Wood in Industrial Buildings: Systems, Codes, and Design Opportunities

When applied strategically, wood systems can reduce embodied carbon, accelerate construction schedules, and create warmer, more human-centered environments that support leasing, retention, and long-term asset value. However, realizing these benefits requires early coordination and informed selection of the appropriate system, along with a clear understanding of how construction type, allowable area, and fire-resistance requirements interact.

This paper covers:

• Benefits of wood in industrial building types
• Structural wood products and systems
  • Light-frame wood products
  • Mass timber products
  • Panelized systems
  • Vertical and lateral load-resisting systems
• Fire and life safety
  • Occupancy classifications
  • Wood and construction types
  • Fire-resistance rating (FRR) requirements
  • Selecting a construction type
• Allowable building size
  • Building height
  • Mezzanines and equipment platforms
  • Unlimited area buildings
  • Calculating allowable building area
  • Mixed-use code analysis
• Detailing considerations
  • Concealed spaces
  • Columns and parapets
  • Durability
• Alternative materials, design, and methods of construction

As industrial building typologies continue to evolve, warehouses present a compelling opportunity to expand the adoption of wood at scale. Designers and owners are encouraged to engage WoodWorks early to take advantage of our free project assistance, which can support wood system selection, code analysis, and further technical support. By strategically applying the concepts described in this paper and leveraging available technical resources, project teams can successfully deliver high-performing, visually compelling industrial buildings with a lighter environmental footprint that help set a precedent for future development.