High-value building products from fire-, storm-, and beetle-damaged timber

Climate change–driven disturbances such as wildfires, storms and bark beetle outbreaks generate large volumes of damaged timber beyond ecological needs. The WoodStock project demonstrates that freshly salvaged sapwood can be used for engineered products like glue-laminated beams, mass timber panels, wood-based panels, cladding and modular blocks, provided rapid sorting and processing occur. Key challenges include accelerated degradation and pest or fungal attack, making time-sensitive logistics essential. Collaboration among foresters, sawmills, manufacturers and designers, along with clear salvage guidelines and demonstration projects, can transform surplus calamity wood into sustainable, high-value building materials.