Engineered Wood Products (EWP)
The advantages of Engineered Wood Products extend beyond what traditional lumber can provide. They offer sustainability, outstanding strength, a broad array of size options, and reliable performance, which collectively demonstrate the superiority of EWP over dimensional lumber.
I-joists are engineered wood structural components characterized by their strong and lightweight "I" shape, designed to fulfill rigorous performance criteria. These members consist of top and bottom flanges that effectively resist bending, connected by webs that offer exceptional shear strength. The flanges are usually constructed from laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or solid sawn lumber, while the web is typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This combination of structural properties creates a versatile and cost-effective framing solution that promotes less deflection and vibration than dimensional joists and a faster installation process.
I-JOIST
LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER (LVL)
LVL is a commonly utilized structural composite lumber product. It is manufactured by adhering thin layers of wood veneers together in a large billet, ensuring that the grain of all veneers runs parallel to the length of the product. The LVL billet is subsequently cut to the required dimensions based on its intended use. Due to the use of scarfed or lapped jointed veneers, LVL can be produced in lengths that significantly exceed those of traditional lumber. It is common fire-blocking material and capable of supporting large loads.
Uses of LVL includes headers and beams, hip and valley rafters, scaffold planking, as well as the flange materials employed in the production of prefabricated wood I-joists.
LAMINATED STRAND LUMBER (LSL)
LSL is an engineered wood product formed from small strips of wood, or strands, that are arranged in a dense and angled pattern. This construction allows LSL to achieve a density and strength that can exceed that of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The product consists of about 95% wood fiber and 5% resin. The angled placement of the wood strips enhances LSL's resistance to both weight and torsion. The use of LSL is intended to reduce shrinkage, warpage, and twisting, making this a competitive choice over dimensional lumber.
LSL serves as a suitable option for use in tall walls, beams, rim boards, sill plates, and a range of others.
GLUED-LAMINATED BEAM (GLULAM)
Glulams are an engineered wood beam that is stress-rated and constructed from layers of wood laminations, commonly referred to as "lams," which are securely bonded using robust, moisture-resistant adhesives. The orientation of the grain in these laminations is aligned parallel to the length of the beam. This material exhibits remarkable versatility, accommodating a range of designs from straightforward, linear beams to intricate, curved structures. Glulam is offered in both custom and standard dimensions, as well as in one of four aesthetic classifications: premium, architectural, industrial, or framing.
Notably, glulam possesses a strength-to-weight ratio that surpasses that of steel and exhibits superior strength and stiffness compared to similarly sized dimensional lumber. Enhanced design values, superior product performance, and competitive pricing position glulam as the preferred option for a variety of applications..
PARALLEL STRAND LUMBER (PARALLAM PSL)
PSL is constructed from strands that are bonded together in a continuous press utilizing waterproof adhesives based on phenol-formaldehyde. This material showcases a rich texture that can be stained and features numerous dark glue lines, making it suitable for various aesthetic applications. At the conclusion of the production process, it undergoes sanding to achieve precise dimensions and a high-quality finish. PSL is known for its exceptional strength and bending resistance, making it a popular choice for long-span beams and heavy headers. Additionally, Parallam PSL is often selected for other uses, including shelving, stair treads, tabletops, columns, and many exterior projects.