Here’s Why Builders Won’t Abandon Wood Framing Anytime Soon

Builders are holding on to traditional wood framing methods in construction despite lumber prices hovering near a record high, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders in conjunction with Wells Fargo. 

Four out of five builders polled in the June 2021 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey say a lack of experienced workers and subcontractors is a significant barrier to switching away from wood framing, the dominant residential construction method for new single-family homes in the US.  After that, the cost of materials is the second biggest constraint cited by 42% of builders. An additional 25% of builders said the costs of re-designing and re-engineering homes to conform to a new construction method, as well buyer resistance and difficulties obtaining inspections and approvals from local building departments would preclude them from switching from traditional wood framing.