Strong demand from upholstered furniture plants keep frame stock prices firm. Chinese buyers are back in the market and wholesalers expect kiln-dried lumber supplies to be tight.
Cabinet, furniture and component manufacturers will buy more unselected soft maple for use in painted and darkly stained products, which continue to grow in popularity.
Rising demand from both domestic and international markets tightened supplies, pushed up prices, and kept hardwood markets stronger than many expected in the first quarter of 2013.
With record hardwood lumber exports prices continue to climb with some exporters running out of wood to sell and some buyers suspending purchases until prices fall.
Gains in residential and commercial construction will help spur sales for red oak and poplar. Exports also remain brisk. The outlook for white oak, however, is not as good.