Engage

To help you choose the best wood species for your next project, this section contains information on the properties, usage and commercial availability of 11 species of B.C. wood.    

TIP: The physical version of the Architect’s Toolkit includes samples of 11 types of B.C. wood species and three engineered wood products: cross-laminated timber, OSB and plywood that you can see, touch and show to clients.

B.C. Wood Species


Amabilis Fir[Fact Sheet] Typically used in structural products such as framing, sheathing and decking, and popular in prefabricated buildings. Amabilis FirDouglas-fir[Fact sheet] Typically used in building and construction, often for heavy structural components including laminated arches and roof trusses. Douglas-firLodgepole Pine[Fact sheet] Also known as pine beetle wood, lodgepole pine is part of the SPF species group. It is popular for structural framing in all types of construction.  Lodgepole PinePonderosa Pine[Fact sheet] Generally used for light and medium construction, ponderosa pine is used in window frames and interior trim. Ponderosa Pine
Western Hemlock[Fact sheet] Typically used for general construction, it is also used in engineered wood products including plywood, laminating stock and glulam beams. Western HemlockWestern Red Cedar[Fact sheet] Popular for a variety of exterior applications, including roof shingles, exterior siding and cladding, decking, and portable buildings. Western Red CedarYellow-cedar[Fact sheet] Ideal for applications that require a durable wood, such as shingles, posts, poles, water and chemical tanks, exterior doors and window boxes. Yellow-cedarBigleaf Maple[Fact sheet] An attractive wood, bigleaf maple is popular for higher value, appearance-grade applications, such as flooring, furniture and interior millwork. Bigleaf Maple
Red Alder[Fact sheet] An increasingly popular hardwood, it is used for furniture, flooring, millwork, and decorative applications including craft products. Red AlderTrembling Aspen[Fact sheet] Commonly used in engineered wood products, including OSB and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Used for headers, joists, beams and planks. Trembling AspenWhite Birch[Fact sheet] Typically used in furniture, cabinets, flooring and other millwork, lumber and in veneer and plywood applications. White Birch

Inspire

Explore case studies, videos and continuing education units (CEUs) in this section.  The Building Green with Wood Toolkit provides resources for addressing green building rating systems.  Further information includes details of B.C.'s Wood First Policy, third-party forest certification and how wood can help mitigate climate change.

TIP: To access free technical advice on the use of wood in mid-rise and non-residential structures, click on "Technical Advisors", at the top of this page.  

Mid-rise and Non-residential Case Studies

Cross-laminated Timber in B.C.[PDF] This case study provides an introduction to cross-laminated timber (CLT) including a product description and an outline of projects including the Dowling residence in West Vancouver.Cross-laminated Timber in B.C.Trout Lake Ice Rink and Percy Norman Aquatic Centre[PDF] Two dramatic and impressive Vancouver, B.C.-based recreational projects are outlined in this case study, which includes photos, diagrams and technical details. Trout Lake Ice Rink and Percy Norman Aquatic CentreJohn M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse[PDF] This case study features a floating structure in British Columbia that was fabricated off site.  Details include photos, diagrams and technical details.  John M.S. Lecky UBC BoathouseRichmond Olympic Oval[PDF] The case study outlines the innovative way lumber and plywood were used together to create one of the world's largest clearspan all-wood roof structure located in Richmond, B.C.   Richmond Olympic Oval
Wood in Education[PDF] Healthy, durable and naturally beautiful, wood enhances our learning environments both physically and psychologically.  Wood in EducationWood in Transportation[PDF] This case study shows that, internationally, the choice of wood for building bridges, transit stations and airports goes back a long way. Wood in TransportationMid-Rise Construction in British Columbia[PDF] This case study, based on the Remy project in Richmond, B.C. includes a historical context, technical details, sustainability and affordability information and future opportunities.  Mid-Rise Construction in British ColumbiaAvalon Anaheim Stadium[PDF] This California based luxury apartment complex, with its five-storey wood-frame construction, is described with a focus on its cost savings and carbon-reduction advantages.   Avalon Anaheim Stadium
Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center[PDF] The structural renovation of this medical centre used wood panels for interior and exterior partitions, and a roof structure of wood trusses and engineered wood joists.Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment CenterEl Dorado High School[PDF] Built soon after a change in the Arkansas legislation that allowed wood in school construction, this school's use of wood saved an estimated $2.7 million, while meeting all code requirements.  El Dorado High SchoolFondaction[PDF] The tallest of its kind in North America, this building's six-storey structure required a performance-based code variance to exceed Quebec's four-storey maximum for wood buildings.  FondactionLibrary Square[PDF]  This Kamloops, B.C. mixed-use development includes five stories of wood-frame housing - with over 150 condominium units - over a library and retail space.  Library Square
Hamilton & Oyster River Fire Halls[PDF] The reasons wood was selected for the construction of these public facilities in British Columbia included cost-effectiveness, green design, and structural performance in the case of natural disaster. Hamilton & Oyster River Fire Halls

Videos


British Columbia wood. Sustainable by Nature. Innovative by Design.[Video] Wood explored in many structural applications: 'Sawdust' explores the endless potential and creativity of wood as a building material.  British Columbia wood. Sustainable by Nature. Innovative by Design.Introducing Cross-laminated Timber to North America[Video] Commentary from technical experts, manufacturers, architects and leaders in the building community regarding their experience with CLT.Introducing Cross-laminated Timber to North AmericaWood in Airports[Video] The warmth, versatility and durability of wood led to the specification of wood for the Prince George, B.C., Ottawa, ON and Raleigh-Durham, SC airports.Wood in AirportsWood in Education[Video] This video explores how wood was used as a structural building material in three educational facilities in British Columbia.Wood in Education
Wood in Human Health[Video] Evidence-based design points to the use of wood to promote health and well-being in health care facilities. This video features two care facilities and a hospital expansion in British Columbia.  Wood in Human HealthWood in Transportation[Video] Highlighting structural design and transportation, this video features the Brentwood Town Centre Station, Lansdowne Station and the Kingsway Pedestrian Bridge in B.C.Wood in TransportationBringing the Outside In - The Hillcrest Aquatic Centre[Video] This pool in Vancouver features a solid wood roof supported on Douglas-fir glulam beams that span up to 130 ft (43 m) across the main pool area.  Bringing the Outside In - The Hillcrest Aquatic CentreUnconventional Thinking - Vancouver Convention Centre[Video] The architect and designer for the Vancouver Convention Centre give us more background into the new design of this truly beautiful building.Unconventional Thinking - Vancouver Convention Centre
Green Roof, Gold Medals - Richmond Olympic Oval[Video] The architects and engineers behind the development of the Oval talk on their inspiration for choosing wood as the building material for this project.Green Roof, Gold Medals - Richmond Olympic Oval

Education

Follow the CEU links and find out how to earn continuing education credits (AIA + GBCI + SD) as you learn.
CEU: Materials Matter (Part 1 of 3)[Online CEU] This educational unit is part one of a three-part series documenting the environmental footprint of wood, concrete, and steel.CEU: Materials Matter (Part 1 of 3)CEU: Materials in Action (Part 2 of 3)[Online CEU] Part two of the three-part series covers the differences between wood, steel, and concrete, and their performance during the building operations phase. CEU: Materials in Action (Part 2 of 3)CEU: A Natural Choice (Part 3 of 3)[Online CEU] The third of the three-part CEU series covers the definition of sustainability, defined by the UN and wood’s contribution to green building. CEU: A Natural Choice (Part 3 of 3)CEU: Wood Rates - How Wood Products Stack Up in Green Building Systems[Online CEU] This CEU covers the renewable aspects of wood, and describes how wood receives credits in green building systems. CEU: Wood Rates - How Wood Products Stack Up in Green Building Systems
CEU: Multi-Story Wood ConstructionThis educational unit discusses how multi-story wood construction is a cost effective and sustainable solution in today's housing market. CEU: Multi-Story Wood ConstructionCEU: Wood Scores A+ in School Construction[Online CEU] This CEU covers the use of wood as a structural and finish material in schools, including the effects of wood on human health and well-being.CEU: Wood Scores A+ in School ConstructionCEU: Environmental Product Declarations[Online CEU] This CEU is a primer on using environmental product declarations (EPDs) to document the use of renewable materials in construction. CEU: Environmental Product Declarations

Building Green with Wood Toolkit

A resource when considering building rating systems, codes and any other "green"-related initiatives.

Modules

Key Elements of Green Design [PDF] This module discusses the role of wood in the design and construction of structures that use less energy, water and resources and that minimize the impact on health and the environment. Key Elements of Green DesignLife Cycle Assessment[PDF] This module provides life cycle assessment tools to help designers understand and measure the impacts building product choices have on the environment.Life Cycle AssessmentEnergy Conservation[PDF] This module outlines how energy conservation, through the use of wood, is key to green building design. Energy ConservationResource Conservation [PDF ] This module outlines how the choice of materials contributes to the conservation of resources, and minimizes a project’s environmental impact. Resource Conservation
Durability and Adaptability [PDF] This module discusses strategies for designing buildings for maximum flexibility, durability and adaptability, in order to extend their service life. Durability and AdaptabilityHealth and Well-being [PDF] This module covers the importance of designing buildings that promote physical health and psychological well-being through materials choices, indoor air quality and humidity control. Health and Well-beingSocial and Economic Sustainability [PDF] This module describes how green design contributes to improved energy performance, well-being of occupants, increased resale values and other social and economic factors. Social and Economic SustainabilityTransportation Effects [PDF] This module discusses the environmental factors and other life-cycle costs related to sourcing a building’s components including the distance and mode of transport. Transportation Effects
Climate Change [PDF] Trees are essential in efforts to mitigate climate change, and this module describes the contributions of using wood products from sustainable forests. Climate ChangeForest Practices in Canada [PDF] This module provides an overview of Canada's sustainable forest practices, and the country’s strict environmental regulations. Forest Practices in CanadaGreen Building Tools [PDF] This module outlines sustainable building practice tools, including green product labelling, environmental rating systems, LCA software, and more. Green Building ToolsLinks to Information Sources [PDF] This module lists websites and online publications that provide further info on green design. Links to Information Sources

Green Building Rating System Wood Specification Sheets

Acoustics [PDF] This spec sheet discusses the acoustical advantages of wood, and how to include acoustical performance into an architectural design. AcousticsCertified Wood [PDF] This spec sheet explains why sustainable wood certification matters and provides resources for including certified wood in a project. Certified WoodConstruction Waste Management[PDF] This spec sheet discusses the recycling/reuse advantages of using wood-based materials in construction.  Construction Waste ManagementDurability [PDF] This spec sheet explains how wood building envelopes can offer durability, reduce operating costs, and contribute to a healthier building. Durability
Indoor Air Quality[PDF] This spec sheet demonstrates how wood, as a low-emitting material, can make a positive contribution to indoor air quality, and provides guidelines for specifying low-VOC materials.Indoor Air QualityLife Cycle Assessment [PDF] This spec sheet discusses how life cycle assessment (LCA) can be considered to determine a project’s full environmental impact and outlines the carbon-neutral advantages of wood.  Life Cycle AssessmentLocally Produced Materials[PDF] This spec sheet explains how locally-produced materials are often best-suited to a project and provides resources to specify locally-produced wood.  Locally Produced MaterialsPassive Design and Framing Techniques[PDF] This spec sheet provides procedures and resources on wood-based passive design and discusses how passive design can minimize energy consumption and improve comfort.  Passive Design and Framing Techniques
Recycled Materials[PDF] This spec sheet provides strategies and resources on how to include wood-based recycled content into a building’s design which can reduce environmental impact and add value.  Recycled MaterialsSalvaged Materials[PDF] This spec sheet describes how salvaged, refurbished and remanufactured wood products can add character, aesthetics and value to a design.Salvaged Materials

Innovate

To help you design and build innovative structures with B.C. wood products, this section provides links to suppliers and technical advisors.  Find information on wood performance and maintenance guidelines related to strength, durability, adaptability, energy efficiency, fire and seismic.

Engineered Wood Products


A Guide to Engineered Wood Products[PDF] This guide offers technical information and guidance on using engineered wood products in many kinds of construction projects.A Guide to Engineered Wood ProductsEngineered Wood Construction Guide[PDF] This guide offers examples, technical information and specs for floor, wall, and roof systems, diaphragms, shear walls, fire-rated systems and more.Engineered Wood Construction GuidePlywood Design Fundamentals[PDF] This technical guide offers engineering details on plywood's grades and uses including span tables and info on plywood's applications in construction.Plywood Design FundamentalsCross Laminated Timber: a Primer[PDF] This booklet is a compilation of info on cross-laminated timber (CLT), how it's manufactured and used, and its strength, versatility, fire safety and seismic performance.Cross Laminated Timber: a Primer
APA - The Engineered Wood Association[Website] The APA's website is a rich source of information on engineered wood products, educational resources and a list of APA members and manufacturers.APA - The Engineered Wood AssociationBC Wood Specialities Group[Website] The BC Wood website is a resource for specifiers and buyers, providing trade programs, services, a wood supply network, market intelligence, educational resources and more.BC Wood Specialities GroupCertiWood[Website] CertiWood's website offers a wealth of technical information on plywood and other engineered wood products, and is a source of free technical expertise. CertiWood

Western Red Cedar


How to Specify Western Red Cedar[PDF] This guide includes technical specs, grade details and span tables, and project photos of western red cedar used in siding, trim, timbers, decking and fencing.How to Specify Western Red CedarHow to Finish Western Red Cedar[PDF] This illustrated brochure offers guidance on interior and exterior finishing for western red cedar.  How to Finish Western Red CedarWestern Red Cedar Designer Handbook[PDF] This booklet for designers and specifiers outlines the features and properties of western red cedar, with information on sizes, grades, strength and other physical properties.Western Red Cedar Designer HandbookWestern Red Cedar Lumber Association[Website] This website offers  comprehensive western red cedar product and technical info, advisory services, and more.Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
New Roof Construction Manual[PDF] This  manual and accompanying video offers instruction on the installation and maintenance of cedar shake and shingle roofs.New Roof Construction ManualExterior and Interior Wall Manual[PDF] This manual provides information and application suggestions on the use of cedar shakes and shingles on exterior and interior walls.Exterior and Interior Wall ManualCedar Shake and Shingle Bureau[Website] This website provides information for purchasers, installers, and public and building code officials on shake and shingle products.  Cedar Shake and Shingle BureauBC Shake and Shingle Association[Website] This website is a resource on shingle products, their use and application, including videos, a photo gallery and background on green building.BC Shake and Shingle Association
BC Wood Specialties Group[Website] This website is a resource for specifiers and buyers, providing trade programs, services, a wood supply network, market intelligence, educational resources and more.BC Wood Specialties GroupCoast Forest Products Association[Website] This website offers technical information on western red cedar, including usage recommendations and resources.  Coast Forest Products Association

Wood Design and Performance


FPInnovations, Forintek Division[Website] This website provides the latest info on Canadian wood products, building systems, codes and standards, and publications and software about wood products.FPInnovations, Forintek DivisionCanadian Wood Council[Website] This website is an educational resource on building with wood, including building code information, case studies and wood design software.Canadian Wood CouncilWoodWORKS! BC[Website] This website offers B.C. examples of wood-based projects, technical info, access to technical expertise and green building resources.WoodWORKS! BCWoodWorks US[Website] This site offers U.S. examples of wood-based projects, technical info and green building resources. It includes design guides and standards, educational resources and presentations.WoodWorks US
Close

Contact Us

Technical Advisors

Suite 1200, 1130 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6A 4A4
Tel: (604) 685-7507
Toll-Free: 1-866-992-2266
Email: info@naturallywood.com
Order Toolkit

Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Construction Projects and Building Systems

British Columbia: WoodWORKS! BC
Canada: Canadian Wood Council
United States: WoodWorks US

Specific Products/Species

Engineered Wood
(glulam, panels, I-joists, etc)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
CertiWood

Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau
Close

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Privacy Statement

This disclaimer/privacy statement discloses the policies and practices for the naturallywood.com Internet website, operated by Forestry Innovation Investment. Questions regarding this statement should be directed to the Help Desk by e-mail: info@bcfii.ca.

Sharing of Information

Information You Explicitly Provide via E-News Sign Up Form:

We make available information by email. Subscription to our email list is optional and requires your consent via our news release form.

Information We Automatically Collect:

The information collected by naturallywood.com will be used for the website's information only. The information Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. (FII) collects will not be used to create customer profiles based on browsing history. We will not supplement information collected at our website with data from other sources.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

References in this website to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise do not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by FII.

Although every attempt has been made to ensure its accuracy, FII does not make any warranties or representations concerning the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained in the product directory. FII is not responsible for, and makes no express or implied representations or warranties, concerning the products, services and information of the companies listed.

External Links

We may include links to other sites, but FII accepts no responsibilities for the privacy policies and content of those sites. Generally, we will let you know when a link goes to another site.

Disclaimer of Hyperlinks

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by FII of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained in them. For other than authorized FII activities, FII does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of FII and the naturallywood.com website.

Warranty Disclaimer

This Web site and all of the information it contains are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. All implied warranties, including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement, are hereby expressly disclaimed. Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) further does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of the materials at this site. FII may make changes to the materials at this site at any time without notice. The materials at this site may be out of date, and FII makes no commitment to update the materials at this site.

Limitation of Liabilities

Under no circumstances will Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) be liable to any person or business entity for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or other damages based on any use of this Web site or any other Web site to which this site is linked, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business interruption, or loss of programs or information, even if FII has been specifically advised of the possibility of such damages.

Links to Other Websites

Links to third party Web sites on this site are provided solely as a convenience to you. If you use these links, you will leave this site. Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) has not reviewed all of these third party sites and does not control and is not responsible for any of these sites or their content. Thus, FII does not endorse or make any representations about them, or any information, software or other products or materials found there, or any results that may be obtained from using them. If you decide to access any of the third party sites linked to this site, you do this entirely at your own risk.

Your Acceptance of These Terms

By using this Web site, you signify your assent to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use this Web site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, add, or remove portions of this policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of this Web site following the posting of changes to these terms means you accept the changes.
Close

Your Saved Items

Close