Building materials prices go in opposite directions

Up and down

While the cost of some materials has risen, others have decreased over the past three months. Here is breakdown of prices:

» Following an 8.2 percent drop in May, softwood lumber prices fell 5.6 percent in June and are down 11.2 percent for the quarter. However, they remain 8 percent higher compared to the same time last year.

» Iron and steel prices decreased 0.9 percent for the month, and are down 3.4 percent for the quarter and 7.2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Steel mill prices follow a similar trend: down 0.7 percent for the month, down 1.6 percent for the quarter, and 8.1 percent lower than June 2012.

» Prices for concrete products, fabricated structural metal products, and plumbing fixtures and fittings were all flat for the month. Year over year, concrete product prices are up 3 percent, fabricated structural metal product prices are down 0.8 percent, and plumbing fixtures and fitting prices are up 1 percent.

» Crude energy materials prices kicked off the summer with a 0.3 percent increase in June. They increased 9.2 percent for the quarter and are up 21.5 percent from one year ago.

» Nonferrous wire and cable price rose 0.4 percent for the month, but were down 3.9 percent overall for the quarter and are down 2.1 percent during the last 12 months.

» Prices for prepared asphalt, tar roofing and siding rose 1.7 percent in June, increased 5.5 percent in the second quarter, and are 3 percent higher than the same time last year.

» Overall, the nation’s wholesale goods prices increased 0.8 percent in June, rose 0.6 percent during the second quarter, and are 2.5 percent higher than one year ago.