FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – Lumber prices in Fairbanks have hit an all-time high.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports Fairbanks lumber store Northland Wood is selling sheets of plywood commonly used for the exterior of new homes for $23.50 each, up from $16.95 five years ago. Eight-foot planks of lumber, 2-inch by 6-inch, used to build walls, cost $6.64 each, up from $5.17 five years ago.

Northland President Jason Knoles says lumber prices did not decrease last winter, as is typical for prices during the cold weather season when construction slows.

The National Association of Home Builders estimates the rising cost of lumber has increased the price of an average single-family home by $7,000. The organization is encouraging members to pressure federal lawmakers to find a long-term solution to a trade dispute with Canada that is driving up lumber prices.

Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com

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