One of the most popular types of wood is mass timber. Mass timber manufacturing relies on cutting-edge technology to nail, glue, or dowel wood products together in multiple layers. Once completed, the manufacturing process results in beautiful wood panels, beams, and posts. Today, discover more about the applications and benefits of using mass timber on and in your home.

Different Types of Mass Timber

Mass timber is a term that encompasses multiple types of wood products. Some types of lumber members of the mass timber family include:

cross-laminated timberglue-laminated timberdowel laminated timberlaminated strained lumberparallel strand lumbernail laminated timberlaminated veneer lumber

These different types of mass timber each have their own typical applications and benefits. Different types of mass timber provide their own looks and have their own unique set of applications.

How is Mass Timber Made?

Since there are different types of mass timber, there is no uniform method of manufacturing. However, the mass timber is typically formed through lamination, fasteners, or adhesives.

At the onset of the mass timber manufacturing method, the manufacturer chooses pieces of lumber to use. If the manufacturer finds any imperfections in the lumber, they cut them out. Once the lumber is perfect, they cut the pieces to size based on the order. Different types of mass lumber require the manufacturer to use certain numbers of pieces of wood.

Once the manufacturer has the right number of pieces cut to size, the adhesive application process begins. Again, depending on the type of mass timber manufactured, the manufacturer uses a particular type of adhesive. Mass timber relies on glue, dowels, or nails to attach all the layers together. Once the adhesive process is complete, you have a beautiful, multi-layered wall, beam, or post.

Mass Timber Applications

One of the most popular uses for mass timber involves using it on the outside of a building. In contrast to light timber construction, mass timber construction has high strength ratings that rival that of concrete. Mass timber is an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique design element for the outside of your home or commercial space. It has the strength of concrete while providing a look that strikes a balance between industrial and rustic.

Mass timber is also agood choice for the inside of your home or commercial space. Again, thanks to its strength, mass timber is an excellent choice for load-bearing walls inside your home or office space. Mass timber is a popular option for floors and ceilings, especially those that bear the weight of an upstairs space.

Benefits of Using Mass Timber

The biggest benefit of mass timber is its durability and strength. The manufacturing process involves attaching multiple pieces of high-quality lumber together, making mass timber strong. This strength allows you to use mass timber outside or inside your space.

If you’re looking for something to use on the outside of a building, mass timber is a much more affordable option than steel or concrete. In today’s economy, where the cost of building materials is soaring, it’s crucial to find a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Mass timber is much cheaper than steel and concrete. Some types of mass timber cost as little as $20 per square foot, while more expensive options run closer to $50 per square foot. The specific type of mass timber that you choose will dictate how much you pay.

Since most types of mass timber have some sort of coating, they are also weather-resistant. This makes them a great choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting type of wood siding for your home. Since mass timber is weather-resistant, it is also resistant to mold.

Finally, most types of mass timber char when exposed to flames, making it one of the most fire-resistant construction options in the industry. When you choose a fire-resistant type of wood, you not only protect your space from complete destruction by fire, but it also results in lower insurance rates.

Mass timber is one of the most popular options in the world of construction and experts expect it to continue growing in popularity. Thanks to its affordability and durability, many people choose this type of lumber for their home or commercial spaces. When you have a new building of any kind constructed, you should consider all your options. Mass timber should be at the top of your list of considerations.