In the Pacific Northwest, summer is short, sweet, and packed with opportunity. Now is your window to lock in high-margin outdoor living projects before the season peaks—and Issaquah Lumber is here to help you move fast. From ready-to-ship premium outdoor living wood products to custom milling and delivery, we’ve got the materials and the expertise to help you build better, smarter, and on schedule.

If you’re a contractor, builder, or remodeler, now’s the time to get your clients off the fence and your crew on site.

The PNW Summer Window is Tight—Make it Count

We all know the rhythm of the Northwest: good weather doesn’t arrive until July, and by mid-October, the first fall rains typically appear. That means if your customer wants to enjoy outdoor living with a new wood deck, covered wood pergola, pavilions, a patio, or an outdoor kitchen with wood accents this season, you need to start framing now, not later.

We’re already seeing strong demand this month, mainly from homeowners trying to fast-track projects to enjoy before the fall. Lock in materials and crew time now, and use June and early July to prep, order, and schedule so they can maximize install time in July and August.

What Clients Are Asking for This Year 

You don’t need a trend report—just a pulse on what’s coming through your inbox. Here’s what our contractor clients say their customers are asking for this summer:

• Timber-framed pergolas and pavilions
• Modified wood decking with built-in seating and fire features
• Outdoor kitchens with wood accents
• Raised garden beds and landscape architecture elements
• Covered patios with decorative ceiling systems

Issaquah Lumber offers materials to help you deliver from clear-grade Western Red Cedar, and our extensive line of modified wood products, including Accoya, Arbor Wood, LDCwood, Kebony, Thermory, and more, and all are readily available for custom sizing or job site delivery.

Stay Ahead of Potential Price Shifts on Imported Wood Products 

With strong demand and a tight summer schedule, contractors can’t afford surprises, especially when it comes to material costs. One important update to note: the U.S. Department of Commerce is reviewing imported wood tariff rates that could soon impact the prices of certain imported wood products in 2023.

If finalized on the current fast-tracked timeline:

• Antidumping duties may rise from 66% to around 20.6% as early as late July.
• Countervailing duties could increase from 74% to approximately 14.38% by mid-August.

These changes would take effect immediately upon publication and could impact future shipments of wood, particularly for modified or specialty wood sourced internationally. If you’re planning to build with imported wood products, now’s the time to secure materials and lock in pricing before any potential increases take hold.

At Issaquah Lumber, we’ve got your back. We’re working closely with our sourcing partners to ensure continuity of supply and help contractors stay on schedule—and on budget.

Pre-Sell the Possibilities to Clients

Contractors who lead with visuals and clear options are more likely to win the bid. Stop by our yard to grab samples, see new species up close, or pull together a mockup package. Whether it’s a curved pergola with architectural timbers or a low slope covered patio with cedar soffits, you can pitch with confidence when you know we’ve got the materials ready.

Turnkey Tips to Maximize Summer Builds

1. Keep permit-friendly builds in the pipeline. Not all outdoor living wood products and structures require approval—use that to your scheduling advantage.
2. Use pre-finished wood siding and decking. Reduce job site time and achieve cleaner installations with factory-finished products.
3. Build in the shade now, shelter for fall. A pergola today can be enclosed later, designed with a seasonal plan in mind.
4. Bundle projects where possible. If you’re bidding on a deck, suggest garden beds, planter boxes, or privacy walls for added value.
5. Tap into the local supply. Long lead times kill project momentum. Our inventory and support are right here in our Issaquah Lumber yard.

Let’s Get Your Crew Booked and Building

At Issaquah Lumber, we’re not just selling wood—we’re helping you build your business. Our team works closely with builders every day to streamline projects, secure specialty products, and ensure timely completion.

Walk the yard. Check our stock. Ask our team for input. We’ll help you select the right product for the job, provide fast pricing, and expedite your order so your crew can stay focused on building, not waiting around.

Ready to fill your summer with profitable outdoor projects?

Let’s get the next one on your calendar. Contact Issaquah Lumber for quotes, stock checks, or product recommendations today.