Domestic vs. international: The trade-offs in mass timber suppliers
Mass timber continues to gain traction in the United States for its sustainability, strength and aesthetic appeal. According to industry leading resource WoodWorks, 2,427 multi-family, commercial or institutional mass timber projects were in progress or built as of March 2025 in the United States. In just the last four years, Texas saw a 168% increase in the amount of mass timber projects either in design, construction or completed.
As mass timber developments in Texas increase in popularity, owners and contractors face a critical decision: whether to source the material domestically or internationally. The decision isn't as simple as price — although it is a big factor. There are other points to consider when selecting your mass timber provider.
Analyzing domestic manufacturers
With threats of tariffs and rising material costs, builders might feel inclined to source mass timber from domestic providers. According to Forisk, an industry research and consulting firm, there are 38 mass timber production facilities across the United States and Canada —24 of which can produce cross-laminated timber (CLT). Nearly 51% of those facilities are located in the Northwest region of the United States.
U.S.-based manufacturers offer clear advantages in logistics and responsiveness. Shorter lead times and lower transportation costs often play a critical role in keeping projects on schedule and under budget. Domestic suppliers are also more attuned to U.S. building codes and sustainability certifications such as LEED, reducing compliance risks. In fast-paced markets like DFW, domestic sourcing can improve project agility and save substantial costs. However, this sometimes comes at the expense of the quality of the wood and the species availability. With mass timber, a more recent trend domestically, manufacturers may provide limited capacity for larger sizes and complicated connections.
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Analyzing international manufacturers
Mass timber construction is significantly more popular and has been more widely adopted in European counties and Canada than in the United States. That is why international suppliers, particularly from Europe and Canada, often bring decades of experience and advanced production capabilities. Countries like Austria, Germany and Finland lead the world in mass timber manufacturing, offering highly standardized, precision-milled wood.
International suppliers often provide premium wood selections and can potentially offer competitive pricing due to economies of scale, despite higher shipping costs. However, longer lead times and complex logistics pose a potential threat to project timelines. Additionally, verifying sustainability claims and code compliance may require extra due diligence.
Tariff impacts
New tariffs that may be placed on imported goods, coupled with existing duties on lumber imports, caused many international manufacturers to increase the cost of goods for American buyers.
While the tariffs are designed with the intent of benefitting U.S. manufacturing long-term, domestic lumber suppliers may feel the demand impact in the short term. Domestic manufacturers currently face higher material expenses, which may limit some suppliers' ability to invest in modernized equipment. A lack of efficient equipment could result in a struggle to achieve the economies of scale international competitors achieve. Additionally, domestic manufacturing may fall further behind international suppliers in terms of technology and overall manufacturing efficiency.
Conclusion
As the demand for mass timber continues to rise across the United States, builders and developers are faced with the important decision of whether to source material domestically or internationally. Each option presents unique advantages and trade-offs, and project owners must weigh the factors in accordance with their project goals.
McCownGordon's Dallas team consists of leading mass timber builders with experience working with both domestic and international suppliers. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of the mass timber supply chain and ultimately help you find the right supplier to reach your project goals.
McCownGordon Construction is recognized as one of the nation's largest construction managers. Focused on core values of integrity, relationships and performance, McCownGordon commits to building collaborative partnerships and specializes in construction management, design-build, sustainable construction and general contracting. With strong experience and expertise in a variety of market sectors, the company is 100% employee-owned and was named a top 25 Fortune 2023 Best Construction Company to Work For. More information about McCownGordon is available at mccowngordon.com.
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