Treated Lumber Prices Are Holding Firm This Fall — Here’s What That Means for You
If a deck or fence project has been sitting on your fall to-do list, here’s the honest market update from our yards in Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls: treated lumber prices across Eastern Washington are running roughly 3% higher than this time last year. That’s a different story than framing lumber, which has actually softened in recent months. So if you’ve been holding off on a project hoping treated lumber would follow framing prices downward, it’s worth knowing that hasn’t happened — and probably won’t before next spring.
Fall is historically one of the busiest stretches for decking and fencing in our region, and this year is no exception. That steady demand is exactly what’s keeping treated lumber pricing firm even as other building materials ease. Translation: waiting it out isn’t likely to save you money. If anything, pricing your project now protects your budget from further creep heading into winter.
Why Treated Lumber Is Behaving Differently Than Other Materials Right Now
Treated lumber and commodity framing lumber are priced through different supply chains, and this fall makes that gap obvious. While OSB and plywood have trended softer, treated lumber used for decks, fences, and outdoor structures is seeing demand that just won’t quit. A few things we’re watching locally:
- Homeowners around Spokane and the surrounding communities are racing to finish outdoor projects before winter weather moves in
- Treated lumber mills are working with tighter supply chains than standard framing lumber producers
- Contractors are locking in material orders now to protect their fall and early-winter project schedules
- Fencing demand is climbing throughout the Colville and Kettle Falls area as more rural and suburban properties fence in livestock, gardens, and yards before the snow flies
If you’re tracking treated lumber prices in Spokane or anywhere else in Eastern Washington, the takeaway is simple: this is a firm-pricing market, not a wait-and-see one.
What This Means for Your Deck or Fence Budget
Since treated lumber prices have stayed elevated while other materials cooled off, locking in your project now is one of the smartest ways to protect your budget. Here’s a simple estimator to help you plan, based on standard treated 2×6 decking:
- 10×10 deck — about 100 sq ft; budget for decking, joists, and basic railing materials
- 12×16 deck — about 192 sq ft; our most requested size in Airway Heights and Colville
- 16×20 deck — about 320 sq ft; a popular choice for larger entertaining spaces around Spokane
- Fence (per 100 linear ft) — factor in posts, rails, and pickets at current treated lumber rates
Actual pricing will shift depending on decking pattern, railing style, and hardware choices, but these numbers give you a solid starting point when comparing quotes. Stop by any of our three Eastern Washington locations and our team will walk through an exact materials list with you, using today’s pricing — not a guess.
Don’t Forget the Hardware That Holds It All Together
A deck or fence is only as strong as its fasteners. While treated lumber prices have been the big story this fall, make sure your materials list also includes:
- Corrosion-resistant deck screws rated for treated lumber contact
- Galvanized or stainless structural hardware for ledger boards and joist hangers
- Post anchors and concrete for fence posts
- Exterior-grade stain or sealant to protect your investment through the winter months
Buying lumber and hardware together as one fall project bundle is one of the easiest ways to stay on budget while treated lumber prices remain firm.
Why Buying Local in Eastern Washington Pays Off
We’ve been a family-owned business serving Spokane, Airway Heights, Colville, and Kettle Falls since 1979, and we track treated lumber prices and regional demand every single week — not just when the news cycle mentions lumber. That means our team can tell you exactly what’s in stock, what’s on order, and how this month’s treated lumber pricing compares to last month, without the runaround you’d get from a big national chain.
Smart Moves to Make Before Winter Hits
Here’s what we’d recommend doing today, not next month:
- Price out your deck or fence project now while treated lumber pricing is stable and known
- Buy your lumber and hardware together to lock in a complete materials list at today’s prices
- Ask about volume pricing if you’re a contractor juggling multiple fall projects across the region
- Check with your local Builders Supply location on treated lumber inventory before you start demolition or site prep
Treated lumber prices across Eastern Washington aren’t likely to drop meaningfully before next season, so there’s little benefit to waiting. If your deck or fence project is on the fall list, now’s the time to get it priced out and moving.
Stop by our Airway Heights, Colville, or Kettle Falls location and let our team build you an accurate, complete materials list at today’s treated lumber prices. You can also shop online anytime at bldrsupply.epicor-inet.com to check inventory and get your fall project started before winter weather arrives.