Building Materials price tracker – Updated January 2025

Cost of timber in Ireland

Based on the historical data for timber prices per cubic meter from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:
From the start of 2023 through 2024, the price of timber exhibited minor fluctuations, with a generally stable trend.

Throughout 2023, the price ranged between €591.57 and €631.93 per m³. The early months of 2023 saw a peak around €631.93, followed by a slight decrease towards €619.49 in mid-year. As 2023 progressed, the price stabilised and remained relatively constant in the second half of the year, with values hovering between €583.18 and €619.49 per m³.

By 2024, the price showed some moderate fluctuations, but remained between €556.53 and €574.88 per m³ for most of the year. The most notable price increase occurred in Q2 2024, where the price rose to €570. Over the second half of 2024, the price reached a peak of €576, before stabilising at around €574.88 in Q4.

In early 2025, the price has remained steady, with €564.25 per m³ in Week 1 and Week 2 of 2025.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
Timber prices are expected to remain stable during the first quarter of 2025, with minimal fluctuations. Based on the recent trend, the price is likely to range between €564.25 and €570 per m³. Market dynamics suggest only small price variations, driven by seasonal factors or minor supply chain changes. Unless there are disruptions, such as shifts in raw material costs or availability, the market is expected to maintain this stability.

Any important developments?
The forecast for timber prices in 2025 indicates a relatively stable market with only minor fluctuations. While prices might experience slight increases in the latter part of the year, particularly due to seasonal demand or inflationary pressures, the market is expected to remain stable overall. Key factors such as supply chain disruptions, raw material costs, and energy prices may influence any significant price movements.

Cost of insulation in Ireland

Based on the historical data for insulation prices per m² from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:
From the start of 2023 through 2024, the price of insulation has fluctuated slightly, with a general trend of stability.

The most notable decline occurred towards the end of 2023, continuing through to 2024, where the price stabilised around €17.27 to €18.35 per m².

The beginning of 2025 shows a slight decline to €17.65 per m², continuing the trend of moderate price reductions.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
The price is likely to remain stable with only small fluctuations, ranging between €17.50 and €17.75 per m², given the slight decline observed at the start of 2025. The trend suggests that prices will not drastically change unless impacted by external factors such as supply chain disruptions or raw material shortages.

Any important developments?

While the price of insulation is expected to remain relatively stable in the short term, slight increases are forecasted through 2025, particularly in the second half of the year. External factors, such as supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and government policies promoting energy efficiency, will likely influence these trends. It is important for businesses and consumers to monitor these developments closely, as any significant changes could impact both the cost and availability of insulation materials.

Cost of sheet materials in Ireland

Based on the historical data for sheet material prices per m² from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:

From the start of 2023 through to early 2024, the price of sheet materials has shown slight fluctuations, with an overall stable trend.

The price remained relatively consistent, hovering between €12.6 and €13.3 per m² throughout 2023 and the first part of 2024.

There was a slight decline in price during the latter half of 2023, but it stabilised again at around €12.7 per m² by the end of the year. Throughout 2024, the price showed minimal variation, maintaining a range from €12.8 to €13.3 per m².

In early 2025, the price remained steady at €13.1 per m², reflecting the ongoing trend of stability.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
The price of sheet materials is expected to remain stable during the first half of 2025, with minimal fluctuations likely. Prices will likely stay within the range of €13.05 to €13.15 per m², in line with the trend seen at the start of the year. No significant price increases or decreases are anticipated unless there are external disruptions, such as raw material shortages or changes in supply chain dynamics.

Any important developments?
The forecast for sheet material prices in 2025 suggests stability with modest fluctuations. Prices are expected to remain steady for the most part, with slight increases in the latter half of the year. However, external factors such as supply chain disruptions and raw material costs will play a significant role in shaping the price trend.

Cost of blocks in Ireland

Based on the historical data for block prices per m² from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:

From the start of 2023 through 2024, the price of blocks has experienced minor fluctuations, with a general trend of stability.

Throughout 2023, the price hovered between €20.75 and €21.51 per m². While there was a slight increase during the early part of 2023, it stabilised at around €21.31 by mid-year, before seeing another minor peak in the latter half of 2023.

By the end of 2023 and into 2024, prices stabilised further around the €21 mark.

During 2024, the price showed more noticeable fluctuations but remained between €20.50 and €21.52 per m² for the most part. The most significant price drop occurred around mid-2024, stabilising at approximately €20.50 before rising again in Q3 to around €21.14.

Prices by the end of 2024 were slightly lower than the beginning of the year, hovering around €20.85.

In early 2025, the price shows a slight increase to €20.85 in Week 1, with a further increase to €20.92 in Week 2.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
Block prices are expected to remain stable in the first quarter of 2025, with minimal fluctuations. The price is likely to range between €20.85 and €20.95 per m², with only slight variations. Given the trend seen in early 2025, the market is not expected to experience significant changes in the short term unless there are unforeseen disruptions, such as changes in raw material costs or supply chain challenges.

Any important developments?
The forecast for block prices in 2025 suggests a relatively stable market with minor fluctuations throughout the year. While prices may increase slightly in the latter half of the year, particularly due to seasonal demand or inflationary pressures, the trend is expected to remain relatively steady. External factors such as supply chain disruptions, raw material costs, and energy prices will be crucial in determining any significant price shifts.

Cost of Plasterboard in Ireland

Based on the historical data for plasterboard prices per m² from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:
From the start of 2023 through 2024, the price of plasterboard remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations.

Throughout 2023, the price started at €5.71 per m² in Week 1 and remained consistent at this rate for most of the first half of the year. A slight increase was seen towards the latter part of 2023, with the price gradually rising to €5.91 per m² by Week 47 and remaining at that level through the end of the year.

In 2024, the price continued to experience small changes. Starting at €5.93 per m² in early January, it dipped slightly to €5.91 in Week 5 before rising again to €5.95 by Week 7. A steady rise occurred during the first half of 2024, reaching €6.01 by Week 26. By the end of 2024, the price stabilised at around €6.04 per m².

In early 2025, the price has held steady at €6.04 per m² during the first two weeks.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
Plasterboard prices are expected to remain relatively stable during the first quarter and into the second quarter of 2025. Prices are likely to hover between €6.04 and €6.10 per m², with only slight fluctuations. Barring any significant supply chain disruptions or changes in raw material costs, the market should continue to maintain this stability. Minor increases could be seen if inflationary pressures or seasonal demand rise slightly.

Any important developments?
The forecast for plasterboard prices in 2025 suggests a relatively stable market with slight increases throughout the year. Prices are expected to rise modestly in the latter half of the year, driven by seasonal demand and potential raw material cost increases. However, without significant disruptions, plasterboard prices should remain steady, with only minor fluctuations expected. Key factors such as supply chain stability, raw material prices, and energy costs will play an important role in determining any significant price shifts.

Cost of Cement in Ireland

Based on the historical data for cement prices from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:

From the start of 2023 through 2024, cement prices experienced steady growth with occasional fluctuations.

In early 2023, the price remained stable at €7.735 per unit for the first 11 weeks. By Week 12, the price increased to €8.035, maintaining this level until Week 17.

A gradual rise brought prices to €8.11 by Week 18 and to €8.2225 from Week 21, where they remained stable until Week 46. A slight dip to €7.9075 was observed in Week 46, followed by minor fluctuations, ending 2023 at €8.00.

The upward trend continued into 2024, with the price starting at €8.00 and gradually increasing to €8.2 by Week 3. By Week 7, prices reached €8.4, stabilising at €8.6 between Weeks 11 and 16. Prices adjusted slightly to €8.5 by Week 17 but rose again to €8.7 by Week 22.

The second half of 2024 saw prices peaking at €8.8575 from Week 38, where they remained consistent through to Week 2 of 2025.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
Cement prices are expected to remain stable at €8.8575 per unit through the first half of 2025. Minor fluctuations may occur, but no significant changes are anticipated unless driven by external factors such as increased construction demand or shifts in raw material costs. Prices are projected to remain within the range of €8.85 to €8.90.

Any important developments?

The forecast for cement prices in 2025 suggests a steady market with minor upward trends, particularly in the latter half of the year. Seasonal demand and cost variations in raw materials or energy are expected to be the primary drivers of these changes. While modest price increases are anticipated, significant spikes are unlikely, ensuring stability in the cement market for 2025.

Cost of Steel in Ireland

Based on the historical data for steel mesh sheet prices from 2023 to early 2025, we can forecast the price evolution for the remainder of 2025 by examining the trends and underlying patterns.

Price Trend Overview:

From the start of 2023 through 2024, steel mesh sheet prices experienced gradual fluctuations. In the first quarter of 2023, prices began at €88.99 per sheet (Week 1) and maintained a stable range through to Week 12. By Week 15, a notable dip occurred, with the price falling to €76.76 per sheet, and this lower price persisted until Week 20.

Throughout the remainder of 2023, prices continued to hover in the €70 range, with a low of €69.82 per sheet in Week 27 and a steady trend into Week 35.

Prices began to stabilize around €65 per sheet from Week 36, holding firm through to Week 52. The price was €61.90 by the end of 2023 and remained constant through Week 2 of 2024.

In 2024, there was a slight increase in the price, starting at €61.90 per sheet and rising steadily. By Week 7, the price reached €62.20, and this upward trend continued into the middle of 2024, stabilising at €62.60 per sheet by Week 24. A small decrease was observed towards the end of the year, with the price dipping to €54.96 per sheet by Week 50.

Short-Term Forecast (Q1-Q2 2025):
Steel mesh sheet prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the first quarter and into the second quarter of 2025. The price is anticipated to stay within the range of €54.65 to €55.00 per sheet, with only minor fluctuations. Unless there are significant disruptions in the supply chain or raw material costs, this stability should continue. However, inflationary pressures or an increase in demand during peak construction periods could result in slight price increases.

Any important developments?

The forecast for steel mesh sheet prices in 2025 indicates that the market will likely remain stable with slight increases throughout the year. Prices are expected to rise moderately during the second half of the year, primarily driven by seasonal demand and raw material cost changes. While prices may fluctuate, significant increases are unlikely unless disrupted by major supply chain issues or unexpected economic shifts.