Data standards
Lumber Price Methodology
A transparent explanation of what the price guide measures, how unlike units are compared and where planning data must give way to a written supplier quote.
What the ranges represent
Published values are planning ranges in US dollars per board foot for retail-quantity lumber. Unless a species record states otherwise, the reference condition is kiln-dried stock, common commercial thicknesses and #1 Common or better appearance. The figures are not live offers and do not include tax.
How records are normalized
Prices expressed by linear foot, square foot, piece or thousand board feet must be converted to a board-foot basis before comparison. Nominal dimensions are used for conventional board-foot pricing; surfaced dimensions and profile yield are considered separately when estimating installed coverage.
Range construction
Low and high values are intended to capture ordinary variation caused by grade, dimensions, length mix, drying and milling—not distressed inventory, exceptional figured stock or collector-grade material. A midpoint is displayed only as a mathematical summary of the range.
Regional modeling
The regional estimator applies broad planning multipliers and a freight allowance to catalog ranges. These factors represent logistics scenarios, not measured local indexes. Port proximity, mill proximity, shipment size, fuel, accessorial charges and route availability can outweigh the regional factor.
Update and review policy
Each species record carries its own revision timestamp. Records should be reviewed when market conditions, availability or product conventions materially change. Pages expose catalog coverage and latest revision information so readers can judge freshness.
Important exclusions
Installed labor, demolition, engineering, permits, hardware, finish, tax and contractor overhead are excluded unless a tool explicitly names them. Commodity framing futures are not interchangeable with retail hardwood or specialty decking prices.
Corrections and source review
Material suppliers and technical reviewers may submit dated corrections with the exact species, grade, dimensions, condition, unit basis and market context. Editorial review is required before a catalog value changes.