Survey shows timber construction specification growth

The survey (hosted through Building and Building Design magazines) had 63% of respondents saying they believe timber is growing in popularity.

It generated insight from almost 350 architects, consultants, contractors and merchants. The objective was to ascertain whether the UK is beginning to recognise the merits of timber.

Some 69% of those questioned said they already worked with timber construction and 68.75% of respondents felt timber could help meet government housebuilding and sustainability targets.

When asked to rank the benefits of timber in order of importance, sustainability took the lead, followed by the fact that it is a quick and efficient material to work with. Great aesthetics took third place, then versatility, cost-effectiveness and offsite capabilities.

"While timber’s popularity is clearly growing, there remains lots of opportunity for further development, especially in terms of timber’s offsite capabilities, and cost and time efficiencies,” said Jeremy English, sales director, manufacturing, at Södra Wood.

“The interesting thing about this survey is that it also shows that work still remains to be done to raise awareness around timber’s benefits.”

Nigel Buckley-Ryan, sales director, merchants, at Södra Wood, said it was welcoming

to see the UK construction industry becoming more conscious of timber’s excellent sustainability credentials.