‘The Timber Truth’ written by architectural engineer and internationally recognised expert in sustainable construction Dr Pablo van der Lugt, aims to dispel some ‘common myths’ surrounding the use of timber across the built environment.
Despite the growing momentum behind timber construction across the globe, misconceptions about the use of wood in the built environment persist. The Timber Truth was developed to address these misconceptions, drawing on questions posed by thousands of global participants in the Tomorrow’s Timber Talks programme hosted by Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the international non-profit, non-governmental organisation, dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management.
The publication presents clear, science-based insights into topics such as fire safety, material availability, carbon storage, and sustainable forest management and is aimed at all those wanting to learn more about the role timber plays in construction. Based on the latest scientific research, European construction practices, and policy developments, the book reveals what the data shows and where the real challenges lie in accelerating the shift toward responsible wood use.
With a foreword by leading UK architect Andrew Waugh, co-founder of the practice Waugh Thistleton – and behind several award-winning buildings using structural timber for many years – the publication linksresearch to global examples of innovative timber and biobased architecture, underscoring how responsibly sourced and efficiently used wood, can play a vital role in creating a circular construction sector. Andrew Waugh describes the book as a: “call to action, an open dialogue based on latest insights from industry and academia alike. It also transparently addresses some of the over-optimistic myths surrounding modern timber construction.”
The book is not ‘uncritically pro-timber’ but presents a balanced perspective that addresses real world challenges – such as pressure on forests and the need for better resource efficiency – and tempers both excessive scepticism and perhaps some of the ‘unrealistic optimism’ about timber construction.
16 myths
The book tackles 16 persistent myths that have historically limited timber’s role in construction, especially when compared to competing mainstream materials such as steel and concrete.
Presented across four core pillars: Building Quality and Performance, Environment and Climate, Forestry and Availability and Economy and Market, the arguments are that many of these assumptions are outdated, rooted in incomplete science or industry bias, and that contemporary systems – particularly mass engineered systems such as cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulam – offer a highly ‘sustainable, safe, and scalable’ solution for contemporary construction.
The central theme of the book is environmental performance. One of the most common myths is that using wood contributes to deforestation. Pablo Van der Lugt counters this by explaining that responsibly managed forests, particularly in regions with clear sustainable forest management and certification systems, expand over time. Sustainable forestry ensures that harvested trees are replanted, and growing forests absorb carbon dioxide. Timber buildings therefore act as carbon storage systems, locking in carbon that trees absorbed during their growth. This makes wood one of the few structural materials that can be carbon-negative when sourced and used correctly, challenging the assumption that it is environmentally harmful.
Another myth addressed is that timber is inherently weak or unsuitable for large-scale construction. The rise of mass engineered wood products such as CLT possess remarkable strength and stability. As all regular readers will understand, these materials can rival or even outperform traditional materials in certain applications. Tall timber buildings – outside of the UK anyway – exceed 20 storeys and demonstrate that wood is no longer confined to low-rise structures. Advances in design technology, prefabrication and industrialised construction, and digital engineering have made timber a viable option for complex, high-performance and energy efficient buildings.
Fire safety is always flagged as a major concern associated with timber. The book dismantles the myth that wood is dangerously flammable by explaining how engineered timber behaves in fires. Large timber elements char on the outside when exposed to flames, creating a protective layer that slows further combustion and maintains structural integrity for a predictable period. Modern fire engineering, combined with building codes, protective systems and timber treatments, ensures that timber buildings meet or exceed many safety standards.
Durability and longevity also come under scrutiny. Many believe timber structures degrade quickly due to moisture among other problems. But with proper design, treatments, and maintenance, timber buildings can last for centuries, as evidenced by historic wooden structures around the world.
Importantly a key myth ‘busted’ is the misconception surrounding cost. Timber is often perceived as more expensive than other more ‘conventional’ materials. While initial material costs can vary, Pablo van der Lugt argues that timber construction can reduce overall project costs through faster build times, lighter foundations, and prefabrication efficiencies. Reduced construction time translates into lower labour costs and quicker returns on investment, making timber economically competitive – the bedrock of successful offsite construction methods.
Confounding critics
Critics often claim timber buildings suffer from poor sound insulation. However, acoustic performance depends more on design and assembly than on the material itself. Proper layering, insulation, and detailing can ensure that timber buildings meet high acoustic standards comparable to those of concrete or steel structures.
The book also challenges the idea that timber is a ‘niche or aesthetic choice’ rather than a mainstream solution and presents timber as a scalable material capable of addressing global housing shortages and urbanisation challenges. Its compatibility with modular construction makes it particularly suited for rapid, high-quality building in both developed and developing contexts. The timber industry is at the forefront of digital design, automation, and circular economy practices. Mass engineered wood products are highly adaptable, and timber buildings can be designed for disassembly and reuse, reducing waste and extending material lifecycles.
Health and wellbeing form another key argument. Timber interiors have been shown to create warmer, more pleasant environments, with potential benefits for mental health and productivity. This biophilic aspect of wood is increasingly valued in architecture, especially in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings. Finally, the book places timber within the broader context of climate change. The need to transition to biobased materials is essential for reducing the construction sector’s carbon footprint, which is one of the largest contributors to global emissions. By replacing carbon-intensive materials with sustainably sourced timber, the built environment can significantly cut carbon emissions while maintaining high performance.
Overall, The Timber Truth is a combination of scientific evidence, real-world case studies, and clear industry validation that positions it as an influential contribution to the shift toward biobased, circular and timber-led construction. As succinctly put by Andrew Waugh: “we know how to build better. This book reminds us why we must.”
