Engineering News Record Select Pipe and Finished Metal Prices
Welcome to our sixth Substack Blog that focuses on construction costs. Engineering News Record (ENR) history that can be traced back to 1874. The publication has its roots in two separate publications, Engineer & Surveyor and The Plumber and Sanitary Engineer. The first issue of Engineering News-Record was published on April 5, 1917. On January 1st, 1987, the acronym ENR was adopted as the title of the magazine. The charts that follow use data that are courtesy of ENR magazine that is published 26 times a year. Historical data was pulled from microfiche copies of the magazine obtained from the New York Public Library. ENR magazine is only a small portion of the products offered by Engineer News Record and we recommend readers, particularly those with an interest in engineering and construction, take the time to view the ENR website to learn more at…
Pipe Prices
Corrugated Steel Pipe
After 10 months of stabilization, Corrugated Steel Pipe prices have “popped” to a new high this month with the 12-nonth rate of change rising to +4.57%.
Ductile Iron Pipe
Ductile Iron Pipe prices continue to climb higher this year. Over the past twelve months price are up +24.19%.
Reinforced Concrete Pipe
Reinforced Concrete Pipe prices have continued their parabolic rise. Prices are now up +36.59% since the same time last year.
PVC Pipe
The sharp rise in PVC Pipe prices has continued unabated. Over the past 12 months prices are up +29.15%
Copper Water Tubing
Copper Water Tubing has reached the highest price level in 28 years and although the rate of change has begun to slow, they are still up +20.97% since the same time last year.
Finished Metal Prices
Stainless Steel Sheet
The rise in Stainless Steel Sheet prices have begun to slow but it is nonetheless still up +25.47% over the past twelve months.
I Beams
The ENR 20-City Average Price of 6” I Beams has reached another record price. Since this time last year prices are up +25.97%.
Re Bar
Re Bar prices fell slightly this month but considering the rise from March of 2021 we would classify the drop as de minimis with Re Bar prices still up +20.05% over the past twelve months.
Aluminum Sheet
Aluminum Sheet prices are up +23.25% since this time last year and +37.9% since April 2021.
Charts are courtesy of Optuma whose charting software enables anyone to visualize any data. To receive a 30-day trial of Optuma charting software go to
The Market’s Compass will publish select ENR construction data charts via The Market’s Compass Substack Blog every two to three weeks when new data is available.