But lumber framing faces an identity crisis in the 1 900s. With the depletion of our old-growth forests, younger second-growth trees now account for the bulk of wood products. For framing purposes, however, second-growth lumber has less natural stability and requires much more careful inspection than the lumber previously available.
Several new building systems offer alternatives to the traditional wood frame. Whether used alone or integrated with conventional wood framing, engineered wood, lightweight steel and structural concrete often can compete equitably with solid wood, in both price and performance.