Try These Strategies to Build With Less Lumber

As lumber continues to increase in price, builders have been looking toward alternative materials and methods for construction. Other materials are not cheaper, but the differences in pricing continues to slim. If axing lumber may be too much to undertake, Home Innovation suggests using less lumber by trying advanced framing techniques. According to Home Innovation, advanced framing methods use less lumber, yet boost home energy efficiency. There are other factors to consider when opting for advanced framing, such as the impact of less lumber in areas such as widely spaced floor joints, and the attachment of siding, trim, flooring, and more.

Alternatives to Dimensional Lumber
Another option covered in the presentation was lumber savings through more extensive use of engineered lumber and pre-fabricated building components that use less wood fiber than dimensional lumber. Trusses can be used for roof framing in place of solid dimensional rafter and ceiling joists (which represented a third of roof structures in 2019). In floors, the option of engineered wood I-joists or floor trusses can replace 2x10s and 2x12s. Another option in some situations is substituting a concrete slab floor on the main living level in place of lumber joist floors. 

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