Abstract Mass timber (MT) has become a prominent construction material due to its strong structural performance and notable carbon sequestration capacity. This study examines the properties of MT sourced from various wood species, offering designers key insights to assess design compliance and evaluate substitution potential across species. It highlights the practical applications and advantages of MT (glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, dowel laminated timber, parallel strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber). The study investigates the current main wood species used in MT, elucidating the reasons behind the dominance of softwood. In addition, a comprehensive review of wood properties is conducted to compare the growth rate, fire resistance, and durability between softwood and hardwood species. It further conducts an analysis of hardwood’s application potential by examining general characteristics, mechanical properties, and performance in various application scenarios. Notwithstanding, challenges related to adhesive distribution and bond-line integrity are also indicated. The study further discusses hybrid and artificial wood, emphasizing their emerging roles in construction. In addition, it discusses effective manufacturing, protective, and monitoring methods for MT. An evaluation of mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and seismic performance reinforces that MT is suitable for diverse construction scenarios. The study also addresses factors influencing swelling, shrinkage, and creep behaviors in MT. In conclusion, while MT exhibits superior properties relative to solid wood, its application in structural design remains complex, necessitating further research to enhance its role in sustainable building practices.
Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.