European hardwood lumber prices diverge in first quarter of 2026

European hardwood lumber markets opened 2026 with greater stability than many producers had anticipated late last year. While overall demand remains measured, price levels across key species have held firm through January and February, with clear regional spreads emerging between Western Europe and Central and Eastern producers. Oak: firm in the west, competitive in the east During January–February 2026, European oak lumber prices stabilised after modest declines in the fourth quarter of 2025. In France, kiln-dried oak lumber (standard joinery grades, 27–50mm) was typically quoted between €740 and €770 per cubic metre ex-works ...