2021 and ‘the great timber shortage’
Every year there is some kind of material that becomes high demand whether it be tapware coming from Europe or Cement coming from Vietnam, these materials become scarce due to supply break-downs and we are currently at the beginning of one of the worst material shortages of our time.
Timber in 2021-2022 is and will be very scarce as demand for construction in Northern America and Europe is bolstered by government stimulus packages in new residential construction as well as existing dwellings being renovated. When it comes to residential housing construction none other material is utilised as much as timber. We use it for our structural framing as well as decorating the skirting/architraves and outdoor decking/pergolas so when there is any kind of shortage the builders will feel it. Unfortunately the smaller residential builders get hit the hardest as they don’t turn over as much as the bigger volume builders meaning they won’t be able to start builds that they’ve already signed up to.
What does it mean for you?
When choosing your builder make sure they have a good supply of timber and are able to service your needs. You may even be able to find out what supplier they use, most local suppliers are out of stock and the only ones that can get supplies will be the larger companies such as Bowens or Bunnings.
Doesn’t Australia have it’s own timber industry?
It does, and normally we produce 85% of our own timber used in residential construction but with the recent closure of timber mills in Victoria it is getting harder to keep up with the demand the construction industry commands. Australia’s ‘top up’ import countries include New Zealand and Europe and due to recent price rises in USA these countries are sending most of their supply to USA. Australia is now considering it’s future options as to how it is going to sustain it’s own construction industry with timber with grants to build state of the art timber mills and drying facilities all coming too late for the current crisis.
