Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-25330335-20150213033209/@comment-25330335-20150213221000

You guys are all missing the point. I am going to start at the top and work my way down.

@ EpicSpacePanda - That is where renewable, and sustainable forests come in. Also, the use of recycled wood is on the rise.

@ Beijing1000 - Wood has a strenghth to weight ratio 20% higher than steel or concrete. In both compression and tension.

@ 71.54.40.204 - You make a good point, and true, wood is suitable for some things while steel is suited for others. On your second post, wooden truss briges were built in the west during the construction of the trans continental railroad in the U.S. And true, wooden foundations are not the best. But I am speaking of structure, not foundation.

@ Glflegolas - First, sitka spruce is stronger than doulas fir. It can support up to 75 tons on top of a 12 inch diameter pole before failing. Steel is very stong in tention, you are right. However, it is actually rather weak in compression. Concrete is what you want for compression. That is why reinforced concrete exists.

@ Spartenz300 - You are again missing the point with mold. And the opposition to wood can be ripped apart like steel with a welding iron. The point is that wood was once living. This said, the house literally breathes. Wood will keep mold out by its own cellular structure, as long as you don't treat it wrong, like put on completely water proof siding, then have bad window flashings.

For a good argument, ask me more about the environmental and commercial benefits of wood.