Wood is the building material of the future – modern and versatile. More and more builders are opting for a wooden house, because wood not only impresses with its natural appearance, but also has a versatile application area, is durable and can be processed efficiently. Whether a single-family home, extension or multi-storey building – building with wood is more flexible today than ever before.
If you want to build ecologically and prioritise quality, wood is the right choice and also offers a number of advantages:
- Renewable
- Load-bearing & stable
- Fast construction time due to prefabrication
- Contributes to a good living environment
- Wide range of design possibilities
Comparing wood construction methods – timber frame, solid wood, timber panel construction & more
There are various wood construction methods that differ in their use of materials, construction method and area of application. Whether timber frame construction, timber panel construction, solid wood construction, wood skeleton construction or hybrid construction – each method has its advantages, possible applications and special features. We explain the most important types of wood construction for builders.
Timber frame construction
- Most common wood construction method
- Flexible + good thermal insulation
- High degree of design flexibility
- Ideal for single-family homes & extensions
Timber frame construction is the most widespread wood construction method in Germany. A stable timber frame is created, which is filled with insulation and planked. This construction method is particularly flexible and enables customised floor plans. If you want to build a wooden house, timber frame construction is a cost-conscious and proven solution – ideal for single-family homes, extensions or additional storeys.
Timber panel construction
- Prefabricated wall and ceiling elements
- Technology such as insulation or electrical installations often integrated
- Very short construction time
Timber panel construction is a modern form of wood construction in which entire wall and ceiling elements are prefabricated in the plant. Insulation, windows and even HVAC can already be integrated. This makes composition on site particularly fast and precise. Timber panel construction is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a prefabricated house in wood construction.
Solid wood construction
- Solid wood panels (e.g. CLT)
- Pleasant indoor climate
- Good fire protection
- Ideal for multi-storey buildings
Solid wood construction uses large-format wood panels such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) for walls, ceilings and roofs. The construction method ensures good sound insulation, stable structures and a pleasant indoor climate. It is suitable for single-family homes as well as multi-storey timber buildings and enables sustainable construction with wood.
Wood skeleton construction
- Visible supporting structure
- Large glass surfaces possible
- Flexible floor plans
- Customised architecture
The wood skeleton construction is based on a visible supporting structure of wooden studs and beams. The spaces in between can be freely designed – for example with large window areas or open-plan living concepts. This wood construction method offers maximum architectural freedom and is particularly suitable for modern wooden houses with lots of glass and light.
Hybrid construction
- Wood + concrete/steel combined
- Improved sound insulation and fire protection
- Ideal for multi-storey residential buildings
- Sustainable with modern comfort
Hybrid construction combines wood with concrete or steel to unite the strengths of different materials. This enables larger span widths, better sound insulation and high fire protection values – ideal for multi-storey residential or commercial buildings in wood construction. At the same time, the proportion of wood remains high and contributes to sustainable construction.
Advantages of wood construction at a glance
- Time savings: up to 30% shorter construction time than traditional house construction with brick or concrete
- Energy efficiency: very good insulation values → low heating costs
- Eligible for KfW funding: favourable loans for energy-efficient wood construction *
- Stable value: long service life
- Flexibility: ideal for extensions & additions
*dependent on local regulations
Wood construction myths debunked
There are many preconceptions about building with wood – from the supposedly high fire risk to doubts about its durability. However, modern timber construction has little to do with these myths. Here we clear up the most common misconceptions and show what is really true:
"Wood burns immediately!"
Wood forms a protective layer of carbon in the event of a fire – the burn rate is predictable
"It will rot at some point."
Correct construction method + weather protection = just as durable as stone
"Isn't that very expensive?"
The costs are similar to solid construction – often even cheaper due to shorter construction times
"Wood is loud."
Modern timber construction technology ensures excellent sound insulation and quiet rooms
How much does a wooden house cost?
The construction method and material choice have a significant impact on costs: solid wood, such as cross-laminated timber, is generally more expensive than timber frame construction. Prefabrication of the components shortens the construction time and reduces assembly costs. House size and planning also play an important role – customised architect-designed houses are usually more expensive than standard solutions. Equipment and building technology, such as high-quality materials, heat pumps or smart home systems, also have an impact on the price. Last but not least, construction prices and tradesmen's costs vary depending on the region and property location.