Some lumber is traded on futures, some is not, but nearly all of it is manufactured to universal specifications (set dimensions and grades), making it a commodi

Some lumber is traded on futures, some is not, but nearly all of it is manufactured to universal specifications (set dimensions and grades), making it a commodity market. Home Depot and the other box stores were constantly running out. We struggled for several quarters to keep the distribution centers supplied. The box stores were buying lumber everywhere they could. If they were price gouging, the consumer certainly didn't flinch, as quarter after quarter we witnessed historic take-away.