How To Protect Mass Timber Columns & Beams On Active Jobsites

Professionals across commercial and multi-residential construction continue to turn to mass timber on their projects, and for good reason. It offers strength, sustainability, and a clean architectural aesthetic that is often left exposed as a finished surface. Because these elements are structural, not just decorative, protecting them during construction is vital to the integrity of the building.

Unlike other materials, such as steel or concrete, mass timber can be compromised by relatively minor damage. Impacts, moisture exposure, and repeated abrasion can weaken fibers, create hidden defects, or introduce conditions that affect long-term performance. Once installed, mass timber columns and beams are often difficult or impossible to replace without causing major disruption to your timeline and bottom line. That makes proactive protection during construction a necessity, not an optional extra.

Why Structural Protection Matters For Mass Timber

Armour Protection Board - Grey Column Protection

Mass timber columns and beams are engineered to support specific loads, distribute weight evenly, and maintain long-term stability. Even relatively minor surface damage can translate into structural weaknesses over time. Dents, moisture penetration, and impact cause stress points that can compromise the timber’s performance. Protecting these elements on the jobsite preserves the structural integrity of the building and avoids costly repairs and replacements.

Damage during construction can also trigger rework and additional inspections, delaying schedules and increasing labor costs. By installing the correct protection solutions from the onset of the build, contractors safeguard not only the strength of the timber but also the project timeline and budget.

Our Solutions

We offer a variety of temporary surface protection solutions that are ideal for protecting mass timber columns and beams. Our products are engineered to shield surfaces from impacts, abrasion, and moisture without slowing down construction.

Armour Vert-Protect is ideal for vertical surfaces and high-traffic areas. Its high-density plastic with honeycomb core provides major impact protection, while its single-faced finish allows it to wrap around columns for quick, secure installation. The Armour Vert-Protect provides reusable, long-lasting protection that keeps structural timber intact throughout the construction process.

Another effective solution is the Armour Protection Board lineup. The boards come in a variety of thicknesses and impact resistance, allowing you to customize your protection solutions to the needs of your unique project, and all are lightweight, easy to cut, and effective.

Meanwhile, Armour Protection Fleece provides additional protection where moisture or surface abrasion is a concern. Its waterproof top layer combined with its fleece backing shield surfaces against both moisture and scuffs, as well as some impacts.

Don’t need full coverage solutions? Just use the Armour Corner Guard Edge Protectors, which can simply be affixed to corners of columns, walls, and other surfaces, and protect them from major to moderate damage throughout the project.

How Protecting Structural Integrity Saves Time & Money

Protecting mass timber from the start reduces the likelihood of costly repairs or re-inspections later. Time spent correcting damage is time lost on the schedule, and structural repairs can involve specialized trades and materials. By installing our temporary surface protection solutions early, crews can keep work moving efficiently, minimize rework, and maintain a predictable timeline.

The durability and reusability of our product lineup also lower material costs over multiple projects. Instead of replacing makeshift protection repeatedly, contractors can rely on products like Armour Vert-Protect and Armour Protection Board to withstand repeated handling while maintaining consistent protection. This reduces both material waste and overall project costs.

A Proactive Approach

Armour Corner Guard Edge Protector on Column

Structural protection should be incorporated into the construction plan from day one. Our products are easy to install, adjust, and remove, allowing protection to stay in place throughout the most critical phases of construction. A layered approach ensures that every column and beam receives the right level of protection for its exposure and risk level. Clean removal at the end of construction keeps timber surfaces intact, supporting inspections and long-term performance.

Conclusion:

Mass timber columns and beams are central to a building’s structural performance. Protecting them during construction is essential to ensuring safety, durability, and schedule reliability. Damage sustained on the jobsite can compromise load-bearing performance and lead to expensive repairs or delays.

We offer solutions that safeguard mass timber from impacts, abrasion, and moisture. By investing in protection from the start, contractors preserve structural integrity, reduce risk, save time, and lower costs, ensuring that the building performs exactly as engineered.