractor customers plan projects around harvest schedules and seasonal cash flows, which spreads demand more evenly than markets driven purely by urban development cycles.
Spring 2026 Price Projections: What to Expect
Based on current market indicators and our experience serving Eastern Washington contractors, here’s our realistic outlook for spring lumber pricing:
Framing lumber will likely see modest increases of 2-6% through May, with potential stabilization in June as regional mills ramp up production for summer building season. The key word here is “modest”—we’re not expecting the dramatic swings that characterized 2021-2022.
Treated lumber presents more challenges due to ongoing chemical supply chain issues. Plan for 5-10% increases on treated materials, particularly for deck boards and landscape timbers that see heavy spring demand in Spokane and Airway Heights residential markets.
Plywood and OSB should remain relatively stable, following typical seasonal patterns we’ve observed in Eastern Washington. These engineered products benefit from more predictable production schedules and regional supply relationships.
Specialty lumber and custom millwork should see stable pricing through spring. With fewer large projects competing for these materials, contractors focusing on remodels and custom homes may actually see better availability and pricing than in recent years.
The critical difference for Eastern Washington contractors is timing. While national chains must adjust pricing based on corporate procurement contracts, local suppliers can respond more quickly to regional supply opportunities and pass those benefits along to contractors.
Strategic Buying Recommendations for Local Contractors
Given current market uncertainty, smart purchasing strategy matters more than ever. Here are actionable approaches that work in today’s environment:
Phase your material purchases. Instead of buying everything at once, consider splitting larger orders. Purchase immediate needs at current prices while monitoring market trends for materials needed later in your project timeline. This approach gives you flexibility to capitalize on price improvements while ensuring you have materials to keep work moving.
Build stronger supplier relationships. Local suppliers offer market intelligence and flexibility that becomes invaluable during volatile periods. Contractors who maintain regular communication with their suppliers often get advance notice of price changes and first access to materials during shortages. In smaller markets like Colville and Kettle Falls, these relationships can make the difference between completing projects on schedule or facing costly delays.
Consider project mix adjustments. The decline in large-scale construction creates opportunities for contractors willing to focus on remodeling and smaller commercial projects. These jobs face less material competition and often offer better margins with more predictable costs.
Maintain flexible inventory. Keep modest inventory of commonly used materials when prices are favorable, but avoid tying up too much cash in materials that might sit unused. Focus on items with stable demand across multiple project types—dimensional lumber, fasteners, and basic building materials that you’ll use regardless of specific job requirements.
Most importantly, communicate with your clients about market conditions. Eastern Washington property owners generally understand agricultural and commodity market volatility. Honest conversations about pricing trends and timing options often lead to better project outcomes for everyone involved.
Ready to discuss your spring material needs? Visit Builders Supply & Home Center at our Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, or Kettle Falls locations for personalized guidance on navigating current market conditions. Our team understands Eastern Washington construction challenges and can help you develop purchasing strategies that protect your project budgets. Call us or shop online at bldrsupply.epicor-inet.com to get started.