Choosing the right timber for your project isn’t just about species or grade—it’s also important to know where your wood comes from. Whether you’re preparing to build the house of your dreams or starting a weekend project, sourcing sustainably harvested timber makes a difference for forests and communities everywhere.
But how do you know if timber is sourced sustainably? There are countless certification programs that you can look for to determine whether or not the timbers being sold are sustainable.
What Makes Timbers “Sustainable?"
Timber framing and sustainability go hand in hand. Timber framing is inherently more sustainable than other construction methods, such as stick-building. Timber-framed homes last longer, keeping the carbon stored by the wood from releasing into the environment. Plus, the process of milling and sourcing large timbers is less intensive than the creation of dimensional wood.
Another important aspect is how the companies harvest that timber. Sustainable timber comes from forests managed with time in mind. This includes protecting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, ensuring reforestation, respecting workers and local communities, and tracking wood from forest to finished product. Certification programs provide independent verification of these protections, letting consumers know which harvesters take these things into account. So how do you identify timber from these responsibly managed forests? Look for these major certifications, which provide independent verification of sustainable sourcing practices.
The Major Certifications to Look Out For
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most widely recognized certification globally, with strict environmental and social standards. FSC tracks wood through every step of the supply chain and is recognized by LEED and green building programs. It covers about 380 million acres of certified forestland worldwide.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) focuses on North America and emphasizes water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat protection. With more than 364 million acres certified, SFI is a reliable choice for domestic sourcing.
American Tree Farm System (ATFS) is the oldest certification program, working with a network of 70,000 tree farmers managing about 19 million acres. ATFS focuses on family-owned and small-scale operations. It’s LEED-recognized and ideal if supporting smaller, family-owned forests is important to you.
Programme for the Endorsement Forest Certification (PEFC) is the world’s largest certification system, covering roughly 800 million acres. This Switzerland-based umbrella organization incorporates multiple international standards and focuses on family and community-owned forests, supporting rural and local livelihoods.
Identifying Certified Timber
Look for certification stamps on lumber or ask suppliers about chain-of-custody documentation. No single certification is “best”—all major programs provide credible certification! These certifications will allow you to buy more consciously while helping to protect the forests your timber comes from.
Build Responsibly
Choosing certified timber is one more way to ensure that what you're building today doesn't come at the expense of tomorrow's forests. At Shelter Institute, we've spent 50 years teaching people how to build thoughtfully and well—and that includes making responsible choices about materials. We value quality over convenience and durability over disposability, and choosing the more sustainable option is always part of our checklist. We encourage you to make it a part of yours, too.
Ready to learn more about timber framing and sustainable building practices? Explore our online courses, visit our campus in Woolwich, or connect with our design team to discuss your next project.
.jpeg)
