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Softwood Timber Construction Lumber Budget Friendly DIY Projects

Softwood Timber Price Guide: Costs, Types & Uses Explained

Softwood timber is widely used in construction, framing, and DIY projects due to its affordability. This softwood timber price guide explains current prices per cubic meter, common softwood types, and how to choose the best option for your project.

What Is Softwood Timber?

Softwood comes from fast-growing conifer trees such as pine, spruce, fir, and cedar. It is lighter, cheaper, and easier to work with than hardwood, making it ideal for structural and large-scale construction projects.

Factors Affecting Softwood Timber Prices

• Tree species: Pine and spruce are cheaper than cedar.
• Grade: Structural grades cost less than appearance grades.
• Moisture content: Kiln-dried timber costs more.
• Treatment: Pressure-treated timber increases durability and price.
• Supply & demand: Construction booms push prices higher.

Softwood Timber Prices Per Cubic Meter

Softwood Type	Average Price (USD/m³)	Main Uses	Notes
Pine	$250 – $400	Framing, furniture	Most affordable option
Spruce	$300 – $500	Construction, beams	Lightweight & strong
Fir	$320 – $520	Structural use	Stable and durable
Cedar	$600 – $1000	Outdoor projects	Naturally rot-resistant

Softwood vs Hardwood: Price Difference

Softwood

$250 – $1,000/m³

Average price range

vs

Hardwood

$700 – $3,000/m³

Average price range

Softwood timber is typically 40–70% cheaper than hardwood. While hardwood offers better durability, softwood provides excellent value for framing, roofing, and large structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pine is generally the cheapest and most widely available softwood, typically ranging from $250–$400 per cubic meter. Its affordability comes from fast growth rates and widespread cultivation. Pine is suitable for most indoor construction projects and can be treated for outdoor use when needed.

Yes. Structural-grade softwood is widely used for framing and roofing. Softwoods like spruce and fir have excellent strength-to-weight ratios and are engineered for specific load capacities. Most residential construction worldwide uses softwood for structural framing due to its combination of strength, light weight, and cost-effectiveness.

Yes. Pressure-treated softwood performs well outdoors. The treatment process forces preservatives deep into the wood fibers, providing protection against rot, fungi, and insects. Properly treated softwood can last 20+ years outdoors, with cedar and redwood offering natural resistance even without treatment.

Pine is softer, more affordable, and easier to work with, making it ideal for interior projects and basic framing. Spruce is slightly stronger and more rigid, often used for structural applications where higher strength is needed. Pine tends to have more knots, while spruce typically has a straighter, more consistent grain.

Untreated softwood can last 50+ years indoors in dry conditions. Outdoors, untreated softwood typically lasts 5-10 years depending on climate and exposure. Pressure-treated softwood extends outdoor lifespan to 15-25 years. Cedar and redwood, with natural preservatives, can last 20-30 years outdoors even without treatment.

Conclusion

This softwood timber price guide shows why softwood remains the most popular choice for construction and DIY projects. It offers affordability, versatility, and easy availability across most regions.