Welcome to the CWC Portal
Wood Design Tools & Calculators
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) offers simple, easy-to-use, and free design tools to help architects, engineers, and builders work more efficiently with wood. From electronic design calculators to practical construction guides, our resources make wood design more accessible and straightforward.
CWC offers a number of free resources available to wood professionals as well as wood enthusiasts.
Wind & Seismic Bracing Calculator
This interactive tool intends to aid in the design of the minimum braced wall panel length required for the houses based on seismic and wind forces.
Climate zone-appropriate insulated wall assembly solutions that are easily comparable with national and provincial energy efficiency prescriptive provisions.
Calculate load-carrying capacity for wood beams efficiently. Provides quick, code-compliant results for safe and reliable designs.
Dimension Calculator
Easily convert lumber dimensions for accurate planning. Ideal for ensuring precise cuts and minimizing waste.
Estimate lumber volume for your projects. Simplify material planning and cost estimation with accurate results.
Carbon Calculator
Both the amount of carbon stored and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided.
Code CHEK
Ensure your designs meet safety standards. Verify compliance with the latest building codes for hassle-free projects.
FRR & STC Tool
Evaluate fire resistance and sound performance. Optimize designs to meet safety and acoustic standards easily.
Bolt Selection Table Viewer
Evaluate fire resistance and sound performance. Optimize designs to meet safety and acoustic standards easily.
Bolt Calculator
Performs design calculations for bolted connections in accordance with CSA O86:24 Clause 12.4.
The Canadian Wood Council’s Design Tools have been developed for information purposes only. Although all possible efforts have been made to ensure that the information on these tools is accurate, the CWC cannot under any circumstances guarantee the completeness, accuracy or exactness of the information. Reference should always be made to the appropriate Building Code and/or Standard. This tool should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or design advice, and the user is responsible for how the tool is used or applied.
Explore Additional Tools
Expand your design capabilities with advanced tools tailored for timber construction. From calculators to performance modeling, these resources enhance your workflow for precise and efficient project execution.
Cecobois Online Tools
Climate zone-appropriate insulated wall assembly solutions that are easily comparable with national and provincial energy efficiency prescriptive provisions.
AWC Online Tools
Discover innovative tools designed to streamline your wood construction projects. Optimize design processes and explore solutions crafted for modern timber engineering.
Discover the WoodWorks® Software
Learn how the WoodWorks Software supports design and construction professionals with expert resources, tools, and free technical support for innovative wood building projects.
Explore Premium
Content and Resources
From best practices to innovative techniques, find everything you need to succeed in timber construction.
Mark your calendars! WoodWorks Atlantic and the Canadian Wood Council are pleased to present the Wood Solutions Conference in Halifax this fall — and we want you there.
Tickets will be available in August! Stay tuned for details regarding Early Bird Registration!
- Join us November 19–20, 2025, at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites for Atlantic Canada’s premier event dedicated to wood design and construction. This two-day conference and trade show will feature expert-led seminars, cutting-edge innovations, and valuable networking opportunities for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. Tickets will be available in August! Stay tuned for details regarding Early Bird Registration! Location: The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites 1515 South Park Street Halifax, NS B3J 2L2 Full conference details and registration info coming soon. Whether you’re focused on sustainability, looking to expand your toolkit, or just want to see what’s possible with wood, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
In wood construction, success is rarely improvised. It’s the earned result of early design coordination, clearly communicated expectations, and a shared commitment to getting the details right—from design concept through to completion. Whether a project’s priority is accelerated construction timelines, lasting architectural impact, future disassembly and reuse, or all these things and more, the through line is thoughtful, deliberate planning.
As a structural system, timber calls for a high degree of coordination—especially as its applications continue to evolve and expand. It rewards teams who design with intent: those who understand that every exposed surface carries architectural weight, that detecting clashes early in the design phase avoids costly rework during construction, and that planning for a building’s end-of-life is just as essential as designing its first impression.
Society’s growing demand for low-carbon construction brings new urgency—and opportunity—to these conversations. As we continue to advance prefabricated, high-performance, and demountable wood building systems, the need for early alignment—between architect and engineer, builder and client—is not just integral to the success of individual projects, but to the advancement of the industry as a whole.
This issue of Wood Design & Building leans into that reality. As construction methods evolve, we examine how clear communication and coordination don’t just mitigate risk—they drive better outcomes for the built environment. In a construction landscape that values speed, efficiency, and low-carbon outcomes, it’s advanced planning and clear communication that turn ambition into meaningful results.
We’re not just building with wood. We’re building with purpose, intention, and care. And that process starts long before the first beam or panel is lifted into place.
The Engineering Complex at UNB is comprised of five buildings, all constructed at different times, and physically connected as one. The first building constructed in 1901, was the original Engineering Building, designed in the Romanesque Revival style, followed closely thereafter by the former Gymnasium, converted in 1944 to the Electrical Engineering Build-ing. In 1957, an expansion to the western side of the two original engineering buildings was made. Sir Edmund Head Hall, a five-storey, 13,600 sq.m (140,000 sf) addition was con-structed to the north of the previous mentioned buildings. Gillin Hall was added to the west side of Head Hall in 1989 and the Information Technology Centre was added to the south of Gillin Hall along Windsor Street in 2000.
In April of 2017, UNB requested Murdock & Boyd Architects to come up with a design solution for a new prominent Main Entrance to the Head Hall Engineering Complex, one that celebrates the engineering programs that are delivered at this institution. The space is designed to allow for and promote the collaboration and interaction of students and faculty, provide for additional graduate study areas, larger crush space from the Dineen Auditorium and a space to exhibit and visually celebrate all the disciplines of the world renowned UNB Engineering programs and its graduates.
- In this webinar, you’ll gain insight into the design and manufacturing considerations involved in using glulam in buildings. As one of the oldest mass timber products used in Canada, glulam offers exceptional flexibility and can be incorporated into a wide range of building types—particularly where curvature and expressive geometry are key. Presenters will outline design and manufacturing strategies for creating efficient structures, showing how glulam can be used not just as columns and beams, but as the primary structure in today’s innovative buildings—whether architecturally driven or focused on value and efficiency. They will also cover the availability of glulam products across Canada and explain how to maximize the value of the timber used. Practical tips will be shared to help designers and specifiers take full advantage of glulam’s attributes in a cost-efficient way. Understanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber Date: June 5th, 2025 Time: 1 PM Eastern Time Duration: 1 hour Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn the design strategies employed when using curvature and geometry in buildings and gain an understanding of what is possible with expressive architecture. Participants will understand the practical constraints of glulam manufacturing, including how to approach the design and specification of glulam members. Participants will learn how different wood species and strength grades are applied in glulam design, and how to use them efficiently for optimal performance. Participants will understand how geometry, fire ratings, and member layups influence the cost-efficiency and design potential of glulam systems.
- Course Description Mass timber is at the forefront of the shift toward more sustainable, low-carbon construction, offering a compelling example of how innovative materials can shape the future of our cities. As tall timber construction continues to gain momentum across Canada, the possibilities for sustainable and forward-thinking design have significantly expanded. This session explores the state of tall wood adoption, highlighting recent regulatory advancements, including code updates that now permit encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys. Join us for this exclusive lecture! Learning Objectives Identify recent updates to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) that expand provisions for Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, and explain their implications for tall wood projects in Canada. Analyze different innovative structural systems used in tall mass timber construction and compare their benefits and potential applications. Evaluate real-world examples of completed tall wood construction projects in Canada to understand design strategies, structural approaches, and performance outcomes. Assess the role of WoodWorks and the Canadian Wood Council in advancing wood construction practices, and effectively apply their tools and technical resources to support wood building design.
This workshop covers wood construction connectors, design apps, mass timber connectors, mass timber fasteners, structural screws, and anchor systems, with demonstrations on hanger testing, fastener installation, and anchor installation and testing.
- WoodWorks Ontario is teaming up with Simpson Strong-Tie for an in-person workshop in Brampton this May—designed to bring Ontario’s design and construction professionals the latest in structural connector systems, fasteners, and engineered solutions. You’ll hear from experts from Simpson Strong-Tie as they walk through the latest technical updates, including a preview of the soon-to-be-released Strong-Rod Systems catalogue, highlights from the new 2025 Wood Construction Connectors catalogue, and insights into Strong-Wall® Shearwalls and structural fastening systems. Additionally, WoodWorks Ontario will present a special session that explores market trends in light wood framing and mass timber. This session will focus on the new possibilities in building codes and showcase project examples. They will also introduce the free technical support and resources available through the WoodWorks program. Breakfast, lunch, and continuing education credits are included—don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and sharpen your skills.
Discover the innovative world of timber construction through a series of exclusive offsite tours during Woodrise. Explore Vancouver and beyond as you visit groundbreaking commercial, community, and residential projects that highlight the beauty, sustainability, and ingenuity of wood in modern architecture.
- Pre-Congress Tour Monday, September 22, 2025 City Tour (Vancouver East Half Day) Post-Congress Tours Thursday, September 25, 2025 City Tour (Vancouver East Full Day) City Tour (Vancouver Central Full Day) City Tour (Vancouver North, Full Day) City Tour (Vancouver South, Full Day) Beyond the City Tour (UBC Campus, Full Day) Beyond the City Tour (Squamish Region, Full Day) Beyond the City Tour (Vancouver Island, Full Day) Beyond the City Tour (Kootenay Region, Multi Day) Click here for more details and ticket information on all the Woodrise 2025 Offsite Tours.
- This full day workshop is designed for structural engineers looking for an opportunity to learn more about lateral load and design of wood structures. In this workshop you will: Be introduced to the development of loads according to the National Building Code (NBCC) Learn about the most recent lateral design provisions based on the wood design standard (CSA O86-19/24) Develop proficiency in lateral design including mid-rise and hybrid buildings Be introduced to advanced design concepts, including lateral load distribution based on flexible and rigid diaphragm assumptions, distribution within wall lines based on stiffness of wall panels, eccentricity and torsional moment, capacity-based design considerations, and more Be introduced to the new provisions for cross-laminated timber shearwall provisions
- This full day workshop is designed for structural engineers looking for an opportunity to learn more about lateral load and design of wood structures. In this workshop you will: Be introduced to the development of loads according to the National Building Code (NBCC) Learn about the most recent lateral design provisions based on the wood design standard (CSA O86-19/24) Develop proficiency in lateral design including mid-rise and hybrid buildings Be introduced to advanced design concepts, including lateral load distribution based on flexible and rigid diaphragm assumptions, distribution within wall lines based on stiffness of wall panels, eccentricity and torsional moment, capacity-based design considerations, and more Be introduced to the new provisions for cross-laminated timber shearwall provisions
This report serves as a practical guide for small to medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, and builders looking to transition into offsite construction. With a specific focus on prefabricated elements and modular systems, it offers actionable guidance for manufacturers considering process expansion or upgrades. Covering critical topics such as business planning, transformational change, financial efficiency, design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA), and technology integration, the report emphasizes that success in offsite construction depends not only on technical capability, but also on strategic foresight and organizational readiness.
Drawing on lessons from both successful and stalled ventures, the report identifies common pitfalls—including rushed implementation, cultural resistance, and premature technology investment—and outlines a disciplined, step-by-step approach to navigating them. Through key themes such as aligning prefabrication with business goals, managing operational change, optimizing financial strategies, and adopting technology judiciously, the report provides a roadmap for sustainable growth. Its insights advocate for a manufacturing mindset rooted in efficiency and adaptability, helping firms approach offsite construction with confidence, clarity, and resilience.
Mass timber construction offers speed, sustainability, and design flexibility – but it also requires a higher level of coordination than traditional structural systems. Its prefabricated components and tight tolerances call for early planning, clear communication, and a shared understanding across the project team. Ensuring that all partners – including those less familiar with timber construction – are aligned on these unique requirements helps avoid costly delays and, more importantly, positions the team to fully capitalize on the benefits mass timber has to offer.
- This webinar will provide guidance on the design and construction of permanent wood foundations (PWF) based on the Canadian standard CSA S406-16 – Specification of Permanent Wood Foundations for Housing and Small Buildings. Topics will include site selection, backfilling, PWF floor systems, air and vapour barriers, insulation techniques, crawl spaces, and design considerations for high wind and seismic zones. The presentation will give attendees a comprehensive overview of the structural and building science requirements for designing and constructing PWF systems. Learning Outcomes: History of PWF construction Wood preservatives and material requirements for PWF Overview of pertinent design and construction aspects of PWF Standardization of PWF as per CSA S406 Building science considerations for PWF systems
The emerging use of mass timber in industrial buildings presents promising opportunities that are shaping the future of construction in this sector. As a sustainable and economically competitive alternative, mass timber is redefining industrial construction, a field traditionally dominated by prefabricated steel. An analysis of two cutting-edge projects in Sudbury, Ontario, highlights key advantages, including cost competitiveness, reduced embodied carbon, and aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments.
- In this webinar, you’ll gain insight into the design and manufacturing considerations involved in using glulam in buildings. As one of the oldest mass timber products used in Canada, glulam offers exceptional flexibility and can be incorporated into a wide range of building types—particularly where curvature and expressive geometry are key. Presenters will outline design and manufacturing strategies for creating efficient structures, showing how glulam can be used not just as columns and beams, but as the primary structure in today’s innovative buildings—whether architecturally driven or focused on value and efficiency. They will also cover the availability of glulam products across Canada and explain how to maximize the value of the timber used. Practical tips will be shared to help designers and specifiers take full advantage of glulam’s attributes in a cost-efficient way. Understanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber Date: May 21st, 2025 Time: 1 PM Eastern Time Duration: 1 hour Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn the design strategies employed when using curvature and geometry in buildings and gain an understanding of what is possible with expressive architecture. Participants will understand the practical constraints of glulam manufacturing, including how to approach the design and specification of glulam members. Participants will learn how different wood species and strength grades are applied in glulam design, and how to use them efficiently for optimal performance. Participants will understand how geometry, fire ratings, and member layups influence the cost-efficiency and design potential of glulam systems.
OTTAWA, ON, 23 APR 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council is accepting submissions for the 2025 Wood Design & Building Awards. Now in its 41st year, this annual program invites architects, designers, and project teams from across North America and around the world to submit their most inspiring wood projects for consideration.
“At its core, this program is a celebration of architectural excellence,” says Martin Richard, VP Market Development & Communications at the Canadian Wood Council. “Each year, we’re inspired by the many ways designers harness wood’s versatile beauty—from bold, expressive forms to quietly transformative spaces.”
Over the decades, we’ve seen the creativity and talent of hundreds of project teams bring important changes to the built environment—elevating wood from a niche material to a sustainable, mainstream design ambition. While the awards program has always shone a light on architectural excellence in wood, winning projects in recent years also frequently demonstrate innovation, technical achievement, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished jury of Canadian and American architects. Projects will be evaluated based on creativity, design excellence, and the innovative and appropriate use of wood to achieve project objectives.
Award categories for 2025 include:
- Non-residential
- Residential
- Adaptive Reuse, Additions, and Renovations
- International Building
- Other (e.g. exterior structures, bridges)
The program also includes several specialty awards:
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Award
- Sansin Award
- Real Cedar Award
- Wood Preservation Canada (WPC) Award
- Regional WoodWorks Awards for Ontario, British Columbia, and the Prairies
Winners will receive a custom wood trophy and be recognized through a media announcement, social media, a feature profile on the Wood Innovation Network, and editorial coverage in Wood Design & Building Magazine (digital edition).
Key Dates
Early Bird Deadline: May 31, 2025
Final Submission Deadline: June 27, 2025
For more information and to submit your project, please visit: https://cwc.ca/wood-design-and-building-awards/
