Q2 2025 - 2025 Q2 Softwood Lumber Board Newsletter (English-Investor)

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EDUCATION
HIGHLIGHTS

WOODWORKS
HIGHLIGHTS

THINK WOOD
HIGHLIGHTS

AWC
HIGHLIGHTS

Q2 HIGHLIGHTS

SLB
Feature Story

NAVIGATION

In Q2 of 2025, the Softwood Lumber Board advanced a strategic approach to drive long-term demand for lumber—leveraging education, code advancements, project support, and compelling content to protect, expand, and diversify markets. Continued industry support is essential to sustain this momentum and build on the measurable impact of SLB’s programs to date.

2025

REPORT

Scroll to Read the Report

Q2 HIGHLIGHTS

Prioritizing Growth Opportunities

= Total Market

= Target Market Share

= Current Market Share

Hover below to see why each segment has potential to drive new lumber demand.

The SLB will prioritize high-growth segments that can be leveraged for faster adoption.

Incremental Opportunity

178 MM BF

Warehouses

15%

Incremental Opportunity

203 MM BF

Education

11%

35%

Incremental Opportunity

299 MM BF

Office & Banks

57%

65%

Incremental Opportunity

307 MM BF

Multifamily 5-8

23%

67%

Incremental Opportunity

414 MM BF

Commercial

87%

95%

Incremental Opportunity

670 MM BF

Multifamily 1-4

Representing

of Construction

MM
SF

Projects Influenced YTD

714

Q2 INCREMENTAL LUMBER DEMAND GENERATED

Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FROM INCREASING LUMBER USE

MILLION

BOARD FEET OF INCREMENTAL DEMAND.

Hybrid Light-Frame & Mass Timber

Mass Timber

Light-Frame

Which Equals a Total Carbon Benefit of

1,070,000

Metric Tons of CO₂

Metric Tons of CO₂Avoided

Metric Tons of CO₂Stored

438

753 MM BF toward
the 1,510 MM BF
2025 goal.

Building Segment Priorities

178

Warehouse

203

Education

299

Office
& Banks

414

Commercial

307

Multifamily 5-8

670

Multifamily 1-4

Since 2012, the SLB has helped generate more than 16 billion board feet (BBF) of incremental lumber demand, returning 86 board feet for every dollar invested. Analysis shows that without the SLB’s efforts, softwood lumber use in the U.S. would have been 3.5% lower.

Now, with diversification in broader construction markets and growing demand for environmentally responsible building materials, the SLB has outlined a focused strategy to add 2.9 BBF in new annual lumber demand by 2035. The approach builds on existing momentum in key,
high-growth market segments—multifamily, affordable housing, education, offices, and warehouses—where lumber offers strong economic and environmental value propositions.

The SLB’s plan sets realistic growth targets in market share within segments where gains are achievable at the current level of investment. The focus is on execution: maintaining what works, adapting to new opportunities, and delivering measurable demand growth.

At the same time, the SLB’s strategy recognizes and addresses intensifying competition from other building materials, whose campaigns are challenging lumber’s benefits and seeking to influence upcoming building code cycles. The SLB’s funded programs—including WoodWorks, the AWC, Think Wood, and SLB Education—are responding with coordinated efforts to strengthen technical support, defend and accelerate adoption of building codes, and improve awareness of wood’s environmental, economic, and performance advantages.

In a contested materials landscape, the SLB’s next-phase strategy presents
a clear and data-driven path to sustained market protection, diversification, and growth.

Projects such as the eight-story 1430 Q in Sacramento show that
light-frame construction has the potential to reach new heights.
Photo Credit: Greg Folkins Photography

The SLB’s “Niche to Mainstream” Strategy to drive

2.9 BBF in New Annual Lumber Demand by 2035

SLB-Supported Accelerators Help

Grow Wood’s Market Share in 2025

Georgia’s Mass Timber Accelerator, managed by the Georgia Forestry Foundation, is providing direct funding and technical support to three active projects. The accelerator launched a new call for applications and is expanding into key urban centers through its Mass Timber Hubs initiative. These educational hubs in cities throughout Georgia, developed in partnership with WoodWorks, aim to engage local design and construction professionals to share success stories, discuss lessons learned, and grow momentum ahead of the June 30 application deadline.

Building on these successes, the SLB is encouraging more cities to apply for funding and support to launch their own accelerators, positioning wood structural systems as a key solution for sustainable, scalable, and affordable development across the United States.

In 2025, the SLB is expanding its accelerator program initiative to drive innovation in wood construction with a focus on affordability and housing access. Building on the success of programs in Boston, Georgia, and New York City—launched in partnership with the USDA Forest Service—the SLB is now exploring collaborations with cities in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, and Washington, D.C.

In New York, two projects from the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s 2024 Mass Timber Studio have moved toward construction: the Walter Gladwin Recreation Center and a Brooklyn Public Library branch, both expected to break ground in 2025. A second round of applications for the program closed in April, and the SLB and program partners have reviewed and selected finalists. One of the finalists has been selected to construct 500 new mixed-income housing units on Staten Island, becoming one of the largest mass timber residential development projects with affordable housing in the entire country.

Accelerator Cities Program

Hear From Industry Leaders

Light-Frame Education & Support

Jump to these stories.

Want to read more SLB stories?

1500 Waters from Algoma in Savannah was one of three projects selected for the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator. Photo Credit: Algoma

In a move to inspire the next generation of builders and decision-makers, SLB Education provided 25 conference passes to Vancouver, Washington–area school administrators, principals, and high school seniors. Their visit was led by Esther Liu, CEO of LSW Architects—known for designing the landmark Carbon12 project—who is now championing the use of mass timber in school design. The field trip underscored the conference’s role not just as a professional hub, but as a catalyst for broader community engagement and education in sustainable construction.

Attracting more than 3,000 architects, developers, engineers, and builders, the International Mass Timber Conference has become the go-to event for professionals exploring the future of wood construction. Shaped by WoodWorks’ leadership in programming, this year’s agenda spotlighted emerging project types and trends—including K–12 schools, data centers, and innovations in insurance—highlighting the real-world opportunities for mass timber.

Think Wood supported the event with a booth featuring continuing education tools and resources, giving attendees a way to deepen their knowledge beyond the conference. Together, WoodWorks and Think Wood continue to play a pivotal role in accelerating adoption of wood design.

Engineering faculty from across the country gained hands-on experience in teaching light-frame and mass timber design during Clemson’s Timber Design Faculty Development Workshop.

Two faculty development workshops this spring, funded by the SLB and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, equipped 51 professors from 46 universities across 25 states with new tools to advance wood design education in architecture and engineering programs. Nearly 100 applicants vied for the spots, indicating strong demand for more timber-focused instruction at architecture and engineering programs.

At Auburn University, 25 architecture faculty participated in a three-day forest-to-frame workshop led by Leers Weinzapfel Associates and Auburn’s Mass Timber Collaborative. The program paired classroom content with mill tours, CLT production site visits, and in-depth case-study walkthroughs.

At Clemson University, 26 engineering faculty engaged in a two-and-a-half-day session focused on wood design and instruction strategies. Participants toured Clemson’s mass timber buildings, observed full-scale glulam tests, and left with syllabus-aligned content. The results were dramatic: Post-event surveys for SLB Education’s faculty workshops show 68% of attendees plan to significantly expand timber content in their curricula, reaching an average of 81 students each. Before the Clemson workshop, only 14% felt prepared to teach wood; afterward, 81% did.

A third construction management-focused session is scheduled for Q4 at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, continuing
SLB Education’s classroom-to-market strategy.

EDUCATION FEATURE

Faculty Workshops Fast-Track Timber Instruction at Auburn and Clemson

STORY 3 of 3

Students in the SLB-funded Advanced Timber Design course at UCSD designed and built wood structures strong enough to hold at least 1,000 pounds.

While architecture students have multiple opportunities to explore lumber’s potential through SLB-backed design competitions and studio sponsorships, engineering programs have been harder to reach due to heavy course loads and theory-focused curricula. That changed this spring at UC San Diego, where the Jacobs School of Engineering launched Advanced Timber Design, a new master’s-level course made possible by SLB funding.

Over the semester, 23 students studied structural timber systems and took part in a hands-on design-build challenge: design and construct wood structures strong enough to hold at least 1,000 pounds. The final test—adding sandbags in 50-pound increments until failure—drew a crowd, with awards for strength, efficiency, and creativity.

After testing, students disassembled their projects and repurposed the materials into bookshelves, desks, and other items to take home. Faculty say the course helped students better understand wood’s potential in real-world applications. The SLB and UCSD are planning a regional design-build showdown for 2026, with more engineering schools expected to take part. Read more about the course in UCSD’s online magazine.

EDUCATION FEATURE

Engineering a New Path for Timber Education

STORY 2 of 3

The immersive experience gives users a 360-degree walk-through of
mass timber projects, highlighting structural details, fabrication processes,
and on-site assembly with guided narration.

Architecture students across the Pacific Northwest recently explored full-scale mass timber buildings—without leaving campus. At the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) West Quad Conference, hosted by the University of Idaho, attendees tested the SLB’s new virtual reality teaching tool. The immersive module takes users through mass timber projects in 360 degrees, highlighting structural details, fabrication processes, and on-site assembly with guided narration.

Designed to address faculty concerns around field trip logistics and access to local examples, the tool offers a flexible alternative to in-person site visits. The experience is now in use at Kent State University, with a unit headed to the University of Minnesota this fall. Additional deployments are planned for the AIAS Midwest and Northeast Quad conferences.

The initiative expands the SLB’s educational partnerships and supports future specifiers with practical, scalable learning. If you know of stakeholders interested in piloting the program, contact Director of Education Reed Kelterborn.

EDUCATION FEATURE

Virtual Timber: The SLB’s VR Tool Brings Construction Sites to the Classroom

STORY 1 of 3

California College of Arts | Studio Gang |
Photo Credit: Jason O’Rear

Faculty Workshops Fast-Track Timber Instruction at Auburn and Clemson

While architecture students have multiple opportunities to explore wood’s potential through SLB-backed design competitions and studio sponsorships, engineering programs have been harder to reach due to heavy course loads and theory-focused curricula.

Engineering a New Path
for Timber Education

Architecture students across the Pacific Northwest recently explored full-scale mass timber buildings—without leaving campus.

Virtual Timber: The SLB’s VR Tool Brings Construction Sites to the Classroom

SLB Education seeks to change the way we build by instilling practitioners, institutions, educators, and emerging professionals with knowledge of and preference for wood building solutions.

SLB Education Faculty Workshop |
Photo Credit: Leers Weinzapfel Associates

click below to hear from the SLB Investors

Brad Thorlakson
Former SLB Board of Directors Executive Chairman,
Tolko Industries

Jérôme Pelletier
First Vice Chair,
SLB Board of Directors
Vice President, Sawmill Division, J.D. Irving

Caroline Dauzat
Chair Emeritus,
SLB Board of Directors
Owner, Rex Lumber

Marc Brinkmeyer
Chair Emeritus,
SLB Board of Directors
Owner, Idaho Forest Group

Marc Brinkmeyer, Chair Emeritus, SLB Board
of Directors, Owner, Idaho Forest Group

It's through the Softwood Lumber Board that we've had the opportunity to have a combined marketing effort of all of our species from a building component perspective. The cost of building is still too high. As we look at what automation, creativity, and AI will be able to bring us in the future, all of those things can manifest themselves through the Softwood Lumber Board, the AWC, Woodworks, Think Wood and our Education arm.
The Softwood Lumber Board is our future.

Working Together to Drive

the Industry Forward

SLB investors across the country are working together to help protect and grow markets for lumber. Hear from leaders in every region about why continued investment in the SLB matters—and how a unified industry
voice is driving real impact in education, codes, and market development.
Find more on the SLB’s Why It Works page.

1500 Waters from Algoma in Savannah was one of three projects selected for the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator. Photo Credit: Algoma

A national engineering firm’s upload of 12 wood projects to the WoodWorks Innovation Network—all completed without direct support—offers clear proof that the WoodWorks strategy to scale demand is working.

The firm has 152 staff in the WoodWorks database across 21 states, and those employees have collectively attended 678 WoodWorks education events. WoodWorks has directly supported 14 projects with the firm, each initiated by different teams across the country. On average, supported contacts engaged in four events and five interactions with WoodWorks staff.

Notably, the supported contacts represent just 8% of the firm’s overall event attendance. The remaining participants are applying what they’ve learned independently—leading to projects WoodWorks may never see unless they’re uploaded to WIN. The 12 recent uploads total 2.8 million square feet of wood construction—likely just a fraction of the firm’s activity.

This promising outcome illustrates how WoodWorks can create lasting, self-sustaining demand for wood well beyond directly supported projects.

WOODWORKS FEATURE

Engineering Firm Turns WoodWorks Training Into 2.8 MM Sq. Ft. of Wood Projects

STORY 1 of 3

A 285-unit, 286,000-square-foot student housing project at the Colorado School of Mines was recently added to the WoodWorks Innovation Network.
Mines Park Housing | Rendering Credit: SAR+ Architects

Student housing continues to be a growth area for lumber construction, with groups like Urban Land Institute and Dodge forecasting a strong year for the segment. Through Q2, WoodWorks has supported a steady stream of new student housing projects—many using light-frame wood systems or hybrid approaches that combine light-frame with mass timber.

In Utah, WoodWorks supported an architect designing a 350,000-square-foot 5-over-1 project on fire design, including guidance on concealed spaces.
In Texas, WoodWorks helped designers of a 330,000-square-foot 5-over-2 development on a sloped site develop a hybrid solution with light-frame and mass timber to meet height restrictions.
An architect designing a 359,000-square-foot project in Arkansas received light-frame structural design support.
In Pennsylvania, a 94,000-square-foot Type V-A residence hall began construction after WoodWorks provided design support for the building’s light-frame construction with CLT elevator and stair shaft walls.

Projects like these show how lumber-based building systems remain a go-to solution across regions. If the trend continues, 2025 could be a record year for new projects in the student housing category, with WoodWorks potentially supporting 34 new projects representing 6 million square feet of new construction. Year to date, WoodWorks has converted 190 projects: 67% light-frame, 9% light-frame/mass timber hybrids, and 24% mass timber.

WOODWORKS FEATURE

Student Housing a Strong Performer in 2025

STORY 2 of 3

The five-story 154 Broadway shows how hybrid light-frame and mass timber construction can meet the stringent energy efficiency requirements of Passive House certification for multifamily housing,
Photo Credit: Jane Messinger; Utile, Inc.

Nine projects demonstrating the versatility and repeatability of wood design across a range of building types took top honors at the 2025 Wood in Architecture (WiA) Awards, announced at this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture. From a Passive House multifamily light-frame/mass timber hybrid in Massachusetts to a bilingual school in Washington, the winners reflect how wood can meet performance, sustainability, and aesthetic goals across diverse building types.

The award program is a key part of WoodWorks’ strategy to drive scale—spotlighting emerging wood users who go on to deliver exemplary projects that inspire others. Winners are widely promoted and often become local champions, hosting tours, and sharing lessons learned.

The WiA Awards also strengthen the WoodWorks Innovation Network (WIN) by surfacing quality projects and providing early insight into emerging design trends.
As President and CEO Jennifer Cover noted, these buildings demonstrate wood’s potential “in applications that designers can repeat and build upon,” advancing the broader adoption of wood. Check out the winners here.

WOODWORKS FEATURE

Scalable Wood Design Showcased in
Award-Winning Projects

STORY 3 of 3

42XX Marina del Ray | RIOS |
Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov | ArchExplorer

A national engineering firm’s upload of 12 wood projects to WIN—
all completed without direct support—offers clear proof that the WoodWorks strategy to scale demand is working.

Engineering Firm Turns WoodWorks Training Into 2.8 MM Sq. Ft. of Wood Projects

Student housing continues to be a growth area for wood construction, with groups like Urban Land Institute and
Dodge forecasting a strong year for the segment.

Student Housing a Strong Performer for Wood in 2025

Scalable Wood Design Showcased
in Award-Winning Projects

WoodWorks is the AEC+D community’s go-to resource for commercial and multifamily woodbuilding design, engineering, and construction. It works to support AEC+D professionals with free one-on-one project assistance, continuing education, design tools, and on-demand resources, with the goal of converting more projects to wood.

42XX Marina del Ray | RIOS |
Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov | ArchExplorer

Rivers Edge Apartments | Kitchen & Associates, KPFF, McAlvain Construction.
Photo Credit: Idaho Airships

Demand Grows for Light-Frame

Wood Education and Support

Light-frame construction remains a go-to solution for mid-rise buildings—and one of the most common project types supported by WoodWorks.
Over the past six years, 74% of WoodWorks-assisted projects have used light-frame systems, with 67% of reported Q2 projects falling into this category.

WoodWorks continues to meet demand with technical support, project guidance, and targeted education. Its recent three-part webinar series focused on key topics for larger and taller light-frame buildings: unit layout efficiency, exterior wall engineering, and high-performance envelopes.
The sessions drew 6,240 participants, with strong engagement from both architects and engineers.

Online interest tells a similar story: 70% of the 20 most-viewed expert tip articles on the WoodWorks website focus on light-frame wood, generating more than 96,000 views in the past year. As more teams explore the value propositions of lumber, demand for trusted guidance continues to position WoodWorks as a leading resource for light-frame solutions.

Think Wood’s case study featuring Africatown Plaza highlights
both the value and versatility of light-frame structural systems.
Photo Credit: David Baker Architects

A recent Think Wood case study highlights the value and affordability of light-frame construction through Africatown Plaza, a seven-story, 126-unit affordable housing project in Seattle designed by David Baker Architects and GGLO. Built with conventional wood framing over a concrete podium, the project demonstrates how strategic structural choices can free up budget for design features and community-focused amenities.

Savings from the light-frame system funded high-quality finishes, outdoor gathering spaces, and a distinctive corner plaza shaped by community input. A curved façade—achieved through segmented, repeatable light-frame modules—offered visual impact while remaining practical to build.

“Wood-frame construction is the value leader,” said DBA Principal Daniel Simons.
“It usually ends up being what we do.”

According to Forest Economic Advisors, the United States is underbuilt by 4 million housing units, with home prices now over 7x median income. Case studies like Africatown encourage more design teams to turn to light-frame wood construction to boost speed, affordability, and value.

THINK WOOD FEATURE

Think Wood Case Study Showcases
Light-Frame’s Affordability Advantage

STORY 1 of 3

Think Wood’s annual Intent to Specify survey shows that campaign engagement continues to influence how likely users are to specify wood structural systems.
Among highly engaged users, 72% said Think Wood resources increased their likelihood of specifying wood—an 11% year-over-year gain.

In Q2, Think Wood drove high engagement through compelling storytelling and case studies in building segments that also represent opportunities for incremental lumber demand growth:

Multifamily housing, both market rate and affordable (+1.2 BBF annual
demand potential)
Education (+203 MM BF demand potential)
Commercial office (+299 MM BF demand potential)

The most engaging Q2 content remained project profiles. The two most popular stories were Africatown Plaza, an innovative light-frame affordable housing complex in Seattle, and Frame 122, one of the first mass timber multifamily buildings in New York City, with the developer planning more. Such case studies provide proof of
how wood systems can be used in commercial-scale projects of all sizes, which is one of the reasons that higher engagement with Think Wood content leads to more wood use.

THINK WOOD FEATURE

Think Wood Engagement Drives Higher
Intent to Specify Wood

STORY 2 of 3

A promotional clip from a Think Wood video case study that
offers an immersive look at Southstone Yards in Frisco, Texas.

Mass timber can help office projects stand out in a competitive leasing market—an attribute demonstrated by two recent Think Wood case studies. The case studies illustrate how design teams are using wood to differentiate their projects and offer warm, biophilic spaces that appeal to today’s tenants.

In Los Angeles, 42XX, a creative mass timber–steel hybrid office designed by RIOS, uses exposed wood to bring texture and warmth to the workplace. “Mass timber became central to our vision,” said RIOS Creative Director Mark Motonaga. “Its tactile quality resonates deeply, creating a place that feels less corporate and more connected to its surroundings.”

In Frisco, Texas, Southstone Yards—a seven-story spec office developed by Crow Holdings and designed by Duda|Paine and Gensler—leveraged mass timber’s sustainability profile to secure a full-building lease with Toyota Financial Services.
A Think Wood video case study offers an immersive look at the project.

Office and bank buildings represent major growth potential for wood, offering nearly 300 MM BF of incremental demand opportunity if market share increases from 11%
to 35%.

THINK WOOD FEATURE

Think Wood Highlights Office Projects
That Stand Out

STORY 3 of 3

Africatown Plaza | David Baker Architects + GGLO |
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

Think Wood Case Study Showcases Light-Frame’s Affordability Advantage

Think Wood’s annual Intent to Specify survey shows that campaign engagement continues to influence how likely users are to specify wood structural systems.

Think Wood Engagement Drives Higher Intent to Specify Wood

Mass timber can help office projects stand out in a competitive leasing market—an attribute demonstrated by two recent Think Wood case studies.

Think Wood Highlights Office Projects
That Stand Out

Think Wood is a communications and education campaign that provides commercial, multifamily, and single-family home design and build resources to architects, developers, and contractors.

Africatown Plaza | David Baker Architects + GGLO |
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

The New York Climate Exchange’s Climate Hub on Governors Island
was selected for the second cohort of the NYC Mass Timber Studio.
Rendering Credit: New York City Mass Timber Studio | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Accelerator Cities Program Grows Momentum

for Lumber in High-Opportunity Markets

The Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator is reviewing applications for a second of supported projects as it partners with WoodWorks to support three projects selected in round one. The program has expanded into new urban centers through Mass Timber Hubs—educational events developed in partnership with WoodWorks to engage local design and construction professionals. Following events earlier this year in Columbus, Savannah, Athens, and Macon, an Atlanta event is scheduled for November 6.

By positioning lumber-based structural systems as a key solution for sustainable, scalable, and affordable development across the United States, the SLB’s Accelerator Cities program is laying the groundwork for broader adoption of wood construction in key markets, helping to drive demand for lumber and grow market share in multifamily and nonresidential construction.

The SLB’s Accelerator Cities program advances innovation in wood design and construction by connecting local officials, federal agencies, non-profits, and building professionals. In Q2, the SLB secured additional funding for the program from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, which has pledged $250,000, joining the USDA Forest Service’s $1 million investment and the SLB’s $500,000. The SLB is expecting to announce collaborations with several new cities in both 2025 and 2026.

These upcoming programs build on $1 million in investments (leveraging $200,000 from the SLB) in approved and active accelerators in Boston, New York City, and Georgia that have directly supported 34 innovative wood projects.

The SLB-supported accelerators in New York City and Georgia reported major progress in Q2. The NYC Mass Timber Studio announced a second cohort of selected projects in August to help catalyze deployment of wood construction throughout New York City. Two of the most ambitious projects are the New York Climate Exchange, projected to be the largest mass timber commercial project in New York City, totaling more than 140,000 square feet, and Stapleton B4/B5 Residential, announced in May, which includes 500 affordable and market rate homes.

1500 Waters from Algoma in Savannah was one of three projects selected for the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator. Photo Credit: Algoma

To help the sector speak with clarity and consistency on complex wildfire topics, the AWC and Working Forests Initiative have released a new wildfire messaging guide, Wildfire Mitigation: Strategy and Values in Action. The resource is designed to align talking points across the forestry and wood products sectors—especially when addressing high-stakes topics such as forest management, fire prevention, and climate impacts.

While the guide covers a wide range of questions, from prescribed burns to home insurance and WUI codes, its core purpose is message discipline: helping coalition members deliver accurate, coordinated responses to reduce confusion and build public trust.

Sample messaging emphasizes the role that the forestry industry plays in wildfire mitigation, including thinning, fuel reduction, and firebreak strategies. It also outlines messaging around home hardening and wildland urban interface codes, both important topics following recent wildfires.

By keeping the sector aligned, the guide helps protect credibility, reinforce key messages, and amplifies the industry's voice in wildfire policy and public conversations. Download the guide here.

AWC FEATURE

The AWC and WFI Release Wildfire Messaging Guide to Support Unified Communications

STORY 3 of 3

Building codes quietly shape the future of construction. They determine which materials are allowed, how they are used, and whether design and construction professionals can choose lumber with confidence. That’s why the AWC’s leadership in the 2027 I-Code development process is one of the most strategically important areas of work for the SLB.

The AWC’s code experts helped ensure that lumber was treated fairly and accurately in the 2027 I-Code development process at the first committee hearing of the year in April. The I-codes form the basis for building safety codes in all 50 U.S. states, so ensuring the codes remain receptive and favorable to wood is a major priority. The hearing resulted in many favorable recommendations for the lumber industry, including:

Protection of mass timber allowances. Unanimous disapproval of an attempt by the concrete and masonry industry and supported by the steel industry to reverse allowance for 100% exposed mass timber ceilings first introduced in the 2024 IBC.
Strengthening technical guidance. Approval of AWC proposals to revise rafter and header span tables for sawn lumber to align with the AWC’s Wood Frame Construction Manual.
New compliance pathway. Approval of an AWC proposal to reference the program’s new Fire Design Specification (FDS) for Wood Construction for requirements for heavy timber to provide an alternative, independent
compliance pathway.

The committee recommendations will undergo further review with potential revisions at the next committee meeting in October. The AWC’s Subcommittee on Codes and Product Evaluation has already met and identified four comments to respond to unfavorable recommendations from the first hearing. The AWC’s work in I-code development is critical to ensuring broad regulatory acceptance of lumber and ensuring model codes reflect the latest available information on safe and appropriate wood use.

AWC FEATURE

The AWC Protects and Grows Opportunities
for Lumber in 2027 Codes

STORY 1 of 3

Children's Day School | Jensen Architects |
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

To help the sector speak with clarity and consistency on complex wildfire topics, the AWC and Working Forests Initiative have released a new wildfire messaging guide.

The AWC and WFI Release Wildfire Messaging Guide to Support Unified Communications

To help building officials permit mass timber projects in jurisdictions that have not yet adopted the latest code provisions, the AWC has released a new National Mass Timber Alternative Materials and Methods (AMM) Guide.

The AWC Releases National Guide to Support Mass Timber Project Approvals

The AWC Protects and Grows Opportunities for Lumber in 2027 Codes

The AWC is the nation’s leading technical authority and advocate for the sustainable wood building products industry in the codes, standards, and sustainability arenas.

Children's Day School | Jensen Architects |
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

If you have any questions about any SLB reports, please email info@softwoodlumberboard.org.

Q2 2025 Report

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2024 Independent Evaluation of the Impact of the SLB

2025 QUARTERLY REPORTS

Q1 2025 Report

Q1 2024 Report

2024 QUARTERLY REPORTS

Q3 2024 Report

Q2 2024 Report

2024 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

Access Past Reports

The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) is an industry-funded initiative established to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products in outdoor, residential, and nonresidential construction. Programs and initiatives supported by the SLB focus on increasing the demand for appearance and softwood lumber products in the United States.

INFO@SOFTWOODLUMBERBOARD.ORG

SOFTWOODLUMBERBOARD.ORG

REPORT

2025

Prioritizing Growth Opportunities

= Total Market

= Target Market Share

= Current Market Share

The SLB will prioritize high-growth segments that can be leveraged for faster adoption.

In warehouses, lumber has substantial potential but high barriers.

In education buildings, wood’s biophilic benefits and warm, inviting atmosphere provide differentiation.

In offices, banks, and data centers, developers can use wood construction to appeal to prospective tenants and investors.

In 5-8 story multifamily, we can increase momentum with hybrid light-frame mass timber solutions.

In commercial, 1 to 2 story retail and restaurants are a good fit for light-frame.

In 1-4 story multifamily, we can capitalize on light-frame’s dominant position.

67%

Light-Frame

24%

Mass Timber

Hybrid Light-Frame
& Mass Timber

753 MM BF toward
the 1,510 MM BF
2025 goal.

BOARD FEET OF INCREMENTAL DEMAND.

MILLION

438

Which Equals a Total Carbon Benefit of

Metric Tons of CO₂

1,070,000

Metric Tons of CO₂Stored

340,000

Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FROM INCREASING LUMBER USE

Metric Tons of CO₂Avoided

730,000

Q2 INCREMENTAL LUMBER DEMAND GENERATED

Q2 HIGHLIGHTS

5.3 MM

2022

Q2 1.4 MM

Q4 1.4 MM

Q3 1.2 MM

Q1 1.3 MM

(Metric Tons of CO2)

4.9 MM

2021

Q2 1.4 MM

Q4 1.2 MM

Q3 1.2 MM

Q1 1.1 MM

Total Carbon Benefit of Previous Years

4.5 MM

2020

Q2 1.1 MM

Q4 1.0 MM

Q3 1.1 MM

Q1 1.2 MM

Representing

of Construction

MM
SF

Projects Influenced YTD

714

Building Segment Priorities

Accelerator Cities Program

Want to read more SLB stories?

Jump to these stories.

Light-Frame Education & Support

Hear from Industry Leaders

Projects such as the eight-story 1430 Q in Sacramento show that
light-frame construction has the potential to reach new heights.
Photo Credit: Greg Folkins Photography

Now, with diversification in broader construction markets and growing demand for environmentally responsible building materials, the SLB has outlined a focused strategy to add 2.9 BBF in new annual lumber demand by 2035. The approach builds on existing momentum in key, high-growth market segments—multifamily, affordable housing, education, offices, and warehouses—where lumber offers strong economic and environmental value propositions.

In a contested materials landscape, the SLB’s next-phase strategy presents a clear and data-driven path to sustained market protection, diversification, and growth.

The SLB’s “Niche to Mainstream” Strategy to drive 2.9 BBF in New Annual Lumber Demand by 2035

SLB Education Faculty Workshop |
Photo Credit: Leers Weinzapfel Associates

STORIES

Virtual Timber: The SLB’s VR
Tool Brings Construction Sites
to the Classroom

Engineering a New Path
for Timber Education

Faculty Workshops Fast-Track Timber Instruction at Auburn and Clemson

ABOUT SLB EDUCATION

SLB Education seeks to change the way we build by instilling practitioners, institutions, educators, and emerging professionals with knowledge of and preference for wood building solutions.

Caroline Dauzat
Chair Emeritus,
SLB Board of Directors
Owner, Rex Lumber

Jérôme Pelletier
First Vice Chair,
SLB Board of Directors
Vice President, Sawmill Division, J.D. Irving

Marc Brinkmeyer
Chair Emeritus,
SLB Board of Directors
Owner, Idaho Forest Group

Brad Thorlakson
Former SLB Board of Directors Executive Chairman,
Tolko Industries

TAP below to hear from
the SLB Investors

Working Together
to Drive
the Industry Forward

42XX Marina del Ray | RIOS | Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov | ArchExplorer

STORIES

Engineering Firm Turns WoodWorks Training Into 2.8 MM Sq. Ft. of Wood Projects

Student Housing a Strong Performer for Wood in 2025

Scalable Wood Design Showcased in Award-Winning Projects

ABOUT WOODWORKS

Rivers Edge Apartments | Kitchen & Associates, KPFF, McAlvain Construction. Photo Credit: Idaho Airships

Light-frame construction remains a go-to solution for mid-rise buildings—and one of the most common project types supported by WoodWorks. Over the past six years, 74% of WoodWorks-assisted projects have used light-frame systems, with 67% of reported Q2 projects falling into this category.

WoodWorks continues to meet demand with technical support, project guidance, and targeted education. Its recent three-part webinar series focused on key topics for larger and taller light-frame buildings: unit layout efficiency, exterior wall engineering, and high-performance envelopes. The sessions drew 6,240 participants, with strong engagement from both architects and engineers.

Demand Grows for Light-Frame
Wood Education
and Support

Africatown Plaza | David Baker Architects + GGLO |
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

STORIES

Think Wood Case Study Showcases Light-Frame’s Affordability Advantage

Think Wood Engagement Drives Higher Intent to Specify Wood

Think Wood Highlights Office Projects That Stand Out

ABOUT THINK WOOD

Think Wood is a communications and education campaign that provides commercial, multifamily,
and single-family home design and build resources to architects, developers, and contractors.

The SLB’s Accelerator Cities program advances innovation in wood design and construction by connecting local officials, federal agencies, non-profits, and building professionals. In Q2, the SLB secured additional funding for the program from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, which has pledged $250,000, joining the USDA Forest Service’s $1 million investment and the SLB’s $500,000. The SLB is expecting to announce collaborations with several new cities in both 2025 and 2026.

The New York Climate Exchange’s Climate Hub on Governors Island was selected for the second cohort of the NYC Mass Timber Studio. Rendering Credit: New York City Mass Timber Studio | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Accelerator Cities Program Grows Momentum
for Lumber in High-Opportunity Markets

Children's Day School | Jensen Architects | Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

STORIES

The AWC Protects and Grows Opportunities for Lumber in
2027 Codes

The AWC Releases National Guide to Support Mass Timber Project Approvals

The AWC and WFI Release Wildfire Messaging Guide to Support Unified Communications

ABOUT AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

The AWC is the nation’s leading technical authority and advocate for the sustainable wood building products industry in the codes, standards, and sustainability arenas.

2024 Independent Evaluation
of the Impact of the SLB

Other ReportS