Mass timber is often promoted as faster, cheaper, and greener—but does it really hold up against concrete? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, we examine where timber actually competes, where it falls short, and what owners and engineers need to know before choosing it over concrete. From speed and aesthetics to fire ratings, insurance, and durability, this conversation exposes the tradeoffs that get lost in the marketing. What You'll Learn - What exactly qualifies as mass timber, and why is CLT the dominant product? - Can timber’s speed of construction outweigh prefabrication challenges? - Why do acoustics and fire safety force timber to rely on concrete toppings? - How do insurance and durability concerns stack up against concrete? - Are sustainability claims for timber real—or just another sales pitch? - Where does concrete still deliver advantages timber can’t match? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Mass Timber and Concrete 04:38 – Understanding Mass Timber Products 09:00 – Advantages of Mass Timber in Construction 13:40 – Design Considerations and Aesthetics 18:22 – Durability, Maintenance, and Sustainability 22:48 – Cost, Insurance, and Market Trends Guest Info Name: Garrett Braun Email:
[email protected] Website: https://www.blueneststructural.com/ Company: Blue Nest Structural Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs the easy way. Listen to podcast episodes, complete a short quiz, and get professional development hours with proper documentation. Start your free trial: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy Support the Podcast This show runs on a Value-for-Value model. If you got value from this episode, consider supporting us: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Support the show while gearing up with KUIU premium outdoor gear —what Seth wears both on the hunt and on the job. Shop through this link at no extra cost: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/KUIU Want help with media services like podcasting or YouTube for your concrete company? Reach out to Seth at
[email protected]. Credits Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ Connectivity Host: Seth Tandett, Concrete Visionary & Business Development Manager at Baker Construction LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share. Let’s keep it concrete.
