More and more we’re learning about the possibilities of using engineered wood in all types of structures along with the many reasons and benefits of doing so. Some have called it the “new concrete,” and many believe it could be a viable solution to the housing crisis all around the world. So why all the praise for engineered lumber or wood?

It’s an environmentally friendly option considering that rather than adding carbon to the environment, it actually removes it.
Many in the building industry claim although it’s far lighter than steel, it can be equally as strong.
Engineered wood is much easier for builders to work with because of its lightness.
Far less waste goes into landfills from construction sites.
In terms of transportation, engineered wood requires only about 20% of the deliveries that would be necessary if concrete were to be used in the project.

CLT or cross-laminated timber is by far the most well-known engineered timber, and is essentially an “ultra plywood” made by building up layers of planks before bonding with glue and finally being pressed.

There are countless environmental benefits to using engineered wood, however commercial builders see other advantages of using this material including the fact it’s cost-effective and speeds up the construction process exponentially.

Just how popular has it become? Over the past 14 years global use of cross laminated timber has grown from a mere 2,000 cubic meters in 2003 to what is anticipated will be a million cubic meters in 2018.

From skyscrapers to office buildings and apartments, it seems that many are becoming excited about what has been described as the “material of the future.” Some are naturally skeptical, but that’s the nature of people; until they actually see something innovative and experience it themselves, it’s hard to believe it. When it comes to anything wood, many think of wood rot, fire danger, the downside in general. The fact is engineered wood is much stronger, tougher and resistant than most believe, and when compared to steel or concrete a much safer material in terms of fire.

What’s your opinion about the possibilities of engineered wood in a practical or environmental sense?

REA JET provides high resolution inkjet printing solutions for the lumber industry that offer many advantages including intuitive, simple operation, HP thermal ink jet technology, nearly zero maintenance, the highest operational reliability and more. For all of your industrial coding and marking needs in the wood and lumber industries you can rely on REA JET for unmatched solutions.