While a majority of builders are reporting shortages of framing lumber, a recent post from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) showed wood framing remains the dominant construction method for single-family homes. Wood framing accounted for 91% of new homes completed in 2020. Through May 2021, NAHB has found few builders are making the switch from wood framing, or an inclination to switch, despite material shortages and the record-high price levels.
An NAHB survey indicates the top reason for not switching from wood framing is a lack of workers with necessary experience. Other reasons for not switching to non-wood framing cited by builders was the relative cost of materials, engineering and design costs, buyer resistance, difficulty obtaining approvals or inspections, and fear of alienating subs. According to the NAHB, only 5% of builder respondents indicated that none of the potential problems listed in the survey was a significant barrier to switching from wood framing.
