Lake States Business Trends
Wintertime Woes Coupled With Springtime Expectations
Hardwood markets across the Lake States remain steady but restrained, with suppliers describing seasonal softness, cautious customer behavior and repeat business. While activity has not fallen off sharply, most buyers are limiting exposure and ordering only what is needed for current production.
A Michigan hardwood supplier handling primarily Hard and Soft Maple and Red and White Oak in 4/4 and 5/4 thickness said activity in the region is best described as “just OK.” “The market is moving, but there’s not much momentum right now,” he said. “Seasonality is still weighing on demand.”
Flooring and RV-related business remain slow, while cabinetry has been performing better and providing some stability for suppliers. The Michigan source said Maple continues to move reasonably well, while Oak demand has shown modest improvement. “Maple is still moving fairly well for us, and Oak has picked up a little,” he said. “Hickory is weak, and Cherry is steady, but only in limited volumes.”
Activity remains reactive, with orders tied closely to immediate needs rather than forward planning. “Customers are buying what they need right now,” he said. “There’s not much forward buying taking place.”
Transportation conditions have been generally manageable, though winter service delays are beginning to surface.
Logging conditions have presented challenges as weather becomes a larger factor. “Transportation hasn’t been a major issue yet, but winter is starting to create some delays,” the supplier said. “Logging conditions are getting tougher.”
Looking ahead, the supplier expressed cautious optimism. “Lower interest rates could help housing-related demand,” he said. “The question is how quickly supply can respond if things start to improve.”
In Indiana, a supplier offering all domestic hardwood species in thicknesses ranging from 4/4 through 8/4, with extended lengths available on request, described market activity as stable. “Things are slower for our customers, but business hasn’t stopped,” he said. “Orders are still moving.”
Customer caution is marked by essential purchases as reported by Lake States sources.
The supplier said there is no excess activity in the market, but steady demand remains in place. “There’s nothing extra out there, but there’s still activity,” he said.
Customer purchasing patterns reflect a cautious approach, with buyers staying engaged while avoiding unnecessary inventory build. Transportation availability has not been an issue, though rising costs were cited as a growing concern. “Availability hasn’t been a problem, but transportation costs are going up, just like everything else,” he said.
The Indiana source does not expect a significant shift in market conditions without broader changes. “I don’t see anything changing drastically without some change in legislation,” he said. However, he expressed optimism about seasonal improvement. “Spring could give things a lift,” he said. “Once the weather improves, activity usually follows.”
A Wisconsin supplier handling hardwood lumber and products manufactured from hardwoods, primarily Soft Maple, White Oak and Walnut in 4/4 thickness, reported market conditions that are average for this time of year. “It’s pretty typical for this time of year,” he said. “Nothing extra, but nothing short either.”
Activity has remained steady, supported largely by repeat business rather than new demand entering the marketplace. “Most of what we’re shipping is repeat business,” he said. “We’re not seeing a lot of new demand.”
Soft Maple and White Oak have been the strongest movers, with White Oak leading overall. “White Oak has probably been the strongest for us, with Soft Maple moving well too,” he said.
Walnut continues to ship but has not been a primary driver of volume. Customer markets are maintaining production levels, though expansion remains limited. Transportation availability has remained good, despite rising freight costs. “Freight is still available, but costs are up,” he said. “Margins are definitely feeling the pressure.”
Looking ahead, the Wisconsin source expressed optimism tied to seasonal conditions. “Once we get into spring and the weather improves, we expect activity to pick up,” he said.
Across the Lake States, hardwood suppliers describe a market characterized by discipline. Maple remains a dependable species, White Oak continues to outperform, and customers are maintaining cautious purchasing strategies as they look toward spring for clearer direction.
