We Don’t Build Them Like We Used To.
- Dustin Wiebold
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
— And There Are Reasons For It
You’ve probably heard someone say, “They don’t build them like they used to.” And when you look at a piece of lumber from 1918 compared to 2018, you can see why. The old wood is dense, heavy, and full of tight growth rings. Modern lumber, by contrast, is lighter, softer, and has wider growth rings.
It’s true — we don’t build the way we used to. But here’s the truth: there are good reasons why we’ve moved on, and better ways to build for the future.
Old-Growth Lumber vs. Today’s Needs
Back in 1918, builders had access to old-growth timber — trees that had been standing for centuries. They grew slowly, producing dense, durable beams that could hold up houses for generations. But harvesting old-growth forests on a mass scale simply isn’t sustainable anymore.
Today, most lumber comes from managed forests and tree farms. It grows faster, is more affordable, and helps preserve what remains of old-growth ecosystems. But it’s not as naturally strong. So how do we build homes that are just as sturdy, more comfortable, and more sustainable?
That’s where SIP panels come in.
The Smarter Envelope: SIPs
Sam Rashkin, author of Housing 2.0: A Disruption Survival Guide, has been a leading voice in the homebuilding industry for decades. He points out that the way we’ve been framing houses hasn’t changed much in 150 years — and that’s a problem.
SIPs change that. Instead of relying on stick framing and insulation added later, SIPs combine structure and insulation into one panel. The result?
Tighter homes with less air leakage
Faster builds thanks to prefabrication
Lower energy bills for homeowners
Consistent strength and performance that doesn’t depend on tree age
As Rashkin explains, it’s time to move beyond outdated methods and embrace smarter platforms that deliver value for both builders and homeowners.
Why This Is Better Than “The Old Way”
Sustainability: Old-growth forests are not a renewable resource. SIPs use engineered wood from younger, faster-growing trees — preserving the forests we have left.
Efficiency: A 1918 home might still be standing, but it likely leaks energy like a sieve. SIPs create a tight envelope that drastically reduces heating and cooling costs.
Performance: Engineered panels deliver consistency. Instead of relying on the luck of a slow-grown tree, builders get predictable quality and strength every time.
Affordability: If every home had to be built from old-growth timber today, costs would skyrocket. SIPs make high-performance homes attainable without sacrificing durability.
Looking Forward
So yes — we don’t build them like we used to.
By choosing SIP panels, we’re not cutting corners — we’re building homes that are smarter, stronger, and more sustainable than ever before. This is the future of homebuilding: one that respects the past, but designs for generations to come.
Excellent information and nicely presented. More importantly, it brings to light a better, smarter and more efficient way to build for customer's who want their dream home built using the latest technology, design and resources.