I have never used it but my understanding is that Endowments use it as an asset class pretty heavily. The primary issue is time horizon. The physical asset class is typically illiquid and requires long horizons (i.e. perputual like an endowment). The REITS may offer what you are looking for. The REITS correlate to housing information so it's a good play on a housing recovery if you feel it's underway.

WOOD and CUT are both ETF's that specialize in timber (mostly logging REIT's and paper companies)

WOOD and CUT are both ETF's that specialize in timber (mostly logging REIT's and paper companies)

The question I have with the WOOD ETF is what is the upside? It is currently at 38 and at the height of the housing boom it was 49. It pays no dividend so that appreciation would seem like the absolute top given the level of housing starts at the height. I would think that investing in Plum Creek Timber or some other REIT with a good dividend would give better overall returns.

the endowments buy private companies not etfs. Huge difference

You're right, but the options for retail advisors are limited.  However, I imagine Timber ( as a class) is going to end up being like commodities, long-short funds, gold, etc (many years ago).  If it is determined to be popular enough, all the ETF and fund companies will start creating them.  

You're right, but the options for retail advisors are limited.  However, I imagine Timber ( as a class) is going to end up being like commodities, long-short funds, gold, etc (many years ago).  If it is determined to be popular enough, all the ETF and fund companies will start creating them.  

I think this is where retail investors run into problems, trying to take a shorcut to replicated something..