No matter the size of your project, the cost of lumber will affect your plans. Though not quite as high as early in the pandemic, buying lumber still isn’t exactly a cheap endeavor. Yet, there may be a bright side to all of this. The high cost is highlighting the fact that there are wood alternatives as ways of getting around lumber prices.
This doesn’t mean that you can completely avoid the use of wood in every project, of course. Some projects work better with alternative materials than others. Still, the fact there are options out there might help you to think outside of the box and find some cheaper (and in some cases better) options for your next construction project.
Non-Lumber Construction Materials
Lumber is the most well-known material used for building out projects, yet isn’t the only option out there. When framing rooms or buildings, ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms), SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), and CFS (Cold Formed Steel) are becoming increasingly popular. When it comes to outdoor projects, Cellular PVC, Composites, and Fiber Cement are a few wood alternatives to consider. Other wood alternatives such as hemp, bamboo, and cork are also worth considering depending on the project.
Large Projects – Framing / Building
CFS (Cold-Formed Steel) – Steel members are made through a no-heat process. CFS is lightweight, extremely strong, and non-combustible. It doesn’t shrink or split, won’t absorb moisture, and is resistant to warping, termites, and fire. Commonly used for student dorms, hotels, or assisted living facilities, CFS members can be made to a variety of thicknesses for structural and non-structural applications. CFS can help to reduce certain project costs through discounts on builder’s risk and other insurance requirements. Each piece of CFS is made of at least 25% recycled content and is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan. This makes it a highly sustainable building material.
ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) – ICFs are interlocking styrofoam blocks concrete is poured into. These blocks can stack and interlock to create walls, ceilings, roofs, or pool walls. This alternative to wood framing is light, simple, easy to work with, and helps to keep the home insulated. These blocks are moisture-resistant and non-absorbent as well as resistant to rot and mold. Homes made with ICFs are flame retardant and can withstand 250mph winds. With rising lumber prices, ICFs are now a comparable option to wood frame construction. The benefits of ICFs also include lower insurance premiums.
SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) – Panels of an insulating foam core sandwiched between 2 structural facings such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Used mostly in residential and light commercial projects, it is extremely strong and energy-efficient. Since the panels are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions, they can be fabricated to nearly any build design. This also contributes to a faster build time. While the initial cost can be more than lumber, the energy efficiency far surpasses wood framing.
Outdoor Projects
Cellular PVC – Used for decking, trim, and siding, Cellular PVC is 100% recyclable and made from plastic. It won’t rot or warp, is paintable, and is insect-proof. It looks and cuts like wood which makes it easy to work with. While this option is more expensive than composites and wood, its low maintenance and longevity make it a smarter option.
Composites – A mixture of materials, such as plastic and wood and made to handle extreme weather. Made for non-structural projects, they are great for decking, flooring, or fencing. Composites have similar longevity and low maintenance as Cellular PVC but are not as expensive.
Fiber Cement – Also a composite, a mixture of cement, cellulose fiber, and sand. You can use fiber cement for a variety of projects such as decking or siding. It is more weather resistant than wood and incredibly durable. It also resists cracking, splitting, rotting, swelling, and does not expand or contract.
While each of these options has a higher initial cost, they all have low maintenance features that make them worth looking into. There is no reason to worry about issues like rot, swelling, mold, or bugs. Not to mention no yearly staining, waterproofing, or sealing!
Minimizing Wood in Your Projects
Even with a variety of options, you may still need/want to use some wood in your construction projects. You may simply prefer the look of wood, or have a specific idea in mind that requires wood. This doesn’t mean that you have to commit to wood for the entire project. You can use alternative materials in places where they aren’t visible or won’t affect the project in substantial ways. Bamboo, hemp, and cork are sustainable wood alternatives great for minimizing wood in your smaller projects.
Bamboo – Technically a grass, it takes 3-5 years for bamboo to reach harvestable size. Since it regrows when cut, the same plant can regrow repeatedly. Bamboo is extremely strong and durable.
Hemp – Highly sustainable as it grows fast. One acre yields more construction-grade fiber than wood and is used in composite lumber. It also has more strength than wood.
Cork – More sustainable than wood since made from the bark which regrows more quickly. Cork can be used for flooring or even wall coverings and is naturally insulating as well as dampens sounds. It is also fire-resistant, hypoallergenic, and microbial. It doesn’t last as long as other options though and certain types can warp from water exposure or humidity.
With many wood alternatives to getting around lumber prices that last longer with potentially lower maintenance, it’s important to research your options. While wood may be your cheapest option up-front, the cost/energy to maintain could make it the more expensive option. So whether you choose to plan your next projects with all wood alternatives or choose to only minimize your wood, make sure you choose the option best in the long run!
Sources:
- https://buildsteel.org/why-steel/cold-formed-steel-101/what-is-cold-formed-steel-framing-and-how-can-i-use-it/
- https://blog.homekeepr.com/wood-isnt-your-only-option-building-materials-outside-the-box
- https://www.globalpropertysystems.com/10-wood-alternatives-for-your-next-building-project/
- https://newhousebuilder.com/insulated-concrete-forms/
- https://www.sips.org/what-are-sips
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/which-wood-substitute-works-best/
