What is Mass Timber Construction?

The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment as innovative building methods challenge traditional approaches to structural design and material selection. Among these innovations, mass timber construction has emerged as a game-changing technology that combines environmental benefits with impressive structural performance and construction efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Mass timber construction is experiencing remarkable market growth with projections indicating expansion from $1 billion in 2023 to $2.15 billion by 2033, driven by sustainability demands and code updates allowing taller timber structures.
• Environmental benefits make mass timber a standout construction material as it naturally sequesters carbon during growth, requires less energy to manufacture than concrete or steel, and maintains carbon storage throughout the building's lifespan.
• Construction efficiency improves significantly with mass timber through prefabricated components that accelerate timelines (up to 25% reduction in construction time), reduce on-site labor, minimize waste, and allow for all-weather construction.
• Mass timber performs exceptionally well in safety-critical areas with cross-laminated timber (CLT) exhibiting fire resistance ratings of up to 2 hours unprotected and more than 3 hours with protective claddings, plus impressive seismic and acoustic performance.
• Hybrid approaches combining mass timber with other materials often provide the most cost-effective implementation while maintaining key performance benefits, as demonstrated in successful mixed-use and industrial project case studies.

What Is Mass Timber? Understanding the Foundation

Mass timber refers to a category of engineered wood products manufactured by layering dried lumber boards together to form large, solid structural panels, beams, and columns. Unlike conventional light-frame wood construction, mass timber components are substantial in size and designed specifically for load-bearing applications in larger structures.

The manufacturing process typically involves bonding layers of wood using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or dowels, creating products with exceptional strength, stability, and fire resistance. This engineering transforms a traditional building material into one capable of rivaling concrete and steel in many applications.

"Mass timber isn't just another building material—it's a complete reimagining of how we approach construction. The combination of natural resources with advanced engineering creates a product that addresses our industry's biggest challenges: sustainability, efficiency, and performance."

Primary Mass Timber Products and Their Applications

Understanding the different types of mass timber products is essential for determining their appropriate applications in construction projects:

Each of these mass timber products offers unique properties that can be leveraged for specific project requirements. Often, multiple types are used within the same structure to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness.

Market Growth and Economic Impact

The mass timber construction sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with global market projections indicating a significant expansion in the coming decade. According to GlobeNewswire, the global market size is expected to reach $2.15 billion by 2033, up from $1 billion in 2023. This robust growth trajectory underscores the increasing acceptance and adoption of mass timber as a mainstream construction material.

This expansion is driven by several key factors:

• Growing emphasis on sustainable building practices
• Technological advancements in manufacturing and design
• Updates to building codes allowing for taller timber structures
• Increased investment in supporting infrastructure
• Rising demand for faster, more efficient construction methods

The economic implications extend beyond market size alone. Mass timber construction is creating new job opportunities, particularly in regions with strong forestry industries, while also fostering innovation in manufacturing, design, and construction techniques.

Key Benefits Driving Adoption

Mass timber's growing popularity stems from a combination of practical benefits that address many of the challenges facing today's construction industry. Understanding these advantages helps building professionals determine whether mass timber is appropriate for specific projects.

Environmental Sustainability

Mass timber construction offers significant environmental benefits compared to traditional building materials. Wood naturally sequesters carbon during growth, and this carbon remains stored throughout the building's lifespan. Additionally, the manufacturing process for mass timber products typically requires less energy than concrete or steel production.

Construction Efficiency

One of the most compelling aspects of mass timber for contractors and developers is the potential for significant improvements in construction efficiency. The prefabricated nature of mass timber components leads to:

1. Accelerated construction timelines: Buildings can be assembled much faster than conventional methods allow, with some projects reporting 25% reductions in overall construction time
2. Reduced on-site labor requirements: Prefabrication shifts much of the work to controlled factory environments
3. Minimized construction waste: Precision manufacturing results in optimized material use
4. Quieter construction sites: Less noise disruption in urban environments
5. All-weather construction capabilities: Less susceptibility to weather delays

This efficiency translates directly to cost savings, particularly when considering the reduced construction duration and its impact on financing costs and earlier occupancy.

Safety and Performance

Contrary to common misconceptions, mass timber structures demonstrate exceptional performance in safety-critical areas. According to WoodWorks, cross-laminated timber (CLT) exhibits a fire resistance rating of up to 2 hours for unprotected assemblies and more than 3 hours with protective claddings.

This fire performance is achieved through a natural charring process that occurs when wood is exposed to fire. The char layer acts as insulation, protecting the inner wood and maintaining structural integrity much longer than often assumed.

Beyond fire safety, mass timber buildings have demonstrated impressive structural performance in:

• Seismic testing: Exhibiting ductility and energy absorption
• Acoustic control: Providing natural sound dampening
• Thermal performance: Offering natural insulation properties

Mass Timber in Action: Case Studies

The growing adoption of mass timber is best illustrated through successful real-world applications. Recent projects demonstrate both the versatility and practical benefits of this construction method across various building types.

Hybrid Mass Timber in Mixed-Use Development

The Neutral Project exemplifies how mass timber can be effectively integrated into complex mixed-use developments. Facing the challenge of balancing sustainability with cost and schedule concerns, the project team designed a hybrid mass timber-steel system, performing detailed life cycle assessments to validate the benefits.

Image: Bakers Place mass timber-steel hybrid structure schematic diagram and photo on site.

The results were impressive: significant reductions in embodied carbon, up to 25% savings in construction schedule, and competitive cost metrics. According to The Neutral Project, this hybrid approach has become a benchmark for sustainability and ESG objectives in mixed-use development.

Industrial Mass Timber Success Story

Perhaps more surprising is the successful application of mass timber in industrial settings. Seefried Properties & Affinius Capital faced the challenge of developing a large-scale industrial facility that needed to meet modern operational demands while reducing carbon footprint and improving construction efficiency.

Their solution involved using cross-laminated timber (CLT) alongside innovative MegaSlab technology for a 160,475-square-foot warehouse in South Dallas. By leveraging prefabrication, they streamlined on-site assembly and achieved a 43% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional construction methods, according to Partners Real Estate.

Growing Project Implementation

The pace of mass timber adoption continues to accelerate. According to WoodWorks, 2,427 multi-family, commercial, or institutional mass timber projects were in progress or completed in the U.S. as of March 2025. This remarkable figure demonstrates the material's increasing popularity across diverse construction sectors.

Addressing Challenges in Mass Timber Implementation

Despite its many advantages, mass timber construction presents several challenges that building professionals must navigate:

Regulatory and Code Considerations

Building codes have historically limited timber use in taller structures, though recent updates to the International Building Code (IBC) have expanded allowances for mass timber. Nevertheless, navigating these regulations requires expertise and sometimes additional documentation to demonstrate compliance.

Moisture Management

Proper moisture control during construction and throughout a building's lifecycle is critical for mass timber. Exposure to excessive moisture can lead to dimensional changes, mold growth, or structural issues if not properly managed.

Successful projects implement comprehensive moisture management plans that include:

• Factory-applied protective coatings
• Careful transportation and storage protocols
• Installation sequencing to minimize exposure
• Moisture monitoring systems during and after construction
• Proper ventilation design in the completed structure

Cost Considerations

While mass timber can offer cost advantages through reduced construction time and labor, the material itself may have a higher upfront cost than traditional options in some markets. Understanding the total project economics—including accelerated schedules, reduced site work, and lighter foundations—is essential for accurate cost comparison.

Hybrid systems that strategically combine mass timber with other materials often provide the most cost-effective approach while maintaining key performance benefits.

Future Outlook for Mass Timber Construction

The trajectory for mass timber construction points toward continued innovation and expanded applications. Several key trends are likely to shape its evolution:

1. Advanced manufacturing techniques: Increased automation and precision in production
2. Taller structures: Pushing the height limits through engineering innovation
3. Hybrid systems : Optimized combinations of mass timber with other materials
4. Standardized connections: Development of more universal joining methods
5. Digital integration: Better BIM integration and digital twin technology

These advancements will likely further enhance the cost-effectiveness and performance capabilities of mass timber, making it an increasingly competitive option across a broader range of building types.

Practical Implementation for Building Professionals

For contractors and builders looking to incorporate mass timber into their projects, several considerations can help ensure success:

Starting with smaller projects can help teams develop the necessary expertise before tackling larger, more complex structures. Many successful mass timber contractors began with simple applications before expanding to more ambitious projects.

For building professionals in the Midwest, quality engineered wood products are essential to successful mass timber projects. Explore LS Building Product's lumber and engineered wood to discover materials that can complement your mass timber construction projects or serve as starting points for smaller-scale implementations.

Embracing the Rise of Mass Timber

As the market continues its projected growth toward $2.15 billion by 2033, early adopters will gain valuable expertise in a construction method that balances innovation with practical benefits. The 2,427 multi-family, commercial, and institutional projects already completed or underway in the U.S. demonstrate that mass timber has moved beyond experimental status to become a mainstream construction option.

For builders and contractors looking to differentiate their services while delivering exceptional value to clients, mass timber construction offers a compelling path forward—one that aligns with growing demands for sustainability without compromising on performance, safety, or efficiency.