Revolutionary Superwood Could Replace Steel and Help Clean Up Construction

What if the future of construction didn’t rely on steel or concrete—but wood? A Maryland-based startup called InventWood is turning this vision into reality with a game-changing material known as Superwood. As reported by TechCrunch’s Tim De Chant, Superwood is made by compressing treated timber to multiply its strength and durability. The result? A product with 50% more tensile strength than steel and a strength-to-weight ratio that’s 10 times better.

Originally developed in 2018 by University of Maryland scientist Liangbing Hu, Superwood strengthens the cellulose in timber through a treatment process using food-grade chemicals. Once compressed, the wood forms dense hydrogen bonds that drastically improve structural integrity. It’s not only strong—it’s also Class A fire-rated and resistant to rot and pests.

InventWood, the startup commercializing Hu’s research, is now gearing up to mass-produce Superwood this summer. Backed by $15 million in funding from climate-conscious investors like the Grantham Foundation and Builders Vision, the company’s first plant will focus on building facade applications. Eventually, they aim to replace the structural “bones” of buildings—currently responsible for 90% of a structure’s carbon footprint—with this renewable alternative.

Superwood also boasts an aesthetic edge. Its natural coloration, enhanced through compression, mimics luxurious tropical hardwoods without requiring stain or harmful treatments. It’s beautiful, tough, and comes from trees—a far more sustainable option than high-emission steel or concrete.

Swapping steel for Superwood could radically cut the climate cost of construction. If we’re serious about building a greener future, it’s time to champion sustainable innovations like this. Let’s Support companies that turn renewable resources into next-generation building blocks—because the forest might just save the city.

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