We understand that wood pricing sometimes appears to be a puzzle that needs some sort of secret code to solve it. Although the various variables that affect lumber pricing are far from straightforward or constant, the typical buyer can understand them with a little advance research. But because they’re also intricate and subtle, it would take at least a full-time liaison to explain them in detail to each individual client, which would raise the price owing to the increased overhead costs!
As a substitute, we try to transparently inform our consumers through online detailed articles about our pricing strategy and welcome any particular queries you may have. The goal is to help you become more lumber-wise and cost-wise as you make plans for future wood orders, not just to help you understand the figures we toss out.
You might wish to explore some additional fundamental concepts first before reading about how local origin and regulatory laws can impact your lumber pricing.
Lumber Pricing Explained, Part 1
Lumber Pricing Explained, Part 2
Lumber Pricing Explained, Part 3
Geographical Origin & Lumber Pricing
The distance that lumber must travel is merely one factor in the pricing of lumber. No matter how far your job location is from the real point of origin, that original source location is still important. We already discussed how seasonal availability difficulties impact Ipe cost, but the weather is by no means the only factor. More factors affect the price of lumber in some continents, nations, and regions than in others. Growth range and forest concessions are factors that combine with the sometimes lengthy journey through other countries where the lumber must first pass in order to ultimately reach you. African hardwoods must go through dangerous, conflict-torn regions, which makes their journey extra difficult.
Governmental Regulations & Lumber Pricing
Sometimes, it’s simple for us to demonstrate to our clients exactly what charges are added to their lumber prices: CITES documentation, shipping charges, and certification all have a direct impact on pricing, but there are also less obvious factors that go into administrative costs. Think about the “due diligence” needed to comply with the Lacey Act. Even while the cost of routine trips to sawmills and concessions and the appointment of local agents to conduct more regular reviews cannot be directly attributed to a single lumber order, the expense must be passed on in some way.
We safeguard both ourselves and our customers from legal ramifications by carefully selecting only those suppliers who can unwaveringly offer documentation of sustainable and responsible forestry operations; yet, such meticulous examination comes at a cost. And yes, that does imply that we most likely won’t offer the lowest prices for any particular exotic species of lumber.
We hope you’re starting to understand the extensive factors that go into lumber pricing as we draw closer to the series’ fifth and final piece. The process has a lot of different facets. Continue reading with Part 5.
