If you’ve stepped onto a job site in Fort Covington or Brushton lately, you know the air is starting to smell like sawdust and spring projects. But if you’re looking at your estimates for the coming months, you might be seeing some numbers that look a little different than they did last fall.
I’m Phillip Showen, and at Johnston’s Building Materials and Smith Lumber, we know that keeping your overhead predictable is the only way to stay profitable. Whether you’re a pro contractor managing a crew or a DIYer finally tackling that backyard upgrade, you need the straight talk on what lumber is going to cost you right now.
Here is the 3-minute breakdown of the lumber market as of April 6, 2026, and what you should do about it.
The Quick Summary: April 2026 Snapshot
If you only have sixty seconds, here is the "too long; didn't read" version:
- Current Price: Framing lumber is hovering around $872/MBF (per thousand board feet).
- The Trend: Prices are on the move up. We’ve moved past the winter dip and are entering the Q2 seasonal surge.
- The Forecast: Experts expect another 6-8% increase by the end of the year.
- The Advice: Stop waiting for a "better time." If you have the storage space and a project scheduled for June or July, buy your building materials now.
Why are Lumber Prices Climbing?
It isn't just "inflation" as a general concept. There are specific, tangible reasons why the stacks at our lumber yard are priced the way they are this month.
1. The Supply Crunch is Real
Over the last year, we’ve seen a permanent reduction in mill capacity. More than 1.3 billion board feet of softwood production disappeared because of mill closures across British Columbia and the U.S. South. When mills close, they don’t just "turn back on" when demand hits. That supply is gone, making the remaining inventory more valuable.
2. The Tariff Factor
Since we operate right here in Northern New York, we’re always keeping an eye on the border. New trade policies and tariffs on Canadian lumber are reaching their peak effect this quarter. The U.S. is pushing to reduce Canadian market share significantly, but domestic mills aren't quite ready to fill that gap. This creates a "supply gap" that pushes prices north.
3. Seasonal Volatility
April is the month when everyone decides they want a new deck. As the ground thaws, demand for decking materials and outdoor power equipment skyrockets. This creates a seasonal spike on top of the already tight supply.
What This Means for Local Contractors
For our local pros in Fort Covington and Brushton, these price shifts mean your quotes from two months ago might be getting "dusty." Here is how to handle it:
Lock in Your Quotes
Don’t let a price jump eat your profit margin. When you come to us for contractor supplies, talk to us about your project timeline. We can help you lock in pricing for upcoming builds so you aren't surprised by a 5% jump in June.
Educate Your Clients
Homeowners often see "national averages" on the news and think they apply to every board at their local yard. Use this data to show them why it’s in their best interest to sign the contract now rather than waiting until mid-summer.
Bundle Your Needs
If you’re doing a full build, look at our garage packages. Bundling your lumber with drywall, insulation, and interior-exterior doors is often the best way to keep your overall material costs stable.
Advice for DIYers and Homeowners
If you’re planning a weekend project, don’t let the talk of "MBF" and "softwood capacity" scare you off. For most small projects, the price difference might only be the cost of a couple of pizzas. However, for larger renovations, timing is everything.
- Deck Season is Here: If you want a new outdoor space, check out our decks and railings section. Getting your materials now ensures you actually have them when the weather is perfect for building.
- Think Beyond the Wood: Lumber is just one part of the puzzle. If you're upgrading your home, consider how new flooring or cabinets can add value that far outweighs a small increase in framing costs.
- Bulk Buy: For landscaping or foundation work, checking our bulk materials and concrete supplies can help you save on the "heavy" part of your project.
Why Buying Local at Johnston’s & Smith Lumber Wins Every Time
You could drive to one of those big-box stores, wander around a warehouse for an hour, and hope the person in the orange apron knows the difference between pressure-treated and kiln-dried. Or, you could come see us.
Personal Service
We know our customers by name. When you walk into Johnston's in Fort Covington or Smith Lumber in Brushton, you're talking to people who live in the same climate you do. We know what materials hold up to our winters and what heating-cooling systems actually make sense for a North Country home.
Reliable Stock
We pride ourselves on having what you need, when you need it. While the national market is volatile, we work hard to maintain a steady inventory of the essentials. You can see more about who we are on our About Us page.
Accurate Quotes
We don't do "guess-timates." We provide detailed, personalized quotes for your specific project. Whether you need a few sheets of plywood or a whole house worth of masonry and millwork, we give you numbers you can actually use to plan your budget.
Strategic Planning for the Rest of 2026
As we look toward the second half of 2026, the key word is preparation.
- Inventory Your Needs: Look at your project list for the next six months.
- Order Early: Give us a call at our Contact Page to check availability.
- Stay Flexible: Sometimes a different species of wood or a different grade can save you money without sacrificing the integrity of the build. We can help you find those alternatives.
We’ve been through price hikes before, and we’ll go through them again. The builders who succeed are the ones who stay informed and keep their local suppliers close. Don't just take our word for it: see what your neighbors are saying on our customer testimonial page.
Stay Connected with Us
The market moves fast, but we move faster to keep you covered. We are committed to making sure every builder in our community has the tools and materials they need to succeed.
If you have questions about a specific quote or need to check the stock on housewares and appliances to finish off a kitchen remodel, we’re here to help.
Join our community of local builders and DIYers by stopping in today. Let’s get those 2026 projects moving!
Johnston’s Building Materials (Fort Covington) Smith Lumber & Johnston’s Building Materials (Brushton)
Contact Us Today for your personalized lumber quote.