Residential

Residential Construction

Builders throughout North America use wood extensively for residential construction. Its flexibility, wide availability and many applications have made wood the material of first choice for almost all housing construction in North American towns and cities.

For both economic and environmental reasons, the use of wood frame construction for residential buildings is increasing in many other parts of the world.

Single-Family Housing

Almost all single-family homes in North America are constructed in wood - from the foundation forming and framing systems - to flooring and roofing, exterior cladding and interior finishing.

The use of wood for interior flooring, finishing, trim and cabinetry is regarded as a sign of quality and even luxury in such homes.

For example, wood flooring is considered a selling feature of homes, as wood floors add beauty and warmth, are easier to maintain than carpets and do not attract dust and mites.

Wood is also used in outdoor applications on single-family homes, such as stairs, railings, decking and fences.  Properly treated, such exterior wood applications can last for years, providing beauty and added market value to homes.

Multi-Family Housing

Low-rise multi-family housing such as townhouses, apartment buildings and condominium homes are often constructed in wood.  Structural framing, flooring, roofing and stairs are common applications of wood in these buildings.

The creative use of exterior wood features like gables, posts, railings, pergolas, roof brackets and awnings, add architectural appeal and market value.