Consumers will likely see cheaper lumber this summer but shouldn’t expect prepandemic prices, as many retailers will still have leftover stock purchased at higher prices and producers are avoiding flooding the market. Wholesale lumber prices began dropping in mid-March and then plunged 40 per cent over the past three weeks, yet industry analysts and retailers say it could take four to six weeks before consumers notice any significant markdown in retail prices. The general availability of lumber has vastly improved as demand for do-it-yourself projects falters while supply bottlenecks are cleared. The regional shortages that were seen during the lumber mania a year ago are no longer common. But many sawmills are scaling back production, so don’t expect a glut on the market this summer, wood experts say. [to access the full story a Globe & Mail subscription is required]