February 2026 Hardwood Market Update: White Oak Holds, Walnut Surges

The Big Picture: Hardwood Demand Stays Strong Into Spring

As we move into late February, the Appalachian hardwood market is showing resilience heading into the 2026 spring logging season. Demand from domestic furniture manufacturers, flooring producers, and the bourbon cooperage industry continues to support firm pricing across most species. Export activity to Europe and Asia has picked up compared to the same period last year, particularly for Black Walnut and Cherry.

Here is a species-by-species breakdown of what we are seeing across Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and the surrounding region. Note: prices quoted below are sawn lumber prices (what graded boards sell for after milling). For delivered log prices at the mill gate, see our Log Prices page. Stumpage prices — what landowners receive for standing timber — are typically 40–60% of delivered log prices.

White Oak: Bourbon Demand Keeps Prices Firm

White Oak continues to be the anchor of the Appalachian hardwood market. Bourbon barrel cooperages are running at capacity and showing no signs of slowing down. Kentucky alone has over 13 million barrels aging in rickhouses, and distillers continue to invest in new production capacity. That translates directly into sustained demand for stave-quality White Oak logs.

Sawlog-grade White Oak is holding steady from January levels. Mills report strong order files through Q2, and buyers looking for FAS and F1F White Oak should expect competitive pricing. If you have White Oak to sell, now is a good time to list — post your load on JMLogMarket while demand is strong.

Black Walnut: Export Orders Drive a February Surge

Black Walnut is the story of the month. Export demand from European furniture makers and Asian veneer buyers has pushed Walnut prices up noticeably since the start of the year. Veneer-quality Walnut logs are being actively sought by multiple buyers, and competition for premium logs (18 inches and above, straight, minimal defect) is intense.

Sellers with Walnut inventory should be aware that buyers are actively competing for quality material. Getting multiple bids before committing is more important than ever. If you are a buyer, locking in supply now before spring logging ramps up could save you from paying even higher prices later in the season.

Red Oak: Steady but Watching Housing Starts

Red Oak remains in stable territory. Flooring manufacturers and cabinet shops continue to buy at consistent volumes, though Red Oak does not carry the same premium urgency as White Oak or Walnut. Prices have been flat to slightly up from the end of 2025.

The housing market is the key variable for Red Oak going forward. If new housing starts pick up this spring as many economists project, expect Red Oak demand and pricing to firm up alongside it. Flooring and cabinet producers would be the first to increase orders.

Poplar: Volume Mover, Consistent Demand

Yellow Poplar continues to move in high volume at steady prices. Pallet manufacturers, plywood mills, and paint-grade furniture producers are all buying consistently. Poplar is not making headlines, but it is making money for loggers who can produce volume.

Cherry and Maple: Modest Gains

Cherry has seen a modest uptick in interest from custom furniture shops and export buyers. After several years of soft demand, Cherry prices are slowly recovering, though they remain well below their peaks from a decade ago. FAS Cherry sawn lumber is trading in the $700–$950/MBF range.

Hard Maple demand is steady, driven largely by flooring and sporting goods manufacturers. FAS Hard Maple sawn lumber is holding at $900–$1,200/MBF, with strong demand for white-face (sap) material for flooring applications. Soft Maple continues to serve as a cost-effective alternative and moves well in #1 Common and better grades.

Spring Logging Season Outlook

Loggers across the region are gearing up for spring production. A few factors to keep in mind as the season begins:

• Ground conditions: Late-winter rain has kept some access roads soft in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. Loggers should plan for potential delays on steeper terrain until conditions dry out in March.
• Trucking capacity: Log hauling capacity remains tight in parts of the region. Booking trucking early is critical, especially for loads moving across state lines. Check available haulers on our log hauling companies directory.
• Diesel prices: Fuel costs have stabilized compared to the volatility of 2024–2025, which is good news for logging operations and hauling margins.
• Labor availability: Experienced timber cutters and equipment operators remain in short supply. Operations that can maintain steady crews will have a significant advantage as production ramps up.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

If you are selling: The market is in your favor for most species right now, especially White Oak and Walnut. Get your loads listed and get multiple bids. Spring production is about to increase supply, so selling early in the season while inventories are tighter can maximize your returns.

If you are buying: Secure your Walnut and White Oak supply now before spring competition heats up. For Red Oak and Poplar, pricing is stable and there is no urgency, but building relationships with consistent sellers will serve you well when the market tightens.

Browse current listings on JMLogMarket to see what is available right now, or post a load if you have timber ready to move. The market is active and buyers are looking.