Looking into the Future

As you can see, whether you use new materials made from recycled materials, new but longer-lasting products, or salvaged materials, you're still helping to conserve natural resources and the environment.

Are alternative materials right for every facet of every job? Not always. You'll want to carefully compare their costs against traditional construction materials and techniques. The consensus seems to be that alternative methods and materials may have higher initial costs than virgin wood products, but may offer other desirable advantages well worth considering. These include increased thermal efficiency, fire resistance, or durability.

Of course, some products could be more cost-competitive if their structural properties were fully used. Engineered wood products (EWP) are a good example of this. Better use of the longer spans now offered by some EWP manufacturers could eliminate the need for intermediate framing supports, and their related costs. Continuing lumber price increases and reduced availability of raw materials will eventually make alternative methods and materials more cost-competitive. However, this process will take time.

Where do you go from here? You only have to click forward to Chapter 2 to begin. . .

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