Why Old Homes Stand The Test of Time
Why Old Homes Stand the Test of Time: The Use of Old-Growth Wood
For those with a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship, older homes offer something modern construction often lacks: the unmatched resilience of old-growth wood. These homes, built with timber from centuries-old forests, boast a structural integrity and character that newer builds struggle to replicate. But what makes old-growth wood so exceptional? And how has British Columbia's approach to framing materials evolved from the 1800s to today? Let’s delve into the history and science behind this enduring material.
Historical photos showcasing the immense size of old-growth lumber used in home construction until the early 1940s.
The Legacy of Old-Growth Forests in British Columbia
British Columbia’s towering old-growth forests have played a foundational role in the province’s development. Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous communities had already been sustainably using these ancient trees for canoes, longhouses, and totem poles. These forests, consisting of Douglas fir, western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and hemlock, grew undisturbed for hundreds—sometimes thousands—of years, creating ecosystems of remarkable biodiversity.
When pioneers and loggers began settling in the region in the 19th century, they saw these forests as an invaluable resource for building a new world. The strength, density, and workability of old-growth timber made it ideal for constructing homes, bridges, and even entire townships. As cities like Victoria and Vancouver expanded, old-growth timber framed their earliest buildings, from government structures to heritage homes that still stand today.
The timber industry became a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, with sawmills springing up along the coastline and rivers to process the massive logs. These mills supplied not just local demand but also exported lumber worldwide, helping shape growing metropolises across North America. The extensive use of old-growth wood in early British Columbian architecture is why many heritage buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s remain structurally sound and highly sought after today
Depicting the transition from ancient old-growth forests to second-growth woodlands, culminating in plantation-grown trees.
The Golden Era of Old-Growth Wood (1800s–Mid-1900s)
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, British Columbia was a lumber powerhouse. Towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce trees, some hundreds of years old, provided builders with dense, straight-grained wood. These trees grew slowly in undisturbed forests, resulting in tight growth rings. The slow growth rate meant that each annual ring was packed closely together, making the wood significantly denser, stronger, and more resistant to environmental stressors. The high proportion of heartwood—formed as the tree matures—added further durability, as it contains natural resins that repel moisture and insects.
These qualities made for incredibly strong and rot-resistant framing materials. Homes built in this era were designed to last, featuring thick-cut beams and hand-hewn timbers that could withstand the elements for generations. Unlike faster-growing modern trees, which develop a looser grain structure, old-growth lumber provided unparalleled structural stability with minimal warping or twisting over time.
The Shift to Second-Growth Lumber (Mid-1900s–1980s)
As industrialization surged and old-growth forests dwindled, builders turned to second-growth lumber. While still a quality material, this wood came from younger trees—typically under 100 years old—with wider growth rings and a higher proportion of sapwood. This resulted in a lighter, more flexible material that, while still strong, lacked the dense, tightly grained structure of its old-growth counterpart. Framing techniques also changed during this time, with the rise of mass-produced dimensional lumber, leading to faster but arguably less durable construction.
The Modern Era: SPF and Engineered Wood (1990s–Present)
Today, sustainability and efficiency drive the construction industry. With old-growth logging now heavily restricted, builders rely on engineered wood products like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and oriented strand board (OSB). These materials offer affordability and consistency, ensuring that homes can be built efficiently and with minimal waste. Engineered wood has its own advantages, such as resistance to specific environmental conditions and predictable performance. However, it lacks the same natural density and longevity of old-growth timber, meaning modern homes may require different maintenance considerations over time.
The Rise of Plantation-Grown SPF Lumber (1990s–Present)
Today, most framing lumber used in BC homes comes from plantation-grown SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir). Unlike old-growth forests, which grew naturally for centuries, SPF lumber is intentionally cultivated in managed forests designed for rapid harvesting.
Where Does BC's SPF Lumber Come From?
Most of the SPF used in BC construction comes from second-growth forests and plantation forests in:
Interior British Columbia – Primarily Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce.
Alberta and Saskatchewan – Large-scale commercial forestry operations growing white spruce and pine.
Eastern Canada (Quebec & Ontario) – Supplying additional softwood lumber to meet demand.
How SPF Trees Are Grown and Harvested
SPF trees are typically grown in high-density plantations, where trees are planted in straight rows and harvested in cycles of 40 to 80 years—a fraction of the 300+ years old-growth trees required.
🌱 Genetically Selected & Spaced Closely – Trees are chosen for rapid vertical growth, often planted closer together to encourage taller, thinner trunks.
☀️ Full Sunlight Exposure – Since plantations are regularly cleared and replanted, young trees get uninterrupted access to sunlight, accelerating growth.
💧 Intensive Water & Nutrient Management – Some plantations optimize tree growth by thinning weaker trees to funnel resources to the strongest ones.
✂️ Shorter Lifespan Before Harvesting – Unlike old-growth trees, which grow slowly for centuries, plantation trees are harvested before they fully mature, resulting in wider growth rings and lower density wood.
L: The difference between old growth lumber and modern SPF lumber R: Example of Fir support beam in 1920’s build
How to Identify Old-Growth Framing in a Home
If you’re inspecting a heritage home and want to determine if it was built with old-growth wood, look for these telltale signs:
Exposed Beams and Joists: In basements or attics, check for thick, solid beams with a fine, tight grain pattern. The tighter the rings, the older and denser the wood.
Saw Marks: Hand-hewn or circular saw marks indicate that the wood was milled in an earlier era. Band-sawn lumber became common later, so older cuts suggest pre-1900s timber.
Patina and Hardness: Old-growth wood darkens beautifully over time, often appearing richer and more polished than modern lumber. It also tends to be harder, resisting dents and scratches.
Minimal Warping or Splitting: Because of its dense grain, old-growth framing remains straight and solid even after a century or more, unlike some modern materials that twist or bow over time.
The Importance of Protecting Old-Growth Forests
While we admire the historic craftsmanship of homes built with old-growth timber, it’s important to recognize that these forests are irreplaceable. Unlike managed second-growth forests, true old-growth ecosystems take centuries to form, providing habitats for endangered species, supporting biodiversity, and playing a crucial role in carbon storage.
🏞️ Old-growth forests stabilize ecosystems by housing unique wildlife, from spotted owls to ancient fungi networks.
🌍 They act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing CO₂ to combat climate change.
💧 They protect watersheds, ensuring clean drinking water and stable river systems.
Sustainable Homebuilding in Victoria, BC: Why it matters
Instead of relying on old-growth harvesting, today’s builders use:
Engineered Wood Products – Such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), which provide exceptional strength while using fast-growing trees.
Reclaimed Wood – Salvaging beams from older structures prevents waste while maintaining the character of old-growth timber.
Sustainably Managed Forests – Carefully managed second-growth lumber ensures a continuous supply without depleting ancient forests.
We can appreciate the past while also embracing the future of eco-friendly, sustainable homebuilding.
Where to See Old-Growth Forests on Vancouver Island
For those who want to experience the grandeur of old-growth forests, Vancouver Island offers several breathtaking locations:
Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park) – Home to 800-year-old Douglas firs and red cedars.
Avatar Grove – Famous for its gnarled red cedars, including "Canada’s Gnarliest Tree."
Carmanah Walbran Park – Features 1,000-year-old Sitka spruces among untouched wilderness.
Big Lonely Doug – A massive Douglas fir standing alone in a clear-cut, a haunting symbol of conservation efforts.
Meares Island (Big Tree Trail) – Accessible by boat from Tofino, with some trees over 1,500 years old.
While modern advancements in construction bring efficiency and affordability, they rarely match the time-tested durability of old-growth wood. Newer materials serve their purpose well, particularly in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, but old homes remain an excellent investment due to their superior structural integrity. Whether restoring an Edwardian-era beauty or simply admiring the bones of a century-old farmhouse, one thing is clear: old-growth wood remains a testament to British Columbia’s rich building heritage.
