Updated October 2024

A determining factor in the success of a mass timber project—and whether it goes forward at all—is the general contractor’s ability to provide informed cost estimates from the earliest stage of design. However, unlike other materials, there isn’t a hundred years of tradition and shared experience to guide budgeting, cost management, and competitive procurement, or readily available cost benchmarking.

This paper is intended to bridge that gap with guidance for minimizing whole project costs and maximizing the value of mass timber projects. It has been written with an emphasis on cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), but applies generally to all mass timber materials. Topics are covered within a framework of key steps that can help you more confidently cost-plan your next wood building.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

• Vetting potential subcontractors
• Determining the procurement model (with details on common models used in the U.S.)

Step 2: Establish a Reliable Pre-Design Budget

• Basic timber pricing dynamics
  • Example of increasing detail recommended at different phases of project planning
  • Information to supply for better pricing
  • Insights for better budgeting
• Choosing your list of bidders
• Adjusting budgets for trades impacted by timber

Step 3: Manage Project Costs

• Establishing cost benchmarking
• Understanding the largest non-timber design cost levers

This paper was developed collaboratively with a design and construction professional who specializes in mass timber construction and has worked on multiple projects for general contractors. Costs, percentages and other values are based on their experience and may differ for other projects.