The Expert Podcast

The commercial construction industry is always looking for new materials and building techniques. Here's an article from Detroit News where Mass Timber, which has been used for many years, is starting to become more prevalent. First of all, have you used this in your construction projects? Or if you're a client, have you called for this in your building specs?

Mass Timber is a process where you take laminated lumber and use it for structural components, not just sheathing or trim. By structure, we're talking about two or three-story commercial buildings. You can see this photo here, where beams and columns are made out of structural lumber rather than concrete or steel. It's not just a single sawn post or a beam like a timber frame building. This is actually laminated beams and posts, which are architecturally sound and certified for commercial buildings.

Some of the advantages of Mass Timber that have been promoted include environmental aspects, such as its impact on the carbon footprint, along with other benefits. The cost is actually a little bit less for the materials, but it may be more for the construction labor. What are your thoughts on using Mass Timber or laminated timber for major structural components in a commercial building? We're not talking about architectural design in a cathedral ceiling in a residential project or maybe an exposed beam in a deck. We're talking about major commercial structures.

This example comes from a university, which is considered commercial. It's growing in popularity, and more buildings are using this material. Tell us your thoughts in the comments, or if you've used this, what have been the challenges or advantages for a Mass Timber project?