APA – The Engineered Wood Association

Housing starts in the U.S. are estimated to have run at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.37 million in January, aligning with the forecast for the year. The most significant development over the past four weeks was a 5-point drop in builder sentiment, with the February survey showing a reading of 42. All three components of the index declined, with the largest drop in sales expectations for the next six months. This measure fell from 59 in January to 46 in February, compared to 66 in December 2024. These numbers indicate a shift in homebuilders' outlook, from viewing the market as strong six months out to anticipating a weak market. Canadian homebuilder sentiment is even lower than in the U.S., with the fourth-quarter 2024 survey revealing an index value of 24, compared to values consistently above 80 three years ago.

The 2025 Timber-Strong Design Build (TSDB) competitions will officially kick off March 6-8 at the University of Mississippi! We’re excited to see that the number of teams participating this year has nearly doubled from 2024. APA has been a proud sponsor of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Timber-Strong Design Build competitions since 2019, along with support from Simpson Strong-Tie and American Wood Council. The goal of the TSDB competition is to provide hands-on experiences and engage the next generation of structural engineers in sustainable wood design and construction. Learn more and find upcoming symposia dates and locations > apawood.ly/t2qm50V7Zbb #TSDB #TimberDesign

And as of December 2024, there were over 2,338 multifamily, commercial or institutional mass timber projects in progress or built in the U.S. Want to check out some of these North American mass timber projects? Explore recent and current projects on WoodWorks Innovation Network (WIN) > apawood.ly/cjVG50V5vmT Looking for guidance on converting a large-scale project to mass timber? Our friends at WoodWorks have specialists located across the country to offer specialized commercial project support. Learn more > apawood.ly/jY1L50V5vmS #FridayFact #MassTimber

Sourcing timber for historical retrofit or remodel projects can be difficult and expensive. Engineered wood beams offer a beautiful and cost-effective alternative that’s readily available and fits seamlessly into any large-scale remodel. Learn more > apawood.ly/GsvG50V5vff #EngineeredWood #RetroFit

Join us in congratulating Matthew Brown, APA’s director of energy policy and code, on his appointment to two key subgroups shaping the 2027 International Energy Conservation Codes: Envelope and Embodied Carbon and Cost Effectiveness. His leadership and expertise will contribute to the development of standards that continue to advance sustainable and resilient construction with engineered wood.

Phase II of Portland International Airport (PDX) is coming together. After seven years, the final massive timber modules will make their way across the airfield to complete the roof expansion. Featuring more than 300 magnificent 80-foot arched glulam beams and molded MPP from APA members, this Pacific Northwest-inspired architecture pays homage to Oregon’s deep roots in the mass timber industry – showcasing the beauty of sustainable construction. Learn how ZGF Architects, Swinerton, and Timberlab brought this project to life > apawood.ly/CZvX50V5uzB Photographer: Dennis Burt #PDXNext #MassTimber

After decades of job site inspections, APA experts have seen hundreds of examples of wood-frame construction errors that contribute to complaints and callbacks. Find guidance on the five most common challenges builders face in wood-frame construction, including how to prevent and address them > apawood.ly/ImAh50V4WuE #FramingErrors #BuildingTips

Did you know for every ton of wood grown, a young forest absorbs roughly 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide? Forests cover approximately one-third of the United States’ land mass, and through the efforts of the forest products industry and sustainable forest management, our forestland continues to increase. Learn more > apawood.ly/5N9E50V2fbw #FridayFact from USDA Forest Service #Sustainability

Contractors, learn the simple way to ensure your concrete formwork meets the stringent performance criteria outlined in ACI 318 and ACI 347 in our newest publication. Download now for free > apawood.ly/Kvku50V3h0F #IBC #ConcreteFormwork

Raised wood floor systems are typically comprised of beams and girders, floor joists and plywood or OSB sheathing. These assemblies offer both the builder and homeowner numerous advantages and can be supported by a variety of foundation types. Here’s 10 reasons to consider raised wood floors > apawood.ly/Gltk50V0Buw #RaisedWoodFloors #OSB