Timber Blog

March 28, 2007

Illinois Hardwood Market Report - April 2007

Stan Curtis, Carbondale Veneer Company, Inc. (Carbondale, IL)

Report Given March 28, 2007

Prices Reported as "Stumpage"

What's Hot:

Black walnut and white oak continue to demand top dollar across the state and throughout the Midwest. Prices paid for black walnut stumpage range from $0.50-1.00/bd ft for sawlogs and $2.00-6.00/bd ft for veneer logs. The heavy demand for walnut stems in part from international markets for high-end architectural products, molding, and trim. Prices paid for white oak stumpage range from $0.40-0.80/bd ft for quality sawlogs and stave logs - generally, all grades of white oak are up. Prices paid for smaller diameter white oak veneer logs are bringing upwards of $1.50/bd ft; and prices paid for premium, 4-side clear veneer logs bringing upwards of $5.00/bd ft. The rotary veneer market is strong for smaller diameter, but clear, white oak logs. Interestingly, the construction mat market (canted, rough oak logs) for 18', 20', and 24'+ oak logs is bringing $0.30-0.35/bd ft for delivered logs - minimum diameter inside bark (DIB) is ~ 12-14".

Black cherry is also staying very competive in the regional marketplace. According to Stan, quality cherry sawlogs are bringing $0.30-0.80/bd ft, with quality veneer logs fetching upwards of $1.00-3.00/bd ft.

What's Good?

The hickory market is still good, with sawlogs fetching $0.20-0.40/bd ft. Veneer hickory markets are bringing upwards of $0.50-0.60/bd ft. Furthermore, sugar maple sawlogs are bringing $0.30-0.60/bd ft, and $1.00-2.00/bd ft for veneer logs (<1/4 hearts).

What's Steady?

The general pallet/blocking market is staying steady. Cottonwood, sycamore, elm, hackberry, soft maple, and sweetgum are bringing $0.05-0.10/bd ft. Some of the aforementioned species, but only a small percentage, are also being utilized in the growing construction mat market.

What's Slow?

The general red oak lumber sawlog market is still lagging behind. Red oak sawlogs are bringing $0.30-0.60/bd ft, and $0.70-0.80 for veneer butt logs > 16" DIB.

Summary

Overall, black walnut, white oak, and cherry logs are still commanding top dollar across the midwest. Furthermore, the construction mat market is producing a viable, steady demand for rough oak logs (i.e., low quality, tie or pallet logs). The general red oak species sawlog market (black oak, pin oak, etc.) is still in a slump.

Thanks Stan for your hardwood report!

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Posted by Jay Hayek at 5:41 PM