Tariffs, Timber, and Why Your Next Couch Might Cost More
- Tommy Weaver
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
By Tommy Weaver | Lifestyle Tips and Tricks
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in real estate, it’s that the housing market never exists in a vacuum. Mortgage rates rise, lumber prices fall, interest rates bounce, and suddenly the cost of your dream home—or the dream kitchen inside it—can shift faster than you can say “DIY backsplash.”
The latest twist? New import tariffs on furniture and wood products that officially went into effect this week. They might sound like background noise at first, but they could have real ripple effects for homeowners, renovators, and buyers alike.
So, let’s unpack what’s happening—without getting too political or too panicked—and see what it might mean for your next home project.
What’s Changing (and How It Hits Home)
As of this week, the U.S. has added new import duties on a range of wood and furniture products:
Softwood lumber and timber (mostly from Canada) now come with a 10% tariff.
Kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture have a 25% duty.
And on January 1, those will jump to 50% for cabinets and vanities, and 30% for furniture.
So, if you’ve been planning to upgrade your kitchen, redo your bathroom, or finally ditch that sagging couch, you might notice price tags creeping upward as these costs filter through the supply chain.
💬 In other words, your new cabinets might soon cost as much as your first car.
“Made in America” — The Sequel
The goal behind these tariffs is to encourage more U.S.-based manufacturing—a noble aim that might eventually bring more local jobs and homegrown products. But in the meantime, the furniture and home-goods world is in for a shake-up.
Many U.S. furniture and cabinetry companies still rely on imported components like panels, hinges, and upholstery materials. When those costs rise, it doesn’t stay behind the factory doors for long—it travels straight to the showroom floor and, ultimately, into your renovation budget.
So while “Made in America” might sound patriotic and promising, in the short term it might just mean “Made Slightly Later and Priced Slightly Higher.”
Less Choice, More Chair Envy
Instead of dramatically raising prices, experts think importers might simply offer fewer options. That means trimming the catalog down to only high-margin or luxury pieces.
You’ll still be able to buy that handcrafted walnut dining set that costs as much as a used Honda Civic—but that $1,200 “modern farmhouse” version might quietly vanish.
If you’ve been eyeing a certain sofa or cabinet set, this might be the time to make your move. The pieces you love now might not be around—or at least not around for the same price—by the time January rolls around.
The Lumber Ripple: From Forest to Front Porch
It’s not just furniture feeling the pinch—lumber is getting pricier too, and that affects homebuilding, remodeling, and even small repair projects.
Softwood lumber is one of the biggest materials used in framing, flooring, and decking. With a 10% tariff in place, builders and contractors will face higher costs, and those will likely trickle down to buyers and homeowners.
If you’ve been pricing out renovation quotes lately, don’t be surprised if the numbers start to rise between now and spring. At this point, it’s less “Home Improvement” and more “Home Investment.”
💡 Tommy Tip: If you’re planning a remodel, consider locking in your materials or contractor quotes sooner rather than later.
Furniture With Feelings (and Price Tags to Match)
Here’s the funny part: this might actually make us appreciate what we already have.
That scuffed dresser? “Rustic.”
Those mismatched dining chairs? “Curated and eclectic.”
That squeaky recliner? “Pre-tariff collectible.”
When prices rise, perspective follows. Maybe it’s time to embrace refinishing, upcycling, or supporting local craftspeople. Who knows—you might fall in love with your own furniture all over again.
What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
While these tariff changes won’t rock the entire housing market, they’re part of a bigger puzzle that shapes affordability.
For homeowners:
Renovation and remodeling costs may rise gradually through 2025.
If you’ve been planning a project, it could pay to move sooner.
For buyers:
New-construction home prices could edge upward as material costs increase.
Move-in-ready homes (with updated kitchens and finishes) may become even more desirable.
Everything from wood to wallpaper plays a role in how homes are built, sold, and valued—and a small change in one corner of the industry can ripple throughout the rest.
The Bottom Line
Tariffs may sound like a topic for trade journals, not home blogs—but when they affect the cost of cabinets, floors, and furniture, they affect all of us.
So before you rush to replace, remodel, or redecorate, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve got. Maybe give that old table a polish or that kitchen a new coat of paint—you might find you love it more than you think.
And if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or renovating before prices tick up further, now’s a great time to plan ahead. I’m always happy to help you strategize your next move and make smart decisions for your home and budget.
Until then, take care of your furniture. It just got a promotion.
👋 About Tommy Weaver
I help homeowners and buyers make confident moves in an unpredictable market—always with a bit of humor and a lot of strategy. Whether you’re planning your next purchase or updating your current home, I can help you navigate the details that actually make a difference.📞 Let’s connect: 301-461-9598 or Tommy@TheListRealty.com
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