Lumber prices are still pretty high compared to where Lumber Future Prices have been over the last few months! So are we at a point where using metal might make more sense when it comes to framing decks and building fences. I think we might have been there for a long time. Lets discuss!
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Mentioned in this episode:
A new kind of decking and siding from Millboard
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[00:00:32] Eric Goranson: We've got a great midweek special this week here, cause we're going to talk about trends for 2024. When it comes to decking and when it comes to fencing and stuff that we should be taking a look at because it's really strange out there and it's something that's been interesting. We watch building materials prices go up and down all over the place and in the past, it seemed it was really tied to the [00:01:00] lumber futures market and you would see that stuff be where it's tied in.
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[00:01:23] Eric Goranson: Wow. Okay. The future prices have gone up. We can see that happening. It just hasn't been the case as of the last year, and it's just right now I was at the store the other day looking at drywall prices. I'm like, why is that so high right now? It's not like we're building a ton of homes right now. And drywall prices are through the roof when I go into my home center and see it at almost 20 bucks a sheet where it was 6 months ago at 12 bucks a sheet.
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[00:02:12] Eric Goranson: And they're saying, because of the, for instance, in Oregon, they put a bunch of tree protections in. So lumber, the trees themselves are costing more compared to what they used to. So it still doesn't affect, it should be affecting those lumber prices on the futures market. So it's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out.
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[00:02:49] Eric Goranson: Of course, it's not COVID high. That was insane, but higher than what it usually is with this type of market. Now, the reason why I'm bringing this up is because we're starting to see things that make more [00:03:00] sense. And that is steel framing for decking. Metal fencing, because when these prices are up for lumber, comparatively, it makes steel much more cost effective.
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[00:03:43] Eric Goranson: Now, if we start talking about fire prevention and wildfire, like on the West coast or even hurricanes and things like that, of course, the metal is going to be stronger. For instance, at my house, great example, I have steel fencing on the front. I have wood fencing in the back and the wood is cedar, [00:04:00] just to give you an idea of what's going on there.
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[00:04:22] Eric Goranson: So I start looking at that and go, okay, that's something to think about as well as if you talk to our fire prevention experts out there, they want you to have. Five feet away from the house, non combustible materials, which means if you're bringing a wood fence up against the side of the house, that's not the case.
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[00:04:56] Eric Goranson: Kindling to start your house going. So even in tight [00:05:00] city circumstances, I think it's not a bad way to go. And it's just going to be quite frankly, more durable. If somebody comes up and tags it, it's a lot easier to clean that off with some cleaner than it is to replace fence boards and restate it because it's a hard time getting that spray paint off the side of a wood stain fence.
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[00:05:40] Eric Goranson: And I think that is what's going to be less maintenance for you and a lot safer when it comes down to it. I like not, I like putting things up that last and not having to go back and do it. And just like that fence I put up two and a half years ago, I already have to go back and restate it to make it look fresh again, which is a lot of work.
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[00:06:20] Eric Goranson: So something to think about there. Next week, I am going to be down at the national hardware show. And if you're one of the listeners of the show and you're going to be there, I appreciate you come up and say, hi, I'll be up on the main stage, doing my show in Las Vegas at the hardware show on the media stage with some people.
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[00:06:56] Eric Goranson: And that's 8 3 3 2 3 9 41 44. [00:07:00] And make sure your voicemail box is not full. I know that's a hard thing and mine gets full from time, but I miss you and I call you back. Okay. And, uh, you miss me because your voicemail box is full. I will be calling from the number that you hear that you see on the phone too, which is that 44.
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[00:07:35] Eric Goranson: And then we'll be talking some more design trends and our number two with one of my favorite companies, which I'll reveal to you on Friday. Have a great rest of the week. And thanks again for tuning in to around the house.
