2026 Construction Material Cost Index
National averages compiled from supplier quotes and industry reports. Prices vary by location, quantity, and market conditions.
National Average Prices (2026)
| Material | Unit | National Average | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (4000 PSI) | per cubic yard | $137 | $115 - $165 |
| Roofing Shingles (Architectural) | per square | $95 | $75 - $130 |
| Drywall Sheet (4×8, 1/2") | per sheet | $14 | $11 - $18 |
| Paint (Premium Interior) | per gallon | $35 | $25 - $55 |
| 2×4 Stud (8 ft) | per stud | $4.50 | $3.50 - $6.00 |
Concrete Prices by Region
Concrete prices vary significantly by region based on local aggregate availability, transportation costs, and seasonal demand. Winter premiums apply in colder climates due to heating and additive requirements.
| Region | 3000 PSI | 4000 PSI | 5000 PSI | Seasonal Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $145 | $155 | $170 | +8% (winter) |
| Southeast | $120 | $130 | $145 | +2% (winter) |
| Midwest | $135 | $145 | $160 | +10% (winter) |
| West | $155 | $165 | $180 | +5% (winter) |
| Southwest | $130 | $140 | $155 | No premium |
Use the Concrete Calculator to estimate cubic yards and total costs for your project.
Roofing Shingles Prices
Roofing shingle prices vary by type and quality. Architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab but offer better durability and aesthetics.
| Shingle Type | Price per Square | Price per Bundle | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt | $75 | $25 | 20-25 years |
| Architectural | $95 | $32 | 25-30 years |
| Premium/Designer | $130 | $43 | 30-50 years |
Use the Roofing Calculator to estimate squares and bundles needed with pitch adjustment.
Historical Price Trends (2024-2026)
Construction material prices have increased 3-5% annually from 2024 to 2026, driven by inflation, supply chain adjustments, and increased demand. Lumber showed the most volatility, while concrete prices rose steadily.
| Period | Concrete ($/yd³) | Roofing ($/sq) | Drywall ($/sheet) | Paint ($/gal) | Lumber ($/stud) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | $125 | $85 | $12.00 | $30 | $3.80 |
| Jul 2024 | $130 | $88 | $13.00 | $32 | $4.00 |
| Jan 2025 | $133 | $90 | $13.50 | $33 | $4.20 |
| Jul 2025 | $135 | $92 | $14.00 | $34 | $4.35 |
| Jan 2026 | $137 | $95 | $14.00 | $35 | $4.50 |
Price Increase Since Jan 2024: Concrete +9.6%, Roofing +11.8%, Drywall +16.7%, Paint +16.7%, Lumber +18.4%
Additional Material Pricing
Drywall & Accessories
- Drywall 4×8 (1/2")$14/sheet
- Drywall 4×10 (1/2")$17/sheet
- Drywall 4×12 (1/2")$20/sheet
- Joint Compound (5 gal)$18/bucket
- Drywall Screws (lb)$8/lb
Paint & Supplies
- Primer (gal)$28/gal
- Standard Interior (gal)$32/gal
- Premium Interior (gal)$42/gal
- Exterior Paint (gal)$45/gal
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do construction material prices change?
Construction material prices change continuously based on supply and demand. BuildCalculate updates material cost data quarterly (January, April, July, October) to reflect market changes. Prices typically increase 2-5% annually due to inflation, but can spike significantly during supply shortages or seasonal demand peaks.
Why are concrete prices higher in winter?
Concrete prices increase in winter due to heating costs and cold-weather additives. Northern regions see 8-10% seasonal premiums, while southern regions see 2-5% increases. Winter concrete requires heated mix water, accelerators, and temperature-controlled curing, adding $10-15 per cubic yard to standard pricing.
What regions have the most expensive construction materials?
The West region has the highest construction material costs in 2026, with concrete averaging $155-$180 per cubic yard compared to the national average of $137. The Northeast follows at $145-$170 per cubic yard. The Southeast has the lowest costs at $120-$145 per cubic yard due to proximity to manufacturing and lower transportation costs.
How much have material costs increased since 2020?
Construction material costs increased approximately 35-40% from 2020 to 2026. Concrete rose from $95/yard (2020) to $137/yard (2026), a 44% increase. Lumber experienced the highest volatility, peaking in 2021 before stabilizing at current levels, representing a 40% increase from 2020 baseline pricing.
Should I buy materials now or wait for prices to drop?
Construction material prices historically trend upward 3-5% annually, making significant price drops unlikely. Seasonal savings of 5-10% are possible by purchasing during off-peak months (November-February for most materials). For large projects, buying materials now locks in pricing and protects against future increases, which typically outweigh potential seasonal discounts.
Calculate Materials for Your Project
Use BuildCalculate's free calculators to estimate material quantities and project costs: