Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation challenges outdated myths about specification of timber, which belie its durability and high-performance credentials.

Timber is considered the oldest building material in the world, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Despite its natural beauty, low carbon footprint, and performance, timber is often overlooked. As the UK construction industry continues its journey of decarbonisation, the use of timber should be at the forefront of the built environment.

At the British Woodworking Federation, we’re working to challenge outdated perceptions and champion timber’s essential role in building a more sustainable future. We must tackle persistent myths about timber’s longevity, cost, maintenance requirements and suitability. Only then can this versatile material take its rightful place in helping to deliver net zero goals and more liveable, future-ready buildings.

Outdated myths vs innovation

Timber is often subject to misconceptions. Frequently cited concerns often include high cost, maintenance challenges, and limited durability. However, these perceptions are typically grounded in outdated information or anecdotal evidence, rather than the realities of modern technical performance.

Modern cladding or structural elements have advanced coatings, engineered profiles, and rigorous manufacturing standards. These innovations have vastly improved durability and consistency, putting timber on equal footing with, or ahead of, materials like PVCu or aluminium when it comes to performance, lifecycle cost, and aesthetic value.

Take timber windows; many assume they are high maintenance. In fact, factory-finished timber windows, correctly installed and maintained, can last over 50 years. Today’s acrylic resin coatings are designed to gradually erode, and are easily reapplied, often just once per decade. By comparison, PVCu windows often have a 20-30 year lifespan and can suffer yellowing, brittleness, and limited repair options.

In terms of being a truly sustainable material, what sets timber apart is not just operational performance, but its entire lifecycle. Timber is renewable and when responsibly sourced, its sourcing supports well-managed forests and biodiversity.

With the net zero carbon target in 2050, and the Future Homes Standard set to tighten energy performance in new builds, now is the time to embrace materials that align with these objectives. Timber stores carbon throughout its life and requires significantly less energy to process than materials such as PVCu and aluminium. As a result, specifying timber can substantially reduce a scheme’s embodied carbon.

Challenging misconceptions

There is also a misconception that timber is a ‘premium’ choice for conservation areas or high-end developments. If we are to increase the use of timber across volume housing, education, healthcare, and other public infrastructure, all of industry and customers must play a part. This includes helping to educate not just our peers, but also housebuilders, developers, and homeowners that the common misconceptions about timber are no longer valid. Timber is often seen as only suitable for specific cases, like heritage projects, rather than a mainstream building material. The reality is that timber is appropriate for any context – urban, rural, new build or retrofit – and can enhance both aesthetic and performance across the board.

We should be highlighting not only the value timber adds, but its practicality and compatibility with modern construction methods. Engineered timber, for example, lends itself to offsite manufacturing and precision installation.

One of the most enduring myths is that timber demands excessive maintenance. While it’s true that wood benefits from care and attention, the scale of effort needed is often grossly exaggerated. While many alternative materials also require periodic cleaning, repair or replacement, timber can be repaired and refinished rather than replaced, an important distinction in terms of sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Sectional repair and re-coating is possible  insitu, with modern finishes designed for easy renewal. This not only extends the product’s life well beyond 50 years, but also reduces waste, supports circular design principles, and offers the flexibility to adapt finishes to changing tastes over time.

Educating the market

Another challenge lies in where people get their information. Housebuilders and homeowners tend to turn to search engines or anecdotal sources for product info, rather than trade associations or manufacturers. As a result, myths persist, and opportunities are missed.

This is where architects and specifiers can lead. Using accurate, up-to-date guidance and third-party certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the profession can play a pivotal role in driving higher standards and more sustainable choices. Architects are in a unique position to challenge clients’ assumptions, and highlight timber’s long-term value, to ensure it’s part of the specification conversation from the earliest design stages.

Helen Hewitt is chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation