^ Click the image above to watch a video on mass timber.
As developers plan for 2026 and beyond, many are rethinking traditional building systems.
To help explain why, Senior Project Manager Gabe Miani, PE walks us through the key reasons developers are increasingly choosing timber frame construction, also known as mass timber, for commercial projects.
Often similar in cost to steel and concrete, mass timber construction offers a unique mix of aesthetic appeal, environmental value, and practical advantages that make it a strong fit for the right project.
What Is Mass Timber Construction?
Mass timber construction uses large, engineered wood components in place of traditional steel and concrete structural systems.
In many commercial buildings, mass timber can replace:
Steel and concrete beams and columns
Concrete floor and roof systems
CMU or concrete wall systems, using CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels
Mass timber can be used for the full structure or combined with steel and concrete in hybrid systems, depending on project needs.
1. Warm, Beautiful Interiors
One of the most immediate benefits of mass timber buildings is how they look and feel.
Exposed wood creates bright, warm interiors that steel and concrete can’t replicate. This natural aesthetic stands out in schools, offices, and residential projects, often improving tenant appeal and overall experience.
March Construction recently used mass timber at Saddle River Day School, selecting timber framing not only for its clean, modern look, but also for the added environmental and practical benefits it brought to the renovation.
Key benefits:
Natural wood look
Warm, welcoming interiors
Strong tenant and occupant appeal
Used at Saddle River Day School
2. Real Environmental Value
Mass timber delivers measurable environmental benefits.
Wood stores carbon absorbed during tree growth, locking it into the structure for the life of the building. A single mass timber building can store up to 2,000 tons of CO₂, reducing embodied carbon by 13% or more compared to steel and concrete systems.
When sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), mass timber can also support sustainable forestry and long-term environmental goals.
Key benefits:
Stores ~0.9 tons of CO₂ per cubic meter
Up to 2,000 tons of carbon stored per building
13%+ lower embodied carbon
Supports LEED and WELL standards
Can be sustainably sourced through the FCS
3. Cost and Practical Advantages
In many cases, mass timber construction is similar in cost to steel and concrete, while offering practical advantages during construction.
Mass timber components are fabricated with precision, allowing for a clear fit-up on site. If changes are needed during construction—such as adjusting a beam or modifying an opening—those changes can often be handled more easily than with steel or concrete systems.
Key benefits:
Comparable cost to steel and concrete
Clear, precise fit-up
Easier on-site adjustments
Faster handling of key construction changes
The Bottom Line
When you look at the full picture—similar cost, warm design, lighter structural systems, real carbon savings, sustainable sourcing options, and practical installation—mass timber construction can be a strong fit for many commercial projects.
March Construction is an experienced mass timber contractor with hands-on experience delivering timber-frame projects like the Saddle River Day School renovation, and is LEED-certified for sustainable construction.
If you’re exploring mass timber construction for an upcoming project, March Construction can help you evaluate whether mass timber is the right solution for your site and program.
