Building a solid wood house in Mallorca: a step-by-step guide

A realistic roadmap with timetables and milestones.

If you dream of a home in Mallorca that combines warm aesthetics with fast, plannable construction, solid wood walls offer a compelling solution. A well-planned solid wood project can drastically shorten the overall schedule compared to traditional stone or concrete buildings - often by a significant amount of time - while still creating durable, climate-appropriate and beautiful living spaces. Below is a practical step-by-step guide from design and approval through procurement, prefabrication, transportation and installation with clear milestones and realistic timelines.

Overview: Why a solid wood approach can speed up construction

Off-site prefabrication and modularity: Many solid wood systems are designed and manufactured in controlled environments, relying on precise joints, pre-cut components and integrated moisture management layers. This reduces surprises and rework on site.

Optimized scheduling: Once a project is defined, a prefabricated timber system can go from design to fabrication to delivery on a tight schedule, aligned with a phased construction plan.

Faster assembly on site: Cross laminated timber systems (CLT), glued laminated timber systems (glulam) can be erected quickly with an experienced team. Fewer trades on site and simplified weatherproofing can shorten the construction phase.

Predictable costs and logistics: The controlled manufacturing process helps minimize material waste and delays on site, resulting in a smoother overall process.

Step-by-step timetable

1) Vision and feasibility (2-6 weeks)

Define goals: Size, number of bedrooms, outdoor space, energy goals and aesthetic design.

Site review: Access, topography, orientation, wind exposure, views and privacy issues.

Budget framework: Rough budget ranges, including lot, permits, foundation, wood system, finishes, landscaping and contingencies.

Early sustainability goals: Passive cooling, shading strategies and moisture management plan.

Milestones:

Project description completed.

Site feasibility report and rough cost framework approved.

2) Design concept and structural planning (6-8 weeks)

Architectural concept: Floor plans, elevations, material palette and connection of interior and exterior spaces.

Structural approach: Selection of a solid wood system (e.g.  Cross laminated timber systems (CLT), glued laminated timber systems (glulam) and outline of load paths, connections and provisions for Mallorca's coastal climate.

Moisture and energy strategy: Ventilation, rainscreen, external insulation, vapor management and airtightness targets.

Regulatory compliance: Identification of applicable local building regulations, seismic aspects (even if minor), fire safety and energy regulations.

Milestones:

Schematic design approved.

Preliminary structural design and moisture management concept completed.

Preliminary cost estimate and schedule preview.

3) Permits and approvals (36 to 54 weeks, varies by municipality)

Prepare technical package: Architectural drawings, construction details, site plan, energy calculations and any required environmental or planning documents.

Apply for permits: "licencia de obras" or equivalent local process; hire a licensed architect or planning consultant familiar with Mallorca.

Plan review and revisions: Respond to feedback, adjust plans and obtain final approvals.

Inspection plan: Outline expected inspections and approvals during the construction phase.

Milestones:

Approval application submitted.

Building permit granted.

Approval documents for the start of production complete.

4) Procurement and fabrication (8-16 weeks, often in parallel with approval)

Selection of wood system:  Cross laminated timber systems (CLT), glued laminated timber systems (glulam); thickness, finishes and protective coatings selected for Mallorca's climate.

Additional components: External cladding, insulation packs, moisture barriers, windows/doors and roofing systems.

Off-site manufacturing: Precision cutting of wooden elements in a controlled facility; quality control and humidity conditioning prior to shipment.

Sub-systems: Prefabricated bathrooms, kitchen units and other modular interior elements can be pre-assembled where possible.

Milestones:

Timber package completed and ordered.

Off-site production with quality controls underway.

Procurement of additional materials coordinated with the production plans.

5) Transport and site preparation (2-4 weeks)

Logistics planning: Permits for transport routes, crane access, equipment requirements and weather windows for transportation.

Site preparation: Temporary access roads, foundations or ground work to accommodate the components, safety plan and storage areas.

On-site coordination: Delivery sequence, lifting plan and crane planning.

Milestones:

Timber components on the way or delivered.

Construction site ready for assembly, foundation work checked.

6) Assembly and integration on site (2-4 weeks)

Foundation and plinth: Ensure that the foundation is perfectly level and square; install moisture barriers and drainage devices if required.

Assembly of timber structure: Assemble CLT panels or framing system, join joists and erect stable, plumb and square walls.

Enclosure and moisture management: Install rain screen, weatherproof siding, vapor barriers and ventilation cavities; ensure proper drainage.

Roof and Windows: Complete roof assembly and flashings and install high performance windows/doors with proper seals.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins: Coordinate with wood construction to avoid collisions.

Milestones:

Structural frame completed.

Enclosure sealed and weatherproofed.

Raw installations completed and ready for finishing.

7) Interior construction, finishing and completion of the exterior (12-24 weeks)

Interior construction: Completion of insulation, drywall or wood paneling, painting and interior finishes.

Flooring and finishing: Wood or tile flooring, wall paneling and ceiling finishes that complement the aesthetics of the wood.

Exterior: Wooden terraces, verandas, pergolas and outdoor living areas connected to the interior.

Final mechanical works and commissioning: Completion of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrics, water supply and energy efficiency checks.

Milestones:

Interior work completed.

Outdoor area and outdoor living areas completed.

Systems commissioned and tested.

8) Approval, handover and planning after moving in (2-4 weeks)

Final inspections: Building regulation compliance, occupancy permit, energy efficiency certification as required.

Handover pack: Instruction manuals, warranty details, maintenance schedules for wooden elements and care instructions.

Improvements after moving in: Minor adjustments, fine-tuning of moisture control and any remedial work.

Milestones:

Permission for use received.

Handover with maintenance plan completed.

Performance review after the first season and possible adjustments.

Summary of the timetable: Typical time periods and potential time savings

Solid wood construction (from design to completion): Approximately 6-12 months for a medium sized house in Mallorca, depending on the complexity of the site, the speed of the approval process and the wooden system chosen.

Stone or concrete construction (from design to completion): Usually longer, often 12-24 months for similar projects, due to the progress of masonry work on site, curing times and more extensive formwork work.

Time-saving benefit: A well-executed solid wooden project with prefabrication and optimized site management can realistically offer a total duration that is approximately 30-50% shorter than traditional stone/concrete construction, depending on the project scope, climatic conditions and contractor skills. In many cases, clients report a significant reduction not only in construction time, but also in overall project turnaround time - from approval to completion - due to predictable fabrication and fewer weather-related delays on site.

Practical tips to maximize speed and success

Involve a qualified team at an early stage.

Work with a design-build team that has experience with Mallorca's coastal climate and solid wood systems. A well-coordinated team reduces misunderstandings and speeds up decision-making.

Establish a clear, defined scope.

Specify the timber system, finishes and enclosure details early to avoid design changes during the project that can cause delays.

Plan logistics and approvals in parallel

Involve an approval consultant or architect at an early stage, coordinate production lead times with the approval process and coordinate transportation windows to avoid delays due to weather or official backlogs.

Plan buffers for weather and coastal conditions

The climate on Mallorca can bring windy or humid days that affect outdoor work. Plan critical installation work on site for favorable weather windows.

Focus on moisture management from day one

Incorporate rain protection, continuous insulation and adequate ventilation to keep timber components dry and stable throughout construction and long-term use.

Adhere to a maintenance schedule

Wooden facades require regular maintenance: Coatings, sealants and joint inspections. A proactive plan ensures high performance and reduces the risk of costly repairs later on.

Frequently asked questions

Is solid wood suitable for the humidity and salty air of Mallorca?

Yes - if the design includes breathable sheathing, rain protection, moisture barriers and appropriate detailing, solid wood systems are well suited to coastal environments. Wood-based materials provide additional stability and durability for a long service life.

How soon can I move in after construction starts?

Once the foundations have been laid and the timber construction completed, the interior work and inspections usually proceed quickly. Depending on the project, you can move in within the 6 to 12 months mentioned above, provided that the permits and logistics run smoothly.

Are maintenance costs higher with wood?

Maintenance costs are predictable and usually straightforward: Protective coatings, regular sealing and joint checks. Compared to the potential long-term energy savings from excellent insulation and airtightness, the total life cycle costs remain competitive.

A practical note on schedules and commitments

Every project is unique. The above figures are typical ranges and are based on a well-coordinated team, favorable permit timelines, a stable supply of materials and good site access.

When comparing to a stone/concrete build, keep in mind that local permitting, site conditions and labor availability can significantly impact duration. The prefabrication model for solid wood allows for tighter schedules when supply chains and manufacturing partners are aligned with site readiness.

If you wish, I can help you design a bespoke, schedule-oriented plan for your construction site in Mallorca. We can model two to three scenarios - one using a prefabricated wooden system, another based on traditional stone masonry and a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both systems - complete with milestones, approval steps, production lead times and a realistic forecast of time savings. The aim is to provide a transparent roadmap so that you can make a safe and time-efficient decision for your dream home in Mallorca.