If you need an engineered wood beam to use in your home or office, you should know that there are a few factors that you should consider. This includes the type of lumber you plan to use, the thickness you need, and how you will secure the beam to the floor or roof of the structure.
Laminated Veneer Lumber
Laminated veneer lumber, also known as LVL, is a structural composite lumber (SCL) made from bonded wood veneers. It is similar to plywood but is more robust and more durable. This type of wood is often used in applications where strength and stability are critical.
Laminated veneer lumber is produced by bonding multiple thin layers of veneers together under heat and pressure. As a result, it provides high dimensional stability, a solid structural load-bearing capacity, and superior load-bearing performance. LVL is also more uniform in size and strength.
Laminated veneer lumber can be used for various structural applications, from beams and rafters to studs and headers. LVL is commonly manufactured from Southern yellow pine, Douglas fir, or poplar. Aside from structural purposes, LVL is also used for truck bed decking, custom-made panels for marine use, and roadway signposts. There are several manufacturers of laminated veneer lumber, but Versalam is one of the most popular.
Many believe LVL is weaker than plywood, but this is not true. LVL is twice as strong as steel in proportion to weight. Moreover, it is more robust, dimensionally stable, and less likely to shrink. Another advantage of LVL is its ability to carry a whole house load. Unlike plywood, LVL can easily mix and match other building materials. However, it is essential to note that LVL is a wood-based product and requires proper storage.
Laminated veneer lumber can be cut to almost any length. This allows for greater flexibility and customization, making it a good option for various structural applications. The product is also available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. LVL is usually manufactured to a thickness of 35 to 63 mm. Usually, LVL is sold in four-foot increments.
LVL is usually more uniform lumber than plywood. As a result, it is also more resistant to natural defects, which can be dispersed throughout the material. LVL also has an excellent weight-to-strength ratio, making it a good choice for many applications. However, LVL has drawbacks despite its advantages, as the manufacturing process involves risks.
For example, LVL is not as tough as PSL and has lower shear strength. Also, the grain direction is not as consistent as in plywood. LVL is more difficult to nail-laminate together than plywood. Most manufacturers manufacture LVL using rotary-cut veneers.
Some homeowners have taken other options, such as reusing store-bought lumber. LVL is still the most preferred construction option, though. While it’s not perfect, it offers a more cost-effective building solution, especially when combined with other building materials.
LVL is an excellent alternative to sawn timber. Besides being a more efficient alternative, it is environmentally friendly. LVL can also be a more compelling replacement for steel.
Glulam
A Glulam beam is a stress-rated engineered wood beam. Unlike solid lumber, it has a high tensile strength and is lighter than steel, making it the preferred building material for large arches, cantilevered beams, and other curved structures. Glulam is also an excellent choice for roofs, retaining walls, and other systems requiring long spans and flexibility.
Glulam is an engineered wood product made from smaller pieces of lumber glued together with industrial adhesives. It is firmer and lighter than solid lumber and comes in various sizes and shapes. There are several different ‘lay-ups’ or configurations for glulam beams. Each ‘lay-up’ is designed to meet specific requirements. For example, a structural glulam member can be designed to last for a specified period in a fire.
Glulam is typically used in construction projects for its structural integrity, strength, and aesthetics. Glulam is more resistant to rust, decay, and other corrosive agents than solid lumber. However, glulam is susceptible to insect damage and can split. If you are considering glulam, be sure to choose a supplier that offers a written warranty.
Glulam is often used in floor beams and other curved structures, as well as in ridge beams, garage door headers, and X-Beams. In addition, they can be installed in exposed or concealed applications. Typically, architectural-grade glulam is used for exposed elements, while industrial-grade glulam is for hidden applications.
When choosing a glulam product, look for manufacturers who are members of quality assurance programs. Also, check for APA trademarks, which indicate that the product meets the standards set by the ANSI. All principal model building codes recognize APA trademarks. This ensures that the products are of high quality and safe.
Glulam is a durable, environmentally-friendly alternative to concrete and other masonry materials. Besides being a strong, durable, affordable option, it is easy to install and maintain. In addition, glulam is available in a range of sizes and styles, giving builders the flexibility to create a structure that suits their needs.
Glulam can be manufactured in straight sections and large section sizes. Depending on the requirements, glulam is produced with solid and lower-strength laminates in lower-stress areas and stronger, higher-strength laminates in high-stress zones. The strength of a glulam beam depends on the glue and timber type. Industrial-grade glulam can have knot holes on the broad face of the laminations, while premium-grade glulam has smooth surfaces. Depending on the size of the beam, it may be necessary to add steel reinforcement in the high-tensile stress zones.
Whether you are considering a glulam beam for a new home or renovation project, a professional engineer can help you with the technical details. You can choose between three appearance classifications: Rough Sawn, Architectural, and Premium.
PSL
PSL, or Parallel Strand Lumber, is an engineered wood beam with a high degree of strength and durability. It is also environmentally friendly and resistant to moisture penetration. This makes it an excellent option for structural frames that need to endure extreme weather conditions. In addition, it has a beautiful appearance, making it a good choice for interior and exterior applications.
PSL is commonly used in post-and-beam construction and as load-bearing support beams. The strands are manufactured through a process that uses a continuous press, which produces a smooth, uniform surface. Parallam is available in different widths, including 3.5″, 5.25″, and 7″, and comes in various depths. In addition, PSL has a higher load-bearing capacity and lateral stability than other solid-sawn wooden beams. These factors make it a better alternative than standard solid-sawn wood beams.
PSL is manufactured from long, thin strands of timber glued together with an adhesive. When the glue is heated, it becomes permanent, and the strands form a sturdy material. Because PSL is denser than other types of lumber, it is less likely to bow or warp. Moreover, it has high bending strength and compressive stress parallel to the grain.
Besides being an excellent choice for beams, PSL is a suitable material for headers and lintels. It is an excellent alternative to LVL, which is more expensive. Moreover, the PSL strands are longer than the ones in LVL. They have a length-to-thickness ratio of about 300. A laminated coating is added to make PSL resistant to moisture penetration, which is perfect for exposed areas.
PSL is made from yellow poplar and southern yellow pine. It is a product of Weyerhaeuser’s engineered wood products family. Besides being environmentally friendly and robust, it is available in various sizes and thicknesses.
Parallam PSL is an attractive structural framing option that offers a cost-effective alternative to concrete and other traditional building materials. It is manufactured from charred timber, making it resistant to cupping, bowing, and warping. Moreover, the charred exterior of PSL provides a fire-retardant layer that helps slow down combustion. Additionally, the charred body of Parallam PSL gives the product an excellent visual appeal.
The design values for PSL are based on tests conducted by CSA O86. It is approved for use in heavy timber construction by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre. However, it is essential to note that Parallam PSL is not always appropriate for column applications. Also, if you intend to use the product in a high-humidity environment, you will need to wrap it in a waterproof adhesive.
Despite its limitations, PSL is a viable and affordable alternative to SCL. However, it does not have the same standard of production. For example, a glulam member may be more suited for a particular design than a PSL beam. Therefore, a design professional must be well-informed when choosing an engineered wood product.