Florida Licensure Education Track 1 – Building with Wood Frames in Florida: Debunking Myths and Showcasing Strength

The belief that masonry or steel construction is inherently stronger than wood is a common misconception. In reality, a building’s strength depends on its weakest link—and post-storm assessments consistently show that wall construction is rarely the culprit. Structural performance relies on proper design, correct installation, and ongoing maintenance throughout the building’s lifespan. This course will explore the economic advantages, construction timelines, and resilience of wood-frame construction compared to other materials. Topics will include structural integrity, sustainability, and energy efficiency, providing a comprehensive look at why wood remains a viable and durable choice. Attendees will also gain access to valuable resources such as best practice publications, case studies, design calculators, and connections to engineered wood specialists. Building upon the principles covered in A Renewed Focus on Resiliency Using Engineered Wood Products (also offered at this year’s SEBC), this course will demonstrate best practices for enhancing wood-frame durability while highlighting common pitfalls to avoid and debunking myths associated with wood frame construction.