The SLB Accelerates Lumber Demand Growth in the First Half of 2026
The SLB has released its Q2 2026 Report, highlighting strong progress in growing demand and expanding market opportunities for softwood lumber. Through the first half of 2026, SLB-funded programs generated more than 1 billion board feet of incremental lumber demand while continuing to strengthen wood’s competitive position through project conversions, education, market development, and codes and standards.
SLB-funded programs generated 517 MM BF of incremental lumber demand in Q2, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,031 MM BF toward the 1,350 MM BF 2026 goal. Programs have influenced 816 projects representing 44 million square feet of construction YTD.
WoodWorks directly influenced 109 projects in Q2, marking the fourth consecutive quarter with more than 100 project conversions. WoodWorks generated 220 MM BF of incremental lumber demand in Q2 and 442 MM BF YTD while expanding opportunities for wood in large light-frame projects, data centers, government and defense, and affordable housing.
SLB Education continued scaling wood design knowledge among current and future practitioners. Year to date, 95 faculty from 72 architecture, engineering, and construction programs have participated in faculty workshops, already surpassing the total number engaged in all of 2025.
Think Wood increased new contact acquisition 80% quarter over quarter and generated 8,785 new contacts in Q2. Its lead-to-project conversion rate reached 41%, up from 24% year over year, as project-focused case studies and resources continued to drive engagement and specification intent.
The American Wood Council secured key outcomes as the 2027 I-Code development cycle concluded, protecting existing lumber markets while advancing provisions that expand opportunities for wood construction. Mass timber provisions have now been adopted in 31 states and jurisdictions in 14 additional states.
The SLB continued advancing its Accelerator Cities strategy, including a partnership with C40 Cities that is building wood construction knowledge and capacity among a cohort of 13 U.S. cities and creating a pipeline for future Accelerator Cities.
Across the SLB and its funded programs, AI-enabled tools are driving operational efficiency and reallocating resources toward market development. Notably, transitioning SLB reporting to AI platforms yields an estimated $120,000 in annual savings.
For full program updates, additional stories, and more detail on Q2 results, view the Q2 2026 Report below. As always, we welcome industry feedback at info@softwoodlumberboard.org.
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SOFTWOOD LUMBER BOARD
The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) is an industry-funded initiative established to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products in outdoor, residential, and non-residential construction. Programs and initiatives supported by the SLB focus on increasing the demand for appearance and softwood lumber products in the United States.
