How a jump in lumber prices â theyâre up more than 300% â is hitting Utahâs quest for affordable homes Mills are behind since the onset of COVID-19 and more construction coming, and thereâs little relief ahead. (Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jason Butterfield and Jason Barnett walk through the sparse yard at regional building supplier Sunpro's store in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. A national shortage of lumber is stalling and driving up costs on big construction projects and small home improvements alike in Utah. | Updated: 12:54 p.m. Editorâs note ⢠This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting important local journalism.