The price of wood has increased by about 20 per cent over the last year, shooting up the cost of house construction and furniture. Some of the expensive varieties like Agrath, Sisoo, Lampate, Chanp, Tik have seen a rise of Rs 600-800 per sq foot. According to managing director of Norsang Wood Handicraft M G Lama, a steadily growing demand at home and export of wooden furniture has pushed the prices up. “Wooden furniture are exported to countries like Japan, USA, Thailand and India, which generate an income of about Rs 10 million annually,” Lama said.

Most of the wood in the market comes from Sunsari, Morang, Udayapur, Dhangadi, Chitwan and Hetauda. “Dhangadi and Udaypur are best-known for their quality woods,” said Balkrishna Prasai of Sarlahi Furniture Udhyog. A lot of wood goes into the plywood industry, which too has witnessed a rise in demand. People mostly use plywood to make furniture. There are many brands available in the market, out of which Shikhar, Duro, Surya Plyboards appear to be more popular.

PRICES OF PLY BOARDS(per sq ft) :

Size               Price Before a year(2009,June)    Price now (2010,June)
6mm              Rs 18                                                 Rs 30
2 9 mm          Rs 30                                                 Rs 40
12 mm           Rs 35                                                Rs 45
19 mm           Rs 52                                                Rs 61
38 mm           Rs 103                                              Rs 120

PRICES OF WOOD SPECIES PER CUBIC FEET
Species           Price Before a year(2009,June)     Price now (2010,June)
Agrakh              Rs1600-1800                                      Rs 2200-2400
Pinus                Rs 500-600                                          Rs 900—Rs 1000
Sisoo                Rs 1800-2000                                      Rs  2600-2700
Lekali pinus     RS 400-500                                          Rs 700-800
Khamari            Rs 1100-1200                                      Rs 2000—2200
Lampate           Rs 400-500                                           Rs 800-900
Tuni                    Rs 600-700                                           Rs 800-900
Hallu                  Rs 800-900                                            Rs 1200-1300
Utis                    Rs 350-400                                            RS 700-800
Chanp               Rs 1400-1500                                       Rs 2200-2500
Kadam              Rs 700-800                                            RS 1000-1100
Tik                      Rs 1200-1800                                        RS 2000-2600
Panisaj             Rs 1000-1300                                       RS 1500-1600

source:The Himalayan Times