The Forest Products Laboratory is a national research laboratory operating under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The Lab is responsible for scientific research on wood and developing innovative wood products. The Forest Products Laboratory collaborates in partnership with academia, private companies, industry, and governmental agencies. As a world-class wood utilization research laboratory and wood research institute, the Forest Products Laboratory has been contributing to and developing innovative ways to utilize the nation’s forest resources since 1910.
Research conducted at the Lab includes but is not limited to specialties like testing fire materials testing and pilot-scale production of nanocellulose-based items. Research areas at the Lab focus on five emphasis areas:
Overall, the driving objective of the Forest Products Laboratory is to promote the nation’s economy, healthy forests, and quality of life for American citizens through wood and fiber utilization research.
The Forest Products Laboratory's mission is to identify and conduct innovative wood and fiber utilization research that contributes to conservation and productivity of the forest resource, thereby sustaining forests, the economy, and quality of life.
Upcoming Events
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(FULL) Forest Products Laboratory Tour - July 2025
–Please note that this tour is fully booked, and no additional reservations can be made.
Learn about our collaborative initiatives with industry, academia, and government agencies accelerating forest wood product innovation.
Essential technical resource for carpenters, architects, and engineers, providing comprehensive data on wood properties, design applications, and timber-based products for construction projects.
Free public service offering expert identification of wood samples, supporting researchers, educators, and curious citizens.
Get answers to common inquiries about wood properties, wood technologies, and best practices for industry professionals and homeowners.