Multifamily construction projects are on the rise, but the systems behind the builds haven’t kept up. Floor and wall assemblies continue to derail schedules, disrupt workflows, and cut into margins.
And the more you scale, the more those issues multiply.
In this post, we’ll break down what’s holding multifamily projects back and how smarter multifamily construction systems can streamline your timeline, reduce rework, and help you deliver faster builds with less risk.
Key Takeaway
- Multifamily construction is scaling fast, but outdated wall and floor systems are creating costly bottlenecks on the jobsite.
- Floor and wall assemblies are the biggest friction points, often causing delays due to moisture, sequencing issues, and fire code complexity.
- MAXTERRA® offers smarter construction systems that eliminate wet underlayment, reduce trade stacking, and simplify fire-rated assemblies in a single layer.
- By rethinking the system, not just the material, builders can reduce rework, shorten schedules, and deliver higher-performance builds with less risk.
The Multifamily Moment
Multifamily developments have become increasingly popular in dense urban areas, and for good reason. They’re the most effective response to the growing housing crisis.
With the housing supply gap nearing four million and urban land in short supply, local governments are doubling down on zoning to control density. That means more mid-rise and high-rise projects, and more pressure on developers to deliver at scale.
But scaling up doesn’t mean slowing down. Builders today are expected to move faster, control construction and development costs, and reduce risk. And that’s already a tough task.
It gets even harder when you're expected to meet stricter fire, sound, and environmental standards. From WUI codes to LEED qualifications, the pressure to get it right is higher than ever. And in a lot of cases, missing just one requirement can put financing, zoning approvals, or long-term asset value at risk.
Scaling Comes with Friction
Contrary to what many residential developers may believe, scaling a multifamily construction project isn’t as simple as multiplying what works in single-family homes. It’s a fundamentally different process.
More multifamily units mean more oversight, more trades, and more complexity at every stage of the planning and construction process.
That’s because multifamily assembly types (particularly types I through III) come with strict performance demands. This includes STC and IIC sound ratings, fire-rated wall and floor systems, and tight MEP integration.
Every layer needs to align, and one misstep can throw off the entire schedule.
Where Projects Fall Apart: Floors and Walls
Most multifamily construction delays don’t start on paper. They start on-site. Floor and wall assemblies are where many multifamily properties run into trouble.
These systems carry the most risk, rely on tight sequencing, and involve construction phase building codes that leave little room for error.
Floor System Challenges
Floor systems are one of the most common sources of delay in multifamily construction, and wet underlayment is often the reason why.
For starters, it brings moisture into what should be a dry build. That puts surrounding materials like drywall and wood framing at risk for warping, cracking, and mold. The other issue is curing. Wet underlayment needs time to set, and that step depends on too many variables. Bad weather, poor mixing, or tight timelines can lead to surface failure, crumbling, or uneven performance.
MAXTERRA® offers two alternatives that make things easier:
- MAXTERRA® MgO Fire- and Water-Resistant Underlayment and Backer Board installs dry over OSB or plywood, meets UL L528 fire ratings, and doesn’t require a sound mat.
- MAXTERRA® MgO Non-Combustible Single Layer Structural Floor Panels install directly over joists, replacing both OSB and gypsum while reducing inspection steps.
Wall Assembly Complexities
Wall assemblies in Type III and similar multifamily construction builds come with strict fire and moisture performance requirements, often from both sides of the wall. That usually means stacking multiple materials.
The problem is that each added layer means more trades, more sequencing, and more coordination. These complexities increase the risk of delays, especially when building codes and permits are involved.
MAXTERRA® MgO Structural Wall Sheathing simplifies all of that. It meets fire, moisture, and structural code requirements in a single layer with no FRT, no exterior gypsum, and no extra steps. It also delivers key advantages that matter on-site and at the spec level:
- Achieves a 1-hour fire rating at 24-inch stud spacing, which can cut framing costs
- Works with fiberglass insulation for more flexible design options
- Doesn't require brick or stucco to hit ratings, making it compatible with a wide range of cladding
- Delivers NFPA 285-rated assemblies with zero mold growth (ASTM G21 Testing)
- Built-in WUI compliance for wildfire-prone zones
By cutting down materials and trade handoffs, MAXTERRA® helps teams close up faster, pass inspections with less friction, and stay on schedule from start to finish.
One Trade. Fewer Layers. Less Risk.
Fixing project delays isn’t about swapping materials. It’s about rethinking the system.
MAXTERRA® replaces complex multi-layer assemblies with dry-install, code-compliant panels that reduce coordination issues, speed up schedules, and minimize risk on-site.
Here’s how each product helps streamline your specs and keep builds moving.
Underlayment Over OSB – No Curing. No Sound Mat.
Traditional underlayment systems slow down schedules with moisture-sensitive steps, trade overlap, and curing delays. MAXTERRA® MgO Fire- and Water-Resistant Underlayment installs dry over OSB or plywood, eliminating the need for sound mats, curing time, or additional floor plates.
It meets UL L528 1-hour fire ratings and delivers STC/IIC sound performance, all in one dry, durable layer.
Fewer layers. Faster dry-in. No callbacks.
Structural Panels – No Subfloor Sandwich.
Need to move even faster? MAXTERRA® MgO Non-Combustible Single Layer Structural Floor Panels install directly over joists, replacing both OSB and gypsum underlayment in a single step.
Certified under UL L528 for wood framing and UL H515 for cold-formed steel, these panels eliminate trade stacking, cut inspection time, and accelerate dry-in, without sacrificing performance.
One panel. No layering. Less risk.
Wall Sheathing – No FRT. No Exterior Gypsum. One Structural Pass.
Typical Type III wall assemblies stack multiple materials, like FRT wood, exterior gypsum, and moisture layers, all of which increase sequencing risk and slow down close-in. MAXTERRA® MgO Structural Wall Sheathing delivers fire, moisture, and structural performance in one tested layer, eliminating the nedd for FRT and exterior gypsum.
It meets NFPA 285 for fire resistance, ASTM G21 testing for mold, and is rated for both structural and moisture performance up to 24" on center.
Fewer layers. Faster builds. Fully compliant.
Built for Any Framing Type
Every multifamily project comes with its own demands. MAXTERRA® is built to handle them all.
Whether you're working with wood, cold-formed steel, or a hybrid framing system, it fits right into the workflow, with every panel tested and certified for use in Type I, II, and III construction. That makes it a reliable choice whether you're building mid-rise apartments or full-scale hotels.
The best part: MAXTERRA® simplifies floor and wall assemblies at the spec level. It cuts down on engineering hours and makes it easier to drop into drawings, submittals, and code review packages.
No matter the project type, MAXTERRA® helps your team move from design to delivery with fewer variables, fewer delays, and fewer headaches. It’s a smart fit across the construction industry, especially for projects that demand flexibility and speed.
Simplify Your Multifamily Construction Process
“The biggest benefit we found was that we saved 2–3 weeks on our construction schedule by using this product.”
— Megan Leatherwood, Construction Superintendent at Trafalgar Homes
MAXTERRA® isn’t just about simplifying specs. It helps simplify the entire construction process.
In multifamily builds, complexity drives up cost. Every extra trade, layer, or inspection adds friction, and friction adds risk. Delays lead to labor overruns. Moisture issues become callbacks or insurance claims. And in today’s market, with rising costs and tighter timelines, there’s little room to fall behind.
By reducing layers and speeding up installs, MAXTERRA® keeps projects moving, no matter the framing system, budget, or code requirements. The result is:
- Faster dry-in
- Shorter schedules
- Cleaner inspections
- Fewer callbacks and warranty issues
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the material cost. It’s about the install, the timeline, and everything that happens after handoff.
Ready to Build Smarter?
If your next project is dealing with tight timelines or tight code requirements, now’s a good time to rethink your assemblies.
MAXTERRA® was built to make things easier. It helps simplify specs, cut rework, and keep your team moving without all the usual friction. Whether you're looking to replace OSB, underlayment, or fire-rated sheathing, we can help you find the right fit.
Want to see how it works?
You can check out our certified assemblies, request a sample, or talk with a rep about what would work best for your multifamily build.
Questions from the Field
1. How does MAXTERRA® help reduce trade stacking on busy multifamily sites?
On big multifamily builds, too many trades working in the same space slows everything down. MAXTERRA® MgO Structural Floor Panels are ¾" thick, span up to 24 inches on center, and replace both OSB and underlayment in a single install. That means fewer crews, less coordination, and a smoother workflow from start to finish, which is especially helpful when coordinating with your general contractor or commercial construction company.
2. Why does MAXTERRA® make approvals easier in dense urban projects?
City inspectors are under pressure too. MAXTERRA® panels are ICC-ESR certified (ESR-5192 for wall sheathing and ESR-5194 for floor panels) and meet key fire safety codes, including UL L528, UL H515, and NFPA 285. When the certifications are already in place, you can speed up submittals, avoid RFIs, and get through zoning permits and inspections faster.
3. Can MAXTERRA® meet acoustic standards for apartments?
Yes. The Fire- and Water-Resistant Underlayment comes in multiple thicknesses, from ¼ inch to ⅝ inch, and delivers STC and IIC ratings without sound mats. That’s a big win in buildings where floor assemblies need to stay lean but still deliver on comfort, code, and cost-effective solutions.
4. Is MAXTERRA® durable enough for high-turnover rental buildings?
It is. MAXTERRA® panels are mold resistant (ASTM G21, zero growth), inorganic, and tough enough to stand up to impact pests and moisture. For multifamily buildings with frequent potential tenants moving in and out, that kind of durability helps cut down on repairs and maintenance between leases while protecting each unit’s living space.
5. Why does MAXTERRA® help speed up dry-in on large builds?
Because everything installs dry. Underlayment panels are installed directly on top of the subfloor, and the structural floor panels are installed directly over joists at up to 24 inches on the center. You don't need to wait on pour crews or drying times, so you can close up the building sooner and bring in interior trades without delay, keeping the project on schedule and protected from weather delays.