What is Timber Used For? 5 Inspiring Examples

For centuries, people have used timber to build everything from simple homes to grand structures. But the ways we use this classic material are always changing.



Today, timber is at the heart of exciting new ideas in construction and design, proving that some materials truly are timeless. As experts in historic timber here at Bay & Bent, we love seeing how this natural resource continues to shape our world.

So, what is timber used for today? Let's explore five key areas where wood is making a big impact.

1. Building with Mass Timber

When you picture a wooden building, you might think of a traditional house or a rustic cabin. But architects are now using a new method called mass timber to build towering skyscrapers. Office buildings and apartment complexes over 20 stories tall are being built with wood, changing city skylines.

How does it work? Mass timber is made by layering and pressing wood together to create huge, strong panels and beams. These engineered pieces are as strong as steel but much lighter.

This building method has several benefits. Mass timber construction can be faster and quieter than concrete or steel projects. It's also surprisingly fire-resistant and performs well during earthquakes. Using these advanced timber uses creates strong, safe, and beautiful modern buildings.

2. Sustainable Architectural Designs

Beyond just the frame of a building, timber adds warmth and character to any space. It’s a popular choice for flooring, wall coverings, and outdoor decks. Today’s designers are finding even more creative ways to feature wood in their work.

You can see timber used for:

• Dramatic ceiling installations that draw the eye upward.
• Striking facades that give a building a natural, modern look.
• Interior details like window frames, doors, and acoustic panels.

Using wood as a design element connects a building to the natural world. It creates spaces that feel both elegant and comfortable, which is why it remains a favorite among architects.

3. Quality Furniture and Cabinets

Timber has always been a top choice for furniture and cabinetry, and for good reason. Its strength and workability make it perfect for creating pieces that last. Modern tools allow craftsmen to make precise cuts and joints, showing off the wood's natural grain and beauty.

Because timber has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it can handle stress without being too heavy. This makes it ideal for chairs, tables, and bed frames. Custom cabinets made from high-quality wood do more than just provide storage; they become a beautiful feature that adds value and personality to a room.

4. Advanced Structures

Engineered wood products are pushing the limits of what timber can do. Glued laminated timber, or "glulam," is now used to make massive beams and columns for large buildings and bridges. These pieces can support heavy loads that once required steel or concrete.

Products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) are used for floors, walls, and roofs. This versatility means architects can design almost an entire building using wood. As more builders look for sustainable building materials, timber offers a strong, flexible, and attractive alternative to less eco-friendly options.

5. Preserving History

This is the area we are most passionate about at Bay & Bent. We specialize in giving historic timber frames a new purpose. We travel the country to find beautiful antique barn frames, carefully take them apart, and bring them back to our workshop for restoration.

Our team uses time-honored techniques to repair each piece of reclaimed wood. This ensures these amazing structures can stand for centuries more in a new home, office, or venue. The old-growth timber in these frames has a character you can't find in new lumber. It comes from forests that no longer exist, giving it a unique grain and strength.

Choosing a historic timber frame is more than a design choice, it's a way to own a piece of history. These frames carry stories of the past into the future.

The Benefits of Using Timber

Beyond its many uses, timber offers clear advantages for both builders and the planet.

Strong and Easy to Work With

Timber is naturally strong, able to handle both stretching and compression forces. This makes it perfect for everything from a delicate furniture leg to a massive structural beam. It’s also very easy to cut, shape, and join, making it a favorite for professionals and DIY fans alike.

Positive Environmental Impact

Wood is one of the most sustainable building materials available. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide as they grow. When that wood is used in a building, the carbon stays locked away, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This is a huge contrast to materials like concrete, whose production releases large amounts of carbon.

Using timber also encourages responsible forest management. When forests are managed well, they provide a renewable resource while supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

The Future of Timber Uses

The story of timber is far from over. New technology continues to expand its possibilities, from 3D printing with wood fibers to automated building processes that reduce waste. These innovations are making timber an even smarter choice for modern construction.

Despite all the new applications, the simple appeal of wood remains its greatest strength. In a world full of screens and technology, the natural texture of timber connects us to the outdoors and makes our spaces feel warm and inviting.

From historic reclaimed wood frames to soaring modern towers, timber connects our past with our future. It’s a versatile, sustainable, and beautiful material that continues to inspire.