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Why Pressure-Treated Lumber Prices Keep Climbing in Eastern Washington
If you’ve priced out a deck or fence project this fall, you’ve probably noticed something odd: while OSB and plywood have cooled off from their summer highs, pressure-treated lumber just keeps creeping up. Right now we’re seeing prices roughly 3% higher than this time last year, and it’s not slowing down.
Here’s what’s actually driving it. Pressure-treated lumber doesn’t move the same way framing lumber does. Framing lumber and sheet goods track new home construction cycles pretty closely. PT lumber is different — it’s tied to outdoor building season. Late summer through fall is peak deck, fence, and outdoor structure season across Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls, and that seasonal demand spike, combined with limited treatment plant capacity and rising transportation costs, keeps upward pressure on pricing even while other materials ease.
At Builders Supply & Home Center, we’ve been tracking this closely because our customers ask us about it constantly. We’re not quoting you a national average pulled from a big-box chain three states away — we’re telling you what lumber actually costs at our Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls yards right now, because we stock and source it locally.
Current Pricing Snapshot Across Our Yards
Prices shift week to week, but here’s a realistic snapshot of what you should expect to pay this fall:
PT 2x6x8: approximately $12–$15 per board, depending on grade and treatment level
Framing 2x4x8 SPF: $4.50–$5.50
Framing 2x6x8 SPF: $7.00–$8.50
OSB and plywood: softened from summer highs — a smart time to buy sheathing alongside your PT lumber
If you’re planning a project this fall, don’t wait on pricing decisions. Locking in your PT lumber order now, even if you’re not building for another few weeks, can save you real money if another price bump hits before you break ground.
How to Budget Your Deck or Fence Project the Right Way
Whether you’re framing a 200-square-foot deck outside Colville or replacing a fence line in Kettle Falls, accurate measurements up front are what keep your budget from blowing up at checkout. Here’s how to get your numbers right before you shop.
For deck projects: Measure your total square footage and add 10% for waste and cuts. Count linear feet of decking boards based on actual board width (a standard 2×6 measures 5.5 inches actual). Calculate joist spacing — typically 16 inches on center — to figure your framing lumber quantity. Price ledger boards, posts, and beams separately from your decking material, since they’re often a different grade. Budget an extra 3-5% of material cost for fasteners like deck screws, joist hangers, and post anchors. And if you’re building a ground-level or elevated deck, don’t forget concrete for footings — it’s an easy line item to overlook until you’re standing at the register.
For fence projects: Start with total linear footage of your fence line, then determine post spacing — usually 6 to 8 feet — to calculate how many posts you’ll need. Figure your rail and picket quantities based on the style you’re building, and account for gate hardware and extra bracing at corners, since those add up fast. Add 5-10% extra material for cuts, defects, and future repairs, so you’re not making a second trip to Airway Heights or Colville mid-project because you’re one picket short.
Smart Buying Strategies That Actually Save You Money
A few practical moves can help you get ahead of rising PT prices instead of getting stuck by them:
Buy in bulk now. If you know you’re building this fall — or even planning ahead for next spring — purchasing your PT lumber before another price increase locks in today’s rate.
Bundle your hardware. Ask our team about combo pricing on PT lumber paired with deck screws and structural hardware. We put these bundles together specifically for deck and fence builders across Eastern Washington.
Buy sheet goods while they’re soft. If your project needs OSB or plywood for skirting, under-decking, or a storage structure, now’s the time — that pricing won’t stay favorable forever.
Compare local yard pricing before making a long drive. With locations in Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls, you can usually source everything you need without an extra trip out of the region — and without guessing at online prices that don’t reflect what’s actually on the shelf.
Get Your Numbers Locked In Before Prices Move Again
Builders Supply & Home Center has been family owned and serving Eastern Washington since 1979. We know pressure-treated lumber pricing isn’t just a number on a chart — it’s the difference between your fall project staying on budget or getting shelved until spring. Our team can walk you through current pricing, help you calculate exact material needs for your deck or fence, and flag ways to save before you commit to an order.
Stop by our Airway Heights, Colville, or Kettle Falls location for a free project quote, or shop online anytime at bldrsupply.epicor-inet.com to start your materials list today. The sooner you lock in your order, the less likely you are to get caught by the next price bump.
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