Lumberyard Dealer Sentiment Dashboard: Insights on Lead Times and Inventory Turns

Last year we shared our first examination on lumberyard dealer sentiments regarding lead times and inventory turns. Our latest lumberyard sentiment dashboard review uncovers how these indicators have shifted over time.

Lead times from our distributors and/or product suppliers are improving.

Over the last 7-months, this sentiment has shown peaks and valleys as lead times get shorter and longer, respectively. Interestingly, the valleys, meaning the months indicating lead times are lengthening, are occurring at the end of calendar quarters (i.e. September, December, and March). Principia will continue to monitor this statistic over time, but perhaps our readership can shed some light on why lead times might increase at the end of a quarter?

Inventory turns, on the whole, are decreasing.

Another key metric examined is the opinion surrounding inventory turns. The number of lumberyards reporting a decrease in inventory turns declined dramatically from September 2024 to January 2025. The trend may be reversing itself, as the last 2 months show a greater percentage of dealers reporting a decrease in turns.

Follow Principia’s Voice of Customer content for the latest insights from one-step dealers, lumberyards, builders, and contractors.