Lumber is the oldest building material and to this day, remains a go-to for construction projects.
Building a bed? Lumber. Designing a delicate jewelry box? Lumber. Want to add finishing touches to your door casings? Lumber.
It’s not just a tradition, it’s one of the most versatile modern-day building solutions in the world. Plus, lumber brings a lot to the table — affordable rates, strength, sustainability, and more.
In this article, we will discuss these reasons in a bit more detail. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you’ll be convinced to choose lumber for your next planned activity.
Let’s get started.
1. Lumber is Cost-Effective
Let’s be honest — budget matters.
We get all excited when we first decide to dive headfirst into our passion project, but receipts quickly start to pile up.
Therefore, it’s super important to keep track of all costs.
We highly recommend considering lumber as it’s typically more affordable than materials like steel and concrete.
Construction data shows that mid-rise buildings in the U.S. cost 23% more with concrete and 41% more with steel than with wood.
For example, in 2017, the average cost per square foot was $208.4 for steel, $156.5 for concrete, and $119.7 for wood.
Additionally, lumber is easier and faster to work with, as in 30% faster than other materials, which can lower labor costs.
These numbers clearly show the balance of strength and affordability lumber offers.
2. Lumber is Versatile
Because is there anything you cannot build with wood?
From framing houses to crafting timeless furniture, lumber does it all. It can be easily cut, shaped, and joined, which means you can use it for a range of tasks.
Think about the last time you walked through a beautifully designed home. We bet some elements were made from lumber, such as wooden beams, elegant staircases, and custom cabinets.
And due to the very reason of being versatile and adaptable, lumber is popular among builders and designers alike.
So you won’t have a hard time looking for experts when you get right down to the construction part.
3. Lumber is Sustainable
It’s 2024, and sustainability is more important than ever.
Lumber stands out because it’s a renewable resource. When sourced responsibly, it can be a green choice for construction.
At Gulf South Forest Product, we responsibly harvest our trees, making sure that the ecosystem remains balanced.
Additionally, here in the US, for every 3 trees cut down, 8 are planted! This incredible replanting and using lumber from such sources means supporting sustainable practices and contributing to the environment’s health.
But the benefits of sustainable lumber don’t just stop here.
Trees also act as Earth’s air cleaners, soaking up CO2 from the atmosphere.
So if you have a wooden house, it can store 30 tons of carbon, which is equivalent to taking 10 years of car emissions off the road!
4. Lumber Has Insulation Properties
Lumber is an excellent insulator. Insulators are materials that trap heat and prevent it from passing through easily.
From the construction point of view, it maintains a comfortable indoor temperature, reduces energy consumption, and lowers your utility bills.
This is the reason, those warm, cozy cabins are made from wood. The wooden walls and floors act as natural insulators, keeping the cold at bay.
You not only feel warm and comfortable but also enjoy significant savings on heating costs.
After all, who wouldn’t want a material that keeps the house warm and the bills low?
5. Lumber Has Aesthetic Appeal
Lastly, there’s something timeless and charming about a wooden structure.
Whether it’s the natural grain, the warm tones, or the way it ages gracefully, lumber adds aesthetic value to any piece. Think rustic cabin or a sleek modern home with wooden accents as shown below.
But it’s not just about looks. Studies show people find wood naturally appealing and connect it with warmth and character.
Designers are also increasingly drawn to the “biophilic” benefits of wood. Biophilia basically means humans naturally crave connections with nature.
Plus, wood, along with daylight, can bring nature indoors, creating calming and potentially even more productive spaces.
So if you have dreamt about your own tree house, now is the time to start its construction!
The Bottom Line is…
Lumber is a great building material and a solution to many challenges. It’s cost-effective, versatile, sustainable, and offers excellent insulation and aesthetic appeal, all of which make it an optimum material whether you’re building a home, an office, or a piece of furniture.
Ready to start your next construction project with lumber? Check out our selection of high-quality lumber and get a quote today.
