Even though mass timber construction was introduced in the 1990s, misconceptions about it persist, sometimes even among experienced builders, architects, and developers. Their uncertainty about mass timber’s strength, fire resistance, and cost can make them hesitant to consider the material for their projects. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common myths about mass timber (engineered wood products that include cross-laminated timber, or CLT, and glued laminated timber, or glulam) and uncover what the data and case studies actually show.

Strength Myths

Myth: Mass timber is too weak for tall buildings.
Reality: Engineered products like CLT and glulam are specifically designed for structural performance. They can support substantial loads, meet modern building codes, and outperform steel or concrete in certain applications with their strength-to-weight ratio and seismic resilience. Because of these metrics, mass timber is being used in low-rise structures as well as buildings of up to 18 stories under the 2021 and 2024 International Building Code.

Myth: Timber buildings don’t last.
Reality: Properly finished and maintained, timber structures can endure for centuries. Moisture management and engineering are key, but historical examples prove durability: Timber buildings in Europe and Asia have survived for hundreds and even over 1,000 years.

Fire-Resistance Myths

Myth: Mass timber is a fire hazard.
Reality: Unlike light-frame wood, mass timber develops a protective char layer when exposed to fire. This outer char insulates the structural core, maintaining integrity much longer than most assume. Many CLT assemblies have passed fire tests well beyond their required code performance.

Myth: Mass timber burns quickly and collapses.
Reality: All materials perform differently under fire. Steel, for instance, loses strength and can deform rapidly as temperatures rise. Mass timber, by contrast, chars at a slow and predictable rate. With tested charring data and proper detailing, mass timber maintains stability in fire conditions comparable to, and in some cases better than, other materials.

Cost Myths

Myth: Mass timber is always more expensive than steel or concrete.
Reality: While initial material costs can sometimes be higher, mass timber can deliver savings in other areas. Faster installation, reduced labor needs, lighter foundations, and life cycle performance all contribute to its cost-effectiveness. With early contractor involvement and careful planning, mass timber can compete favorably with traditional construction for residential and commercial projects.

Myth: Mass timber building insurance and risk management are prohibitive.
Reality: The insurance market is evolving as underwriters increasingly distinguish mass timber from light wood framing. As data accumulates, premiums are moving closer to those of steel and concrete projects.

One More Common Myth

Myth: Timber is inherently unsustainable.
Reality: When sourced responsibly, timber is one of the most sustainable structural materials available. It promotes forest health, stores carbon, and reduces embodied carbon compared to concrete and steel. Life cycle analysis consistently shows mass timber as a strong contributor to low-carbon construction strategies.

Facts Over Fiction

For builders, architects, and design professionals, mass timber represents an opportunity to create strong, safe, and sustainable buildings that challenge outdated assumptions. It’s not weaker, more flammable, or always more expensive — in many cases, it’s the opposite. From seismic resilience to carbon benefits, mass timber is proving itself in projects around the world.

If you’re ready to move past the myths and explore how mass timber can work in your next project, contact us at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. Our expert team will help guide you through the process, from initial design to ribbon cutting.