InventWood’s SUPERWOOD is engineered, densified wood—not a universal steel substitute. InventWood claims it has 50% greater tensile strength than steel and a strength-to-weight ratio ten times better, figures reported by Fast Company in May 2025. Those are two different comparisons: tensile strength measures resistance to pulling, while strength-to-weight ratio accounts for a material’s weight. Neither claim, on its own, establishes that Superwood can replace steel in every building component or load case.
What is Superwood?
SUPERWOOD is a wood product developed by InventWood, a company building on research at the University of Maryland. InventWood describes its material as wood modified chemically and then precision-densified. The company says the process can increase density by up to four times and create hydrogen bonds between compressed cellulose fibers; it also claims improved resistance to moisture and rot. These are company descriptions, not a substitute for project-specific product data.
A Yale-affiliated account of the 2018 academic work describes partially removing lignin—the substance that helps bind wood’s structure—and compressing the wood with heat. The resulting material had more tightly packed cellulose fibers. That account explains the research approach; it does not establish that every step is identical to InventWood’s commercial manufacturing process.
What does “stronger than steel” mean?
In Fast Company’s May 16, 2025 report, the 50% greater tensile-strength figure and ten-times-better strength-to-weight ratio are attributed to InventWood’s claims about its commercial product. Tensile strength is resistance to being pulled apart. Strength-to-weight ratio compares strength with the material’s weight. A better ratio can matter when weight is a design constraint, but it does not mean that a same-sized piece of Superwood outperforms every steel grade in every application.
#1 Best Overall
- High-Quality Wall Panels: Our acoustic panel set is crafted with high-density polyester fiber, premium medium-density fiberboard, and a solid wood veneer. This combination provides an elegant look, superior sound damping, and excellent sound deadening, significantly improving room acoustics
- Easy Installation: The setup is quick and straightforward. The wooden panels can be cut as needed for easy size adjustment. Depending on your preference and wall conditions, you can secure the acoustic panels to the wall using adhesive or screws. The 2-PCS set comes with 35 screws, and for every additional 2 pieces in the set, 35 more screws are included
- Product Dimensions: Available in sets of two, four, six, eight, or ten, each grille panel measures 47.2" x 23.6" (120 x 60 cm), providing a total coverage of approximately 15.5 sq. ft. (1.44 m²), 31 sq. ft. (2.88 m²), 46.5 sq. ft. (4.32 m²), 62 sq. ft. (5.76 m²), or 77.5 sq. ft. (7.2 m²) respectively
- Modern & Elegant Design: Regardless of room size, these wood wall panels offer a natural, warm appearance, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. The panels fit perfectly against any wall, creating a seamless and integrated visual effect
- Easy to Cut: For maximum design flexibility, simply mark your cutting line, apply tape over it, and then cut along the tape to get the desired length or shape. This allows for perfect customization to suit your unique space
A useful engineering comparison must identify the property being measured, the steel grade, specimen dimensions and orientation, and the test conditions. The available reporting does not provide a complete head-to-head dataset covering those details across steel grades and building uses. The headline claim should therefore be read as a specific company-reported comparison, not a general design rule.
What did the academic research find?
Yale-affiliated coverage of the 2018 study describes the study material as showing more than a tenfold increase in strength, toughness and ballistic resistance compared with untreated natural wood, along with greater dimensional stability. Those figures concern the material described in the 2018 study and its natural-wood baseline; they are not the same comparison as InventWood’s commercial-product claims about steel.
Rank #2
- High-Quality Slatwall Panels: Crafted with high-density polyester fiber, premium medium-density fiberboard, and a solid wood veneer. This combination provides an elegant look, superior sound damping, and excellent sound deadening, significantly improving room acoustics
- Easy to Install: Depending on your personal preference and the condition of the wall, you can attach the slatwall panels using adhesive or screws. The kit includes all necessary hardware; the 6-, 8-, and 10-panel kits come with 105, 140, and 175 screws
- Product Dimensions: Available in packs of 2 or 4. Each panel measures 47.2 inches x 23.6 inches (120 x 60 cm). When installed, the 2 and 4-panel sets cover an area of 15.5 and 31 sq.ft(1.44 and 2.88 m²)
- Versatile Design: Regardless of the room’s original decor style, wooden slatwall panels blend in seamlessly to create a natural, warm atmosphere, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. When installed over large areas, they create a more cohesive visual effect
- Customize Your Own Slatwall: Get creative and design your own wall decoration. Simply mark the cutting lines and apply tape as a guide, then cut along the tape to achieve the desired length or shape. Allows you to adapt the design to your unique space or bring different decoration ideas to life
The distinction matters: the academic result supports the idea that wood can be substantially strengthened, while the commercial steel comparison is a claim attributed to InventWood. Neither establishes that a particular product, component or building design has passed the approvals required for a specific structural use.
Can Superwood replace steel or concrete in a building?
Not on the evidence available in the cited reporting alone. Fast Company described beams and columns as future ambitions pending certification. The sources cited here do not verify approval or certification for a particular structural application. A design team would need current product specifications, test data, applicable code acceptance and project-specific engineering before specifying it as a substitute for steel, concrete or conventional wood.
Rank #3
- Easy Self Adhesive Installation: no tools or nails are required for installation, as these peel and stick wall panels feature a strong pre applied adhesive backing; Simply peel off the protective film and apply the wallpaper peel and stick style to any smooth surface; It is an ideal choice for DIY beginners and renters looking to refresh their home decor quickly
- Realistic 3D Wood Grain: the wood panels for wall projects exude a natural and warm aesthetic that authentically replicates solid wood slats; Use them as peel and stick wood panels to create a modern feature wall, making them an ideal choice for an office or wall panels for living room accent
- PVC Material: each wall panel roll measures 15.75 inches x 118 inches/ 40 cm x 300 cm; Crafted from durable PVC, these wall panels for interior wall decor are resistant to sunlight, scratches, and everyday impacts; They are flexible and easy to cut with scissors or a utility knife, and they clean easily with a damp cloth and ensure a seamless, professional looking finish
- Sound Insulation: these acoustic wall panels combine visual appeal with practical sound insulation, adding visual depth and dimension to your space. ; These peel and stick wood panels also provide sound dampening properties to help reduce noise, making it ideal for home theaters, offices, bedrooms, or noisy areas
- Versatile Decorative Style: these renter friendly wall slats are suitable for accent walls, TV backdrops, cabinet facings, and furniture makeovers; Whether applied for home or office, they blend seamlessly with modern, minimalist, or Nordic style decor, making them a versatile choice for any room
The right comparison depends on the job. A project may care most about tensile strength, bending, compression, toughness, component weight, durability, fire performance, cost, or a combination of them. A headline strength figure cannot answer those questions by itself. Nor does greater material strength automatically solve the broader barriers to building with timber: Yale-affiliated coverage quotes University of New South Wales architect Philip Oldfield saying, “The barrier to more timber buildings isn’t really the need for more strength,” and pointing to risk aversion, slow adoption, education and regulatory frameworks.
Is Superwood commercially available?
Fast Company reported in May 2025 that InventWood planned to focus initial production on interior finishes, then exterior panels, with beams and columns as a longer-term aim pending certification. A Yale-affiliated article published in November 2025 said the product had commercially launched. InventWood’s current website invites visitors to reserve or contact the company, but these sources do not confirm present inventory, delivery dates, capacity, or availability for a particular project. Builders should verify specifications, lead times and approval status directly with the manufacturer.
Rank #4
- 1. Each panel is hand-selected absence of defects, offering a clean, sophisticated aesthetic ideal for modern and high-end interiors.
- 2. engineering mutilayer panels flooring birch plywood base
- 3. Precision Milling for Seamless Installation Engineered with exacting tolerances, the tongue-and-groove system ensures a perfectly tight fit. The uniform dimensions and flawless edges allow for a smooth, professional-grade installation, even for DIY enthusiasts.
- 4. Natural Oil-Enhanced Durability & Beauty Treated with a premium, plant-based natural oil, the panels are protected while the rich color and elegant grain of the teak are beautifully accentuated. This finish offers a warm, low-luster sheen that is easy to maintain.
- 5. Versatile Luxury for Demanding Applications The combination of teak's natural weather resistance and a flawless finish makes these panels exceptionally versatile. Perfect for feature walls, kitchen accents, bathroom wainscoting, and light-duty flooring where a premium, defect-free appearance is paramount.
How is it handled on site?
Fast Company reported Alex Lau, InventWood cofounder and executive chairman, saying contractors can cut, drill and fasten Superwood with standard woodworking tools, while its greater density may require adjusted techniques. That is a general handling statement, not a guarantee of compatibility with a particular tool, fastener or installation detail. Follow manufacturer guidance for the specific product and application.
What about cost and environmental impact?
InventWood says Superwood production has 90% lower carbon emissions than steel production. The cited company material does not establish the comparison boundary, functional unit or an independent life-cycle assessment of equivalent building applications. The claim is therefore not enough to conclude that a Superwood building component has a lower overall environmental impact than a steel or concrete alternative. A meaningful project comparison would account for equivalent performance and service life as well as production.
Best Value
- 【Clatter vs. Atter】Say goodbye to ringing rooms. This 4-pack of 47×23.6 inch (a total of 30.8 Sq.ft) panel turns noisy space into crisp area, ideals for new home buyers, future movers, podcasters or remote workers.
- 【Hassle vs. Simple】No professional tools or skills required. Mount these wood slat panels easily with adhesive or basic hardware.
- 【Flimsy vs. Durability】A stain-resistant surface that wipes clean with a damp cloth and solid wood slat construction that resists warping ensure long-lasting use.
- 【Drab vs. Fab】Plain drywall is forgettable. These 3D wood slat panels add warmth and texture, instantly elevating any spaces with modern elegance.
- 【Limited vs. Unbounded】From living room and bedroom to conference room and music studio, these acoustic panels adapt to any space where sound matters.
InventWood’s website also reports company figures for patents and an ARPA-E SCALEUP award. Those figures describe company-reported intellectual-property and funding milestones; they are not independent measures of material performance or evidence of building-code approval.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
