Lumber price increases are never welcomed, but as distributors, salespeople, and buyers for cabinet and interior door manufacturers, understanding the drivers helps in planning and communicating with customers.

Over the last 5 months, Alder log prices have risen significantly, averaging 14% across our key mills. This upward trend is expected to persist, especially as April and May are typically the lowest volume months for log deliveries to Alder sawmills.

The root cause lies in sharply reduced harvest volumes. Much of the Alder historically came as a residual byproduct from large-scale softwood operations supplying dimension mills. Loggers and landowners were content with modest returns on what was once often burned or ignored. Those “cheap” logs helped average down costs for producers like us. But softwood harvests have declined markedly.

State regulations have further restricted access, removing large areas from harvestable timber plans. Emphasis on larger uncut forests and recreational priorities over timber production has locked away better, large-diameter, self-regenerating stands. Available timber is increasingly lower-quality, smaller-diameter material. Even with advanced scanning and optimization tech, this yields a poorer grade mix and low-to-no-profit outcomes.

Logging itself has become riskier and less viable due to heavy regulation and higher taxes, often making delivered log prices barely cover removal and transport costs. Loggers frequently leave mature timber standing, heightening fire risks that could be mitigated with science-based, active forest management.

Compounding these log cost pressures are sharply higher freight and fuel surcharges. As of early March 2026, U.S. on-highway diesel averaged around $4.86/gallon (up dramatically from ~$3.90 the prior week), driven by geopolitical tensions and tight supplies. Regional examples include:

• West Coast: ~$5.55–$5.56/gallon
• Midwest: ~$4.80/gallon
• Gulf Coast (including Texas overlap): ~$4.62–$4.69/gallon
• Rocky Mountain/Southwest: ~$4.39/gallon

Flatbed spot rates, which are critical for lumber hauls, have strengthened to national averages of $2.70–$2.95 per mile (up 8.5% month-over-month in some reports), with tighter capacity pushing rejection rates higher.

Finally, market demand is shifting toward clearer Alder. Consumers increasingly favor fewer defects for cabinets, doors, and trim, moving away from the traditional knotty look. Laminates offer a “perfect” wood-like appearance without the premium of solid wood, pressuring clearer-grade Alder demand and pricing.

These factors together drive SUP increases. We appreciate your partnership as we navigate this challenging supply environment. Please reach out to discuss any questions you have and Alder purchasing strategies in the face of these increases. We are here to help you and continue to be the premier Alder supplier to distributors and manufacturers.