The housing market in 2026 continues to surprise on the upside. According to HousingWire.com, even as mortgage rates climbed as high as 6.75 percent, pending home sales ran nearly 10 percent above last year’s levels. Active inventory growth sits at just 0.9 percent year-over-year, putting it close to turning negative. Price-cut activity remains slightly below 2025 levels, and sellers are adjusting expectations earlier in the process.

This is not the freeze many expected when rates pushed higher. Instead, buyers and sellers are negotiating more effectively, transactions are holding together, and demand is proving resilient. New listings have improved, purchase applications show positive year-over-year trends, and the market is processing deals more smoothly than in earlier rate-shock periods.

Why This Matters for Hardwood Distributors and Manufacturers 

Steady housing activity directly supports remodeling, new construction, and cabinetry work — all key drivers for Alder. When buyers choose to upgrade existing homes rather than wait for perfect affordability, that creates a consistent pull for millwork and case goods manufacturers.  With inventory tight and demand firm, the pressure on supply chains remains real.

Alder has long been a smart choice in this environment. Its consistent quality, excellent machining characteristics, and ability to take beautiful stains make it a reliable performer for manufacturers who need predictable yields and happy end customers. As broader hardwood markets respond to these housing signals, forward-thinking distributors and shops are locking in reliable sources now.

Planning Ahead in a Firming Market 

Several factors stand out for our industry:

• Inventory discipline: Low year-over-year growth in homes for sale means builders and remodelers keep moving forward without major slowdowns. This is especially true in the growth markets in the South and Southeast USA.
• Seller adaptation: Faster price adjustments help deals close, supporting steady project pipelines rather than stop-start activity.
• Buyer decisiveness: In a mid-6 percent rate world, purchasers are acting when pricing works, which favors materials that deliver value and beauty without drama.

For distributors and Alder-using manufacturers across North America, the message is clear. Strong underlying demand rewards those who secure supply before tighter conditions push lead times or costs higher. Cascade Alder continues to deliver the uniformity, color range, and availability that keep production lines running efficiently.

Whether you need select grades for high-visibility cabinet faces, rustic options for character-driven projects, or volume for ongoing programs, our Pacific Northwest Alder stands ready. We work with distributors and manufacturers who value straight talk, consistent quality, and reliable delivery across the continent.

Ready to secure your Alder supply? 
Give our team a call at 800-228-3065 or reach out through your Cascade representative. We look forward to keeping your yards and shops stocked with premium Alder that performs.