Wood Durability and Protection - Wood Preservation
One of the best ways to meet demands for wood products is to improve the durability of wood already in use. In 1910, the Forest Products Laboratory was established to increase the life in use of wood rail ties to meet growing demands. Scientists at the Forest Products Laboratory research how to make wood last longer by using more durable species and designing buildings with efficient moisture management. Researchers test wood for long-term performance and explore wood decay processes caused by fungi, termites, and other organisms. This research helps to inform building codes, treatment specifications, and standards.
Quick Facts
- Around 47% of U.S. homes contain dampness or mold according to a 2022 government study.
- Termites cause nearly $40 billion in damage globally each year.
- Termites partially destroy more than 600,000 homes annually in the United States alone.
- Approximately 10% of the annual timber cut in the U.S. is used to replace decayed wood in homes from moisture damage.
Applied Research Supporting Military Efforts
A treated ammunition box tested at the Forest Products Laboratory.
Forest Products Laboratory researchers are working with the Department of Defense to use treated North American hardwood species in military trailer decking that will replace tropical species. This will create new markets for North American hardwood products and reduce unsustainable harvest of tropical species.
Partners: Mississippi State University, Michigan Technological University, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, U.S. Army Tropics Regions Test Center, Department of Defense, U.S. Army CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
Researchers are testing methods to improve the service life of wood packaging materials such as ammunition boxes used by the U.S. Army. The military needs to ship and store such boxes in a variety of environments ensuring they are defect free for safety and quality assurance purposes.
Durable Solutions for Balconies and Decks
Balconies and decks are one of the most vulnerable construction elements in a residential building. Laboratory researchers developed an illustrated guide with details and instructions to improve the moisture performance of wood-framed balconies and decks in low-and mid-rise multifamily buildings.
See Durable Solutions for Balconies & Decks, a Forest Products Laboratory and Home Innovations joint publication.
Cold Tolerance in Termites
Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) are responsible for causing significant damage to wood materials and structures across North America. Studying cold tolerance in Wisconsin, the northernmost area for termite colonies, could lead to improved treatment options.
Samples of wood blocks with termite damage.
Termites in the lab.
Copper Tolerant Fungi
Copper is a common wood preservation treatment, but copper-tolerant fungi are a major source of economic loss to treated wood products in service. Forest Products Laboratory scientists are investigating how copper tolerant fungi work, and research that could result in new, effective wood treatment options.
Codes and Standards
Forest Products Laboratory scientists publish research as general technical reports, journal articles, and other publications providing the basis for updates to codes and standards. Scientists serve on technical committees focused on developing and improving building codes and standards for the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), and Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials.