For years, designers and developers have celebrated mass timber for its sustainability, warmth, and beauty. Its natural appeal is undeniable, but now other qualities, along with a convergence of outside forces, are driving a rapid acceleration of mass timber construction across the United States.

To better understand what’s fueling this momentum and how it might shape the projects of tomorrow, we’ve outlined the key factors below.

Code Updates Green-Light Tall Timber

Perhaps the most significant catalyst for mass timber’s surge is the building code itself. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) introduced three new categories — Types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C — that formally recognize and regulate tall timber buildings. These updates effectively gave mass timber the green light to go vertical, allowing structures up to 18 stories (or 270 feet). The code didn’t just expand height limits; it also established clear fire-resistance paths and guidance for exposed timber, providing the certainty that engineers, code officials, and insurers needed to proceed with confidence.

This change has had ripple effects across the industry. Developers now see mass timber as viable for mid- and high-rise projects that previously would have defaulted to steel or concrete. And with the 2024 IBC expanding allowable areas and exposed timber provisions even further, permitting has become simpler and approvals more consistent. In essence, the code has caught up with the science, opening the door for mass timber to compete in a much broader segment of the construction market.

Policy Tail Winds & an Embodied Carbon Focus

Policy is the other major force propelling mass timber forward. In a shift that aligns perfectly with timber’s natural advantages, federal and state agencies are increasingly prioritizing low embodied carbon (LEC) materials in their procurement processes.

The General Services Administration, for example, is investing more than $3 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce embodied carbon in federal buildings. The act incentivizes using building products with lower global warming potential, providing more than $2 billion to procure those that meet its requirements for LEC materials.¹ Although the current LEC criteria focus on asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, the broader framework sets a precedent that strongly benefits biogenic materials like wood. As these policies mature, timber stands to play an even more prominent role in helping agencies and private developers meet carbon-reduction targets.

Mass timber’s advantage is simple but profound: It’s both a low-carbon material and a carbon store. Each cubic meter of timber locks away nearly a ton of CO₂, while its production generates far less embodied carbon than concrete or steel. For owners seeking LEED, WELL, or other net-zero certifications, that dual benefit makes timber an unmatched ally in decarbonization.

Speed & Cost Certainty Through Off-Site Fabrication

Beyond policy and code changes, mass timber’s rise is also driven by practical project-delivery advantages. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (GLT) components are fabricated with precision in controlled factory environments, then shipped to the site for rapid assembly. This off-site fabrication offers several critical benefits, including predictable quality, faster dry-in times, and reduced site labor and waste.

Studies and real-world projects show that timber structures can often be erected 20% faster than cast-in-place concrete systems.² That speed translates to cost savings on general conditions, financing, and carrying costs, especially in tight urban markets where time is money. The panelized nature of CLT systems also reduces weather exposure and rework, mitigating risk and improving schedule certainty.

Market Proof & Momentum

Momentum matters — and mass timber has it. According to WoodWorks, approximately 2,600 mass timber projects were either built or under construction in the US as of September 2025.³ This shows that what was once experimental is now proven at scale, with each completed project building confidence among lenders, code officials, and insurers, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates adoption.

High-profile projects, like Oregon’s Carbon12, Milwaukee’s Ascent MKE (the world’s tallest mass timber building), and Google’s and Walmart’s timber campuses, have given the material visibility and credibility. These success stories demonstrate that mass timber isn’t just viable, it’s desirable. Developers who were once hesitant now see a clear business case: buildings that lease faster, perform better, and tell a sustainability story that resonates with tenants and investors alike.

Tenant Appeal: The Biophilic & Brand Advantage

While code, cost, and carbon drive adoption, design appeal shouldn’t be underestimated. Exposed timber interiors deliver a biophilic, wellness-oriented aesthetic that modern tenants love. Natural wood surfaces create a warm, calming environment that supports occupant well-being and productivity, benefits that are increasingly quantifiable in post-occupancy studies.

For developers, this translates to faster lease-up, stronger tenant retention, and improved brand value. Many companies, especially those competing for top talent, see timber buildings as extensions of their sustainability commitments. Exposed wood signals environmental responsibility and authenticity, qualities that align with contemporary corporate culture.

Therefore, it’s no coincidence that designers are pushing to take advantage of the changes to the 2021 and 2024 IBC that allowed larger areas of exposed timber.⁴ For them, timber is more than a structural choice; it’s a design statement.

Why It Matters Now

Taken together, these drivers of code evolution, carbon policy, off-site efficiency, market proof, and occupant appeal paint a clear picture of why mass timber’s rise in America is accelerating. It’s not a single trend but a convergence of many. The result is a construction landscape where timber is not merely an alternative but a competitive mainstream option for a growing range of project types.

This momentum also signals a broader shift in how the industry defines performance and value. The conversation has moved beyond energy efficiency and operational carbon to include embodied carbon, well-being, and lifecycle resilience. Mass timber sits at the intersection of all three, making it an elegant solution that meets environmental and economic goals simultaneously.

Looking Ahead

As more states adopt tall timber provisions and federal agencies expand LEC material procurement programs, the future of mass timber in America looks strong. Advances in digital design, hybrid systems, and prefabrication will only enhance its versatility. At the same time, regional supply chains are maturing, bringing CLT, GLT, and other engineered wood products closer to project sites, further improving cost and carbon performance.

However, realizing the full potential of mass timber requires expertise. Proper detailing, moisture management, and joinery are critical to long-term durability and code compliance. That’s where experienced timber fabricators and builders make the difference.

Building the Future, Together

The rise of mass timber is transformational in how America is building. Architects, developers, and contractors — with the right partners — can harness its structural performance, aesthetic warmth, and carbon-storing power to deliver projects that meet today’s expectations and tomorrow’s standards.

At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful craftsmanship and precision fabrication turn mass timber concepts into enduring landmarks. Whether you’re planning your first timber project or scaling up to a larger, taller application, contact our team to help you navigate its design, engineering, and construction with confidence.

Sources

1. “GSA pilots Buy Clean Inflation Reduction Act Requirements for low embodied carbon construction materials,” US General Services Administration, accessed on November 11, 2025.
2. “An Overview of Emerging Construction Technologies,” NAIOP Research Foundation, accessed November 18, 2025.
3. “Mapping Mass Timber,” WoodWorks, accessed on November 11, 2025.
4. “Tall Mass Timber Trends and Exposed Timber Allowances,” WoodWorks, accessed on November 11, 2025.