NorthStar Index
Q1 2026 Release
The NorthStar Index (NSI) tracks six benchmark construction materials each quarter, indexed to 100 at 2021 Q1. Rather than smoothing every input into a broad composite, NSI focuses on the categories that most often surface as the line items that break a budget.
The Q1 2026 composite continues the steady ratchet that began after the 2023 plateau. Copper-driven feeder costs lead the underlying movers; cement and steel rebar remain firm; PVC has softened.
Coverage
Lumber · Cement (ready-mix) · Rebar · PVC pipe · Aluminum · 400A feeder (EMT / copper wire).
NorthStar Index — Composite
Quarterly, base 100 = 2021 Q1.
Latest: 164
Lumber
+7.5%
YoY · per MBF
Cement (ready-mix)
+5.6%
YoY · per CY
Rebar
+10.4%
YoY · per ton
PVC pipe
+0.0%
YoY · per LF
Aluminum
+10.8%
YoY · per lb
400A Feeder (EMT / copper)
+14.9%
YoY · per LF
Methodology. Composite equal-weights the six benchmark materials. Each material indexed to 100 at 2021 Q1. Sparklines show the full five-year quarterly history. Year-over-year change compares the most recent quarter to four quarters prior. Illustrative placeholder values — real NSI release values pending.
© 2026 NorthStar Estimating, Inc. · northstarestimating.com/insights
