Ten advantages of wood!

In this article, we'll share ten of what we believe are the most outstanding advantages of wood construction. We're not just focusing on wooden houses, but also encompassing the use of wood in design and construction. Wood is a wonderful material; we hope you agree with the conclusions of this article.

1. Super insulating and heat-resistant materials

Some building materials, such as steel, are non-combustible inorganic materials that expand when heated, weakening the structure and causing it to collapse. Wood reacts almost the opposite way. When large pieces of wood are heated, they dry out and actually become harder, and the carbonized layer that forms on the surface further prevents flames from penetrating.

Here are some comparisons. Glass conducts heat 23 times faster than wood, 90 times faster than marble, 1650 times faster than steel, and 7000 times faster than aluminum.

This means that if you want to keep your home warm and save on cooling and heating costs, wood is an excellent alternative to brick, concrete, or stone. Compared to other building materials, wood is definitely the most economical insulation material.

Image: The wall structure of a typical timber-framed building

2. Rapid construction, saving money

Some skilled builders can construct a 100-square-meter log cabin on-site within 7 days. Compared to brick, stone, or concrete, timber construction is much faster, saving significant on-site labor. This is especially beneficial in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and icy conditions, as timber construction can continue unrestricted due to the absence of wet work. Furthermore, the maturity and widespread adoption of prefabricated timber construction technology allow for the prefabrication of numerous wooden components, such as walls, roofs, floors, beams, and columns, in factories, which can then be transported directly to the site for installation.

At the same time, timber-framed houses can be easily modified during and after construction, and their ease of use, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make them a popular and competitively priced option.

3. Environmental protection

Houses built with wood are sustainable, renewable, and environmentally friendly. Did you know that wood absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and even when considering transportation and processing, wood is a carbon-neutral material (in fact, it is the only carbon-neutral building material and the only naturally renewable building material).

Fact: Every cubic meter of wood used in construction saves 0.8 tons of carbon emissions. Therefore, if a house uses 20 cubic meters of wood, it can save 16 tons of carbon. Using wood in construction does indeed have a positive impact on climate change. Trees that are not felled when they reach maturity will die and release carbon dioxide again, which is detrimental to the environment. New seedlings absorb more carbon dioxide, so sustainable forestry planting and management create a virtuous cycle.

Most Westernized countries have legislation requiring that at least one tree be planted for every tree. This is important because it means more timber on Earth, which means more carbon absorption. Let's stop burying our heads in the sand and thinking that deforestation is a frustrating and environmentally unfriendly fact. The only thing you need to be sure of is that the timber you purchase and use comes from sustainably managed forests or is certified by a third party.

4. Architectural Aesthetics

No one can deny the aesthetic appeal of wood. The grain of each piece of wood is one of the most captivating designs in nature, with different hues and textures dancing like a mesmerizing dance, no two pieces repeating. Many of the world's most breathtaking architectural designs are centered around wood elements.

Wood can be painted any color, waxed and varnished, and can be given a personalized veneer effect. It can be carved, cut, glued and stapled.

Wood is so versatile and aesthetically pleasing; perhaps the only limitation to its use is our imagination. As Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

5. Machining and mechanical properties

When it comes to the workability of wood, few materials can surpass it. Wood can be processed to extremely high precision and finish, and advanced processing tools can even reproduce the intricate mortise and tenon designs of our ancestors. Furthermore, wood is quite easy to maintain and repair, so if problems arise, they can be easily fixed by cutting and gluing.

6. Safe, lightweight, sturdy and durable

Despite significant advancements in engineering excellence, one of the many reasons why wood is still used today is its durability and safety. Timber buildings weigh only one-seventh as much as concrete, and in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, lighter weight means less seismic force. Furthermore, wood is a resilient material; this flexible structure effectively absorbs seismic forces when the building frame shakes, ensuring the safety of the building's framework.

7. Natural Health

Have you ever experienced the discomfort of being touched by static electricity from metal in winter? Static electricity is considered unhealthy to some extent. The good news is that wood has zero static charge, so you definitely won't feel it when you touch it in winter.

If a room uses wood as a finishing material, it can help regulate indoor humidity. Furthermore, studies have shown that the appearance of wood can relax the nervous system and reduce nerve sensitivity. For these reasons, wood is considered a healthier alternative to metal, plastic, and other materials.

8. Acoustic characteristics

While wood isn't a perfect soundproofing material, it is indeed an excellent material for effectively absorbing sound waves and allowing sound to diffuse. This is why wood is used in many concert halls around the world, as it helps create the perfect tone within the room.