Mass timber refers to a category of engineered wood products that are created by binding large solid wood panels, beams, and columns together to form a strong, durable, and fire-resistant building material. Common types of mass timber include cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

Benefits of mass timber include:

  1. Sustainability: Mass timber is considered a sustainable choice in construction due to the ability of wood to store carbon. The production process also requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional building materials like concrete and steel.
  2. Strength and Durability: Mass timber products are known for their strength and durability, allowing for their use in a wide range of building types, including mid-rise and high-rise structures.
  3. Speed of Construction: Mass timber components are prefabricated, allowing for faster construction times and reduced on-site labor requirements.
  4. Aesthetics: Mass timber buildings often showcase the natural beauty of wood, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Applications of mass timber include:

  1. Residential Buildings: Mass timber is increasingly being used in the construction of single-family homes, multi-family residences, and apartment buildings.
  2. Commercial Buildings: Mass timber is suitable for use in offices, retail spaces, and other commercial structures.
  3. Institutional Buildings: Mass timber is also being utilized in the construction of schools, universities, and government buildings.
  4. Industrial Buildings: Its strength and durability make mass timber a viable option for industrial facilities.
  5. Public Buildings: Mass timber can be found in a variety of public structures, such as museums, libraries, and cultural centers.

Mass timber construction offers several advantages compared to steel and concrete construction. Here are some key points of comparison:

  1. Environmental Impact: Mass timber is considered more sustainable than steel and concrete because wood is a renewable resource and has a lower carbon footprint. Mass timber also has the ability to sequester carbon, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
  2. Strength and Performance: Mass timber products, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), are engineered to be as strong as steel and concrete. While steel and concrete have higher compressive strength, mass timber has comparable tensile strength. In some cases, mass timber structures can outperform steel and concrete in terms of fire resistance due to the charring effect that protects the inner layers of the wood.
  3. Weight: Mass timber is significantly lighter than steel and concrete, which can lead to benefits in construction, such as reduced foundation requirements and easier transportation and assembly on site.
  4. Speed of Construction: Mass timber buildings can be constructed more quickly than steel and concrete structures, as the components are prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site, leading to shorter construction times and potentially lower labor costs.
  5. Aesthetics and Biophilic Design: Mass timber offers a warm, natural aesthetic that is increasingly sought after in modern architecture. Wood also provides biophilic benefits, connecting occupants with nature and potentially improving well-being.
  6. Cost: While the cost of mass timber itself may be comparable to steel and concrete, the potential for faster construction and associated cost savings can make mass timber a competitive option.

Mass timber offers a range of benefits including environmental sustainability, strength comparable to steel and concrete, lighter weight, speed of construction, aesthetic appeal, and potential cost advantages. These factors make it an attractive option for a wide range of construction projects.


The sustainable aspects of mass timber stem from its ability to sequester carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, as well as its renewable nature. The use of wood in construction helps to offset carbon emissions that would result from the use of more carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel. Additionally, the manufacturing of mass timber requires less energy and produces fewer emissions, contributing to its sustainable profile. When sourced from responsibly managed forests, mass timber can be part of a closed-loop carbon cycle, making it an environmentally friendly choice for construction.