A revolutionary wood material stronger than steel and far lighter is set to hit the construction market. InventWood, a University of Maryland spinout, will begin mass-producing its engineered “Superwood” this summer—marking a breakthrough in sustainable building materials.

The wood is created by partially removing lignin and then compressing natural wood into a dense, durable structure. The result is a fire-resistant, moisture-proof material with 50% greater tensile strength than steel and a strength-to-weight ratio 10 times higher. Unlike steel or carbon fiber, Superwood is produced without high-energy processes or synthetic resins—and actually sequesters carbon.

InventWood’s first facility in Frederick, Maryland, will initially focus on interior applications for commercial and luxury residential buildings, with plans to expand into exterior panels by fall 2025. Structural elements like beams and columns could follow within a few years, pending certification. The company is also developing a second plant capable of producing over 30 million square feet of Superwood annually.

The product, which resembles tropical hardwood in appearance, can be shaped and installed using conventional tools. Though current costs range from $12.50 to $25 per pound—much higher than steel—the company argues that its performance and longevity effectively lower its real-world cost.

With plans to scale and reduce prices, InventWood envisions Superwood as a future staple in infrastructure and large-scale developments. Its potential extends beyond construction into vehicles, furniture, and aerospace—but for now, its mission is clear: to replace steel and concrete with a greener, high-performance alternative.

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