Article

As a person who resides in the Pacific Northwest of the United States I get to observe the timber industry in action. Harvesting timber takes a lot time, heavy equipment, and now also involves a lot of taxation, and red tape. Hence the high cost. Building with lumber is always a pleasure, but the current high cost can be constraining. If you’ve ever drove a truck load of 2×4’s out the parking lot of your local home improvement superstore you know what I’m talking about. I once spent $1700 at The Home Depot for the lumber, drywall, doors, and insulation to build an 10 ft long wall and a vestibule. I could of purchased a nice 40 ft steel container for less.Ah, but that was the late 90’s. Most of us are more careful with our money these days. Taxes, restrictions, and the current U.S. ban on Canadian softwood imports has caused lumber prices to jump up and sock the weekend builder in the eye.