The price of building lumber here has gone crazy, and clear pine (or any clear softwood) is even crazier. I bought a small load of clear pine for the new porch pillars and each had a tag stating they were from...New Zealand. New Zealand! No wonder it's expensive! But, most mills here are running at partial capacity, and totally underestimated the market, figuring the fake-demic would keep people home and building demands low. So, now I have to buy expensive lumber imported from NZ.

And if you want a REAL shock for wood prices - my dad restores old wood boats. Select hardwoods and marine-grade plys are way expensive. Drives home the addage...measure 7 times, cut once and hope!