Get lumber while it’s cheap(er)

Tired of looking at that worn-out deck? Now could be a good time to replace it.

Softwood lumber prices were down 10.4% in June, compared with the same time last year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Producer Price Index. Hardwood lumber was down 1.4%. Prices for oriented strand board were down 37.6%, and gypsum products were down 13.3%. Plywood, however, was 4.2% higher in June than a year ago.

Increased labor costs, however, can diminish any savings on materials, experts say. But there’s still a silver lining: Skilled labor is more available today than two years ago. So the job may get done sooner.

-- Diane Wedner