At Woodpecker, sourcing and specifying timber is a meticulous process, and a vital step in delivering structures that are strong, beautiful, and built to last. Whether you’re designing a custom timber frame home or a large-scale mass timber project, our team guides you through every detail of timber material specification.
Wood fibre is sourced directly from sawmills in Alberta and British Columbia. A large inventory of rough-sawn timber is kept on-site to ensure proper acclimation before use. This natural process lowers moisture content so components are as dry as possible before production begins. Using green timber can lead to shrinkage and warping over time, resulting in both structural and aesthetic issues.
Only timbers free of heartwood (FOHC) are selected. During the milling process, the log’s heart centre is removed so it doesn’t appear in the final cut. This method significantly reduces internal tension and minimizes the risk of large cracks forming in the timber.
Additional treatments such as radio frequency and vacuum kiln-drying are available to achieve controlled low moisture levels, ensuring long-term dimensional stability.
A wide range of wood species is available to suit different project needs. Collaboration ensures the ideal choice, considering factors such as exterior durability, structural strength, weather resistance, aesthetics, or a balanced combination. Many common species can be sourced, as well as less typical varieties depending on the desired appearance and structural requirements. FSC and PEFC certified materials are also available.
Wood grade plays a critical role in performance. Guidance is provided in selecting the right grade, whether a commonly used #1 grade or a select structural grade. Mass Timber may also be recommended as a preferred option or when structurally required.
Support extends to architectural specifications, load-bearing capacities, span requirements, and overall structural integrity, all aligned with engineering analysis and local building codes.
We source our mass timber locally (Alberta and British Columbia) and internationally (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
The standard species we offer include Douglas Fir, North American Spruce, European Spruce, Stone Pine, and European Larch. Other species can be custom ordered.
Wood grade is another critical factor to consider in your project. We can guide you in selecting the appropriate grade, whether it’s a commonly used #1 grade or a select structural grade. Additionally, we can advise on the use of Mass Timber, either as a preferred option or if structurally necessary.
We will guide you through architectural specifications, load-bearing capacities, span requirements, and structural integrity of the timber frame, based on the project’s engineering analysis and local building codes.
Glulam (glued-laminated timber) is a structural wood product made by bonding multiple layers of dimensional lumber with waterproof, non-toxic, clear adhesives. This construction material is highly durable and commonly used for beams and posts, capable of spanning large distances to replace steel. Glulam can be curved to create distinctive architectural designs.
Mass timber has a naturally higher fire rating than steel. Therefore, Glulam can be left exposed in commercial, industrial, and residential applications without compromising safety.
Similar to Glulam, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) consists of multiple layers of dimensional lumber, with each layer oriented at a 90-degree angle to the one beneath it, much like a sheet of plywood. This crosswise arrangement provides CLT with exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and the ability to span in multiple directions. Available in sheets up to 12 inches thick, 10 feet wide and over 50 feet long, CLT is commonly used for walls, floors, ceilings, and roof structures.
Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) is made by stacking layers of dimensional lumber and securing them with friction-fit hardwood dowels, which are inserted into pre-drilled holes to create strong, durable connections. Unlike other timber products, DLT uses no adhesives, making it an ideal choice for clients seeking a chemical-free building material. With no nails, DLT is easy to cut and shape using our CNC machine. Typically, DLT is used flat for ceiling, floor, or roof structures.
Nail Laminated Timber (NLT) is made by vertically orienting dimensional lumber (“on edge”) and nailing the pieces together in a specific pattern. NLT panels are typically designed in smaller sizes for easier handling. Like DLT, NLT is commonly used flat for ceiling, floor, or roof structures.
We provide timber sourcing services and expert material specification to ensure every beam, post, and panel meets your structural, aesthetic, and sustainability goals. From selecting premium wood species like Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar to grading, drying, and finishing, our process is tailored to your project.
We partner with mills in Alberta, and BC, to source only high-quality, performance-grade timber, giving you the best options for structure, finish, and sustainability.
Every timber is carefully dried, acclimated, and graded for structural integrity. We offer FOHC (Free of Heart Center) timber and precision drying methods to prevent shrinkage and warping.
From sourcing to specification, we’ll help you choose wood that’s strong, sustainable, and perfectly suited to your project.
Here you’ll find project spotlights, construction tips, and the latest in sustainable building practices, all designed to help architects, contractors, and homeowners make informed choices about timber construction.
To give you clarity on how we source, select, and specify materials, we’ve answered some of the most common questions.