Timber price increases shooting up housing construction

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 fur niture. There are many . brands available in the market, out of which Shikhar, Duro, Surya Ply boards appear to be more popular.

courtesy: Surokshya Manandhar