5 Myths About Mass Timber

Understanding Mass Timber Construction 

Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products designed for use in construction. It includes materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (Glulam). These materials are made by bonding layers of wood together to form large, strong panels or beams. It’s a return to wood in commercial, residential, and public buildings, offering an eco-friendly alternative to steel and concrete. 

Its increase in popularity is also due to its sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and construction efficiency. Many architects and developers are turning to mass timber for its versatility and ability to meet modern, eco-friendly building standards.  

For instance, mass timber comes with plenty of benefits, including some environmental ones like: 

• Reduced carbon footprint: Wood naturally sequesters carbon, making timber buildings carbon-negative over their lifespan. In contrast, steel and concrete production emits significant amounts of CO2. 

• Renewable resource: Trees used for mass timber can be sustainably harvested, ensuring a steady supply of material without deforestation. 

• Energy efficiency: Mass timber has natural insulating properties, reducing the need for heating and cooling in buildings. 

• Low waste production: Mass timber products are often prefabricated, minimizing on-site waste. 

Architecturally, mass timber also offers a unique visual warmth and natural beauty that many find more inviting than the cold, industrial look of steel or concrete. It is versatile in design, allowing for exposed wood interiors that create a sense of natural elegance, often enhancing both residential and commercial spaces. 

Moreover, mass timber aligns perfectly with the principles of biophilic design, a practice that integrates natural elements into built environments. By incorporating wood, a natural material, into building structures, we tap into our innate connection to nature. This biophilic approach offers numerous benefits, including improved air quality, reduced stress levels, enhanced cognitive function, and increased overall well-being. Mass timber buildings, with their warm, organic aesthetic and connection to the forest, contribute to a more sustainable and human-centered built environment. 

Mass timber offers significant advantages, yet misconceptions persist about its compatibility with modern engineering. We’re here to dispel five of the most common mass timber construction myths.  

Myth 1: Mass Timber is Not as Safe as Traditional Construction Materials like Steel and Concrete

While mass timber is growing in popularity, concerns about its safety—particularly around fire resistance, structural integrity, and longevity—are common. The idea of using wood in large-scale buildings often leads to skepticism, as wood is traditionally viewed as flammable and less durable than steel or concrete. However, engineered timber products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (Glulam) have been designed to overcome these issues and meet stringent safety standards. 

Contrary to the misconception that timber is unsafe in fires, mass timber has excellent fire resistance due to its unique characteristics: 

• Charring behavior: When exposed to fire, mass timber develops a char layer on the surface. This char acts as a natural insulator, protecting the inner layers of the wood from combustion. As the outer layers char, the process slows the burn rate, making the structure safer by preserving the core’s structural integrity. 

• Slow burn rate: Thick timber burns slowly compared to thinner wood products or steel. This slow burn rate is predictable, giving engineers and firefighters a more controlled timeline for evacuation and response in the event of a fire. 

• Extinguishing properties: Under certain conditions, once the char layer has formed, mass timber can self-extinguish, meaning that the fire won’t penetrate deeper layers as quickly as it would with non-treated wood or lighter materials. (Source: Science Direct) 

Myth 2: Mass Timber Buildings are More Prone to Mold and Decay

 A common misconception about mass timber is that, because it’s made of wood, it’s more prone to rot, mold, and decay than traditional building materials like steel or concrete. However, modern mass timber products are engineered with durability in mind. For instance, there’s a wooden pagoda in China that was built in 1056, and it’s still going strong. 

Mass timber is enhanced by engineering, material treatment, and design considerations that protect against the elements. Unlike traditional wood construction, mass timber buildings are typically designed to keep moisture out and maintain the wood's integrity. Some of the processes and strategies that ensure mass timber's durability include: 

• Moisture management: Mass timber products are engineered with a low moisture content, which prevents the growth of mold and fungi. 

• Protective finishes: Wood can be treated with protective coatings or sealants that increase its resistance to water, UV light, and pests. 

• Proper detailing: Designing buildings with appropriate eaves, overhangs, and cladding systems helps protect timber from direct exposure to the elements, significantly reducing the risk of moisture. 

Myth 3: Mass Timber is Not Strong Enough for Tall Buildings

Many people assume that timber lacks the structural strength and reliability needed for modern architecture, particularly in tall buildings. This notion often stems from traditional views of wood as a weaker material compared to steel or concrete. However, advancements in engineered wood products have proven that mass timber can indeed support substantial loads and serve as a viable option for high-rise structures. 

Mass timber's ability to support significant loads and maintain structural integrity has been demonstrated in numerous high-rise projects, like the Haut residential building in Amsterdam and Eunoia Junior College in Singapore. Factors contributing to its strength and reliability include: 

• High strength-to-weight ratio: CLT and Glulam offer a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, making them excellent choices for tall buildings where minimizing weight while maximizing strength is crucial. This characteristic allows for lighter structures that require less robust foundations, reducing overall construction costs. 

• Engineering innovations: Cutting-edge, contemporary design has helped to optimize mass timber's performance, allowing for buildings that meet or exceed the safety and performance standards set for tall buildings. 

Myth 4: Mass Timber is Not Environmentally Friendly Because It Promotes Deforestation

Concerns about the sustainability of mass timber production often arise from fears about deforestation, habitat loss, and the impact of logging on ecosystems. People frequently assume that using wood for construction can lead to unsustainable practices and harm the environment. But the reality is that responsible mass timber production can be aligned with sustainable forestry practices, providing significant ecological benefits. 

That’s because mass timber construction is guided by sustainable practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Here are just a few examples of how mass timber fosters eco-friendly techniques through collaboration and learning: 

• International Association for Mass Timber Construction: This association promotes mass timber using the best available resources to drive value for all stakeholders. 

• Mass Timber Conference: The International Mass Timber Conference is an annual gathering of the world’s mass timber experts, featuring lectures from thought leaders about creating a more sustainable path for the industry. 

• MassTimber MSU: Michigan State University has a program dedicated to learning about mass timber, with a focus on sustainability, through workshops, classes, and more.  

Myth 5: Mass Timber Buildings are Significantly More Expensive than Traditional Construction

A common myth in the construction industry is that mass timber is more expensive than traditional building materials like steel and concrete. This belief can deter developers and builders from considering mass timber as a viable option. Although mass timber has 26% higher front-end costs than concrete, it does offer significant cost advantages in terms of its overall lifecycle and efficiency. That leads to a 2.4% decrease in its total lifecycle cost. 

Mass timber is increasingly recognized for its cost-effectiveness and lifecycle advantages, which can lead to substantial savings over the life of a building. Key factors contributing to its economic viability include: 

• Prefabrication: One of the most significant advantages of mass timber is the ability to prefabricate components in a controlled environment. This not only speeds up the assembly process but also reduces on-site labor costs. 

• Quick construction: With mass timber, construction can often proceed more rapidly than with traditional materials. Assembling pre-cut and pre-drilled timber components reduces the time required for framing and finishing. 

Creating a Brighter Future with Mass Timber 

The evolving narrative surrounding mass timber construction is breaking down long-held misconceptions and highlighting its numerous advantages.  

The assumption that mass timber is inherently unsafe in fire situations has been proven false, as its excellent fire resistance and charring properties protect its inner layers, allowing it to meet and often exceed stringent fire safety standards. Also, fears about timber's susceptibility to mold, decay, and structural weaknesses have been dispelled through advancements in engineered wood products and sustainable forestry practices. When sourced from responsibly managed forests, mass timber not only promotes ecological health but also contributes to carbon sequestration, benefiting the environment. Plus, the assumption that mass timber is more expensive than traditional construction materials is misleading; considering lifecycle costs, faster assembly times, reduced labor expenses, and savings in foundational requirements, mass timber proves to be a cost-effective solution. For instance, a project may see a reduction in construction time by up to 25%, resulting in lower labor expenses. (Source: Warrington College of Business University of Florida) 

With these benefits in mind, mass timber stands out as a compelling option for modern construction. Its enhanced safety features, durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive choice for architects, developers, and policymakers. By embracing mass timber, you can lead the way in creating safer, more sustainable buildings. As the construction industry increasingly seeks environmentally friendly solutions, mass timber offers a forward-thinking alternative that aligns with the goals of sustainability and resilience. Investing in mass timber today means investing in a brighter, greener future for our communities and the planet. 

Interested in more resources about Mass Timber? Check out the following resource list: 

• naturally:wood | British Columbia's Sustainable Forestry Resource 
• Building with Wood - Think Wood 
• WoodWorks | Wood Products Council