Why Structural Timber Still Matters and Why It Matters Now

In today’s frame and truss market, the pressure is real for timber manufacturers. Steel arrives pre-fabricated. Imported LVL competes aggressively on price and consistency. And for many, the decision has become brutally simple: why pay more now when a cheaper substitute appears to do the job?

It’s a question we hear every day, and it’s understandable. When margins are tight, the difference between our price and the offers currently in the market matters. But focusing purely on upfront cost risks overlooking the bigger picture: performance, reliability, and long-term value in an increasingly complex construction environment.

At OneFortyOne, we know we operate in what feels like a commodity market. Yet not all timber is created equal. The fibre we grow, and manufacture is among the best available, grown and designed for structural integrity, consistency, and predictable performance. That matters because the real cost of materials is not just what you pay at purchase, but what happens after installation.

Our customers see firsthand the downstream risks: movement, instability, callbacks, and inefficiencies on-site. As customers have highlighted, preventing issues starts with getting the fundamentals right, quality inputs, appropriate grading, and confidence in the material. Straightness, stability, and machining consistency are not “nice to have” features; they are critical to productivity and reputation.

Timber also brings inherent advantages that alternatives struggle to match. It is lighter to work with, adaptable on-site, and supports faster installation when aligned with skilled design and fabrication. Most importantly, it is renewable and stores carbon, making it a central player in meeting Australia’s growing expectations for sustainable housing.

This is where the conversation must shift. Timber is not just a product; it is part of a broader system that connects housing affordability, supply certainty, and climate outcomes. OneFortyOne’s investment in co-generation, turning wood residues into renewable energy, demonstrates how our supply chain is evolving to support a cleaner, more resilient future.

We recognise the tension between holding price and holding market share. But we also believe the industry cannot afford a race to the bottom that undermines quality, supply security, and long-term viability.

The question, then, is not simply “what is cheapest today?” but “what builds confidence for tomorrow?”
For frame and truss manufacturers, the answer lies in partnership, working with suppliers who understand your pressures, invest in future capacity, and deliver timber you can trust when it matters most.

Jessica Douglas
Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability
OneFortyOne