How Much Does Lumber Cost?
Lumber prices depend on species, dimensions, treatment, and current market conditions. Here is a complete breakdown of lumber costs per board foot and per piece in 2026.
18 years · Licensed GC · OSHA 30
Tom has built and renovated over 400 residential projects across the Mid-Atlantic. He specializes in concrete, framing, and exterior hardscape. Tom holds a General Contractor license and OSHA 30 certification, and has managed projects ranging from backyard patios to full foundation pours.
Published June 9, 2026
tom@homematerialcalc.comLumber Calculator — board feet and total cost for your project
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2026 dimensional lumber prices (per piece)
| Size | Length | Untreated | Pressure Treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2×4 | 8 ft | $4–$8 | $6–$11 |
| 2×4 | 12 ft | $6–$12 | $9–$16 |
| 2×6 | 8 ft | $6–$12 | $9–$18 |
| 2×6 | 12 ft | $9–$18 | $14–$26 |
| 2×8 | 8 ft | $9–$18 | $14–$26 |
| 2×10 | 8 ft | $14–$24 | $19–$32 |
| 2×12 | 8 ft | $18–$32 | $24–$42 |
| 4×4 | 8 ft | $12–$22 | $16–$28 |
| 6×6 | 8 ft | $22–$40 | $28–$50 |
Lumber cost by species
| Species | Typical use | Cost per board ft |
|---|---|---|
| Pine/SPF (untreated) | Framing, interior | $0.80–$2.00 |
| Pine/SPF (pressure treated) | Exterior, ground contact | $1.20–$3.00 |
| Cedar | Decking, fencing | $2.00–$5.00 |
| Redwood | Decking, outdoor | $3.00–$8.00 |
| Douglas Fir | Structural beams | $1.50–$3.50 |
| Oak (hardwood) | Furniture, trim | $5.00–$12.00 |
| Maple (hardwood) | Cabinetry, flooring | $6.00–$15.00 |
Project material cost estimates (2026)
| Project | Size | Lumber cost |
|---|---|---|
| Deck (PT framing + cedar decking) | 12×16 ft | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Privacy fence | 6 ft × 100 ft | $800–$2,200 |
| Shed framing | 10×12 ft | $400–$900 |
| Room addition framing | 200 sq ft | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Full house framing | 2,000 sq ft | $25,000–$60,000 |
Use the Lumber Calculator for board feet and cost for your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lumber cost per board foot?
Dimensional softwood lumber (pine, spruce, fir) costs $0.80–$2.50 per board foot in 2026. A standard 2×4×8 costs $4–$8; a 2×6×8 costs $6–$12; a 2×8×8 costs $9–$18. Hardwood lumber (oak, maple, cherry) costs $4–$15+ per board foot.
Why is lumber so expensive right now?
Lumber prices peaked in 2021 and remain elevated due to ongoing supply chain factors, mill capacity constraints, and housing demand. 2×4 stud prices in 2026 run $4–$8, compared to $2–$3 before 2020. Prices fluctuate seasonally — spring/summer construction seasons push prices up.
How much does a bundle of lumber cost?
A bundle (unit) of 2×4×8 studs typically contains 294 pieces and costs $800–$1,800 depending on current market prices. Individual studs sell for $4–$8 each. Buying by the bundle saves 10–20% vs. picking individual pieces.
How much does pressure treated lumber cost vs. regular?
Pressure treated (PT) lumber costs 30–60% more than untreated dimensional lumber. A 2×6×8 PT board runs $8–$16 vs. $6–$12 for untreated. PT lumber is required by code for any structural member in ground contact, sill plates, and exterior decking framing.
How much does it cost to frame a house?
Wood framing materials for a 2,000 sq ft house cost $25,000–$60,000. Complete framing labor + materials runs $50,000–$120,000 depending on design complexity and region. Per-square-foot framing costs are $25–$60/sq ft of finished space.
How much lumber do I need for a deck?
A 12×16 ft deck (192 sq ft) requires approximately 300–400 linear feet of deck boards, plus 150–200 linear feet for joists, beams, and blocking. Total lumber cost runs $800–$2,500 depending on species (PT pine vs. cedar vs. composite). Use the Lumber Calculator for exact quantities.
What is a board foot of lumber?
A board foot is the volume of wood in a piece 1 foot × 1 foot × 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches). To calculate: (thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet) ÷ 12. A 2×6×8 ft board = (2 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 8 board feet.
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