This article presents the results of the research, engineering analysis, and design that demonstrates the technical feasibility of a parabolic trough collector that uses lumber for its supporting structure. The paper describes the experiments performed on structural components and sub-assemblies, and the related numerical simulations that led to an optimized structural design. This work shows a new type of design that has potential to disruptively reduce the total installed cost of the collector, leading to a significant reduction of the levelized cost of heat for industrial process steam or cogeneration.