When you walk into the lumber section at your building supply retailer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With so many different products available, how do you know which one is right for your project? Jaeger Lumber supplies building materials for New Jersey homeowners and contractors. In this blog post, we discuss the benefits of engineered lumber and when it’s best to use it.
Key Takeaways
- Engineered lumber is a man-made material constructed from waste wood that has been bound together with adhesives, then treated with heat or chemicals.
- Engineered lumber offers superior strength, load capacity, and durability over traditional lumber, making it suitable for structural framing.
- Traditional lumber is more attractive and cost-effective than engineered lumber, making it ideal for highly visible applications or ones where budget is a concern.
- The knowledgeable associates at Jaeger Lumber can help you understand the benefits of each material and choose the right one for your project.
What Is Engineered Lumber?
Engineered lumber is a man-made building material made with a combination of waste wood and adhesives. Scraps of softwood or hardwood from lumber mills are bound together with adhesives, then treated with chemicals and heat processes. The result is a strong, pest-resistant material that is available in sizes that are difficult to find in nature.
Engineered lumber comes in multiple types, each tailored for a different application. Some popular engineered wood products include:
- Laminated veneer lumber: LVL features multiple thin layers of wood veneer that are heat-bonded together with parallel grain. It is used for long beams, headers, and rafters.
- Oriented strand board (OSB): OSB is a sheet good made from wood strands that are compressed flat with adhesives. It comes in wide mats that are used for flooring or roof decking.
- I-joists: This is an I-shaped joist constructed with solid lumber or LVL flanges and OSB webs. It can be used for floor joists and other applications that span open spaces.
- Glulam: Glued laminated timber is made by bonding multiple layers of lumber together with adhesives. It offers a natural wood look that is suited for high-visibility applications.
- Laminated strand lumber: LSL is made of small strips of wood that are glued together in an angled pattern. This high-density product is ideal for bearing heavy weights.
What Are the Benefits of Engineered Lumber?
The laminated construction of engineered lumber offers several major advantages over traditional wood. The following features make it a popular choice for a variety of in-wall applications:
- High strength and density
- Uniform dimensions for precise building
- Resistance to warping, splitting, and shrinkage
- Resistance to moisture and insects (for some types)
- Lightweight construction for easy workability
These benefits make engineered lumber the superior choice for demanding structural projects. When you are looking for long headers, beams, and load-bearing applications, choose engineered lumber. It is also useful in flooring and roofs, where its consistent and purposeful shaping makes installation simple.
What Are the Benefits of Traditional Lumber?
On the other hand, engineered lumber isn’t always the best choice. It’s more expensive than natural lumber, and while the layered wood strands are strong, they aren’t very attractive. Traditional lumber delivers several advantages that engineered materials can’t match, including:
- Attractive grain
- Cheaper up-front costs
- Easy to cut and carve
- Easy to refinish or repair
If your project won’t support heavy loads and budget is a concern, then the benefits of engineered lumber aren’t worth the extra cost. Traditional lumber will be perfectly effective. The attractive appearance of natural wood also makes it a better choice for visible applications.
Shop for Engineered Lumber Near You in NJ
Get the right materials for any project when you shop at Jaeger Lumber. Our knowledgeable sales associates can help you understand the benefits of each product and choose the best one for your application. Contact us today to learn more about our selection or to start shopping for engineered lumber near you in New Jersey.
FAQs About Engineered Lumber
What is engineered lumber?
Engineered lumber is a wood-based product that is made by combining scrap wood with adhesives. It may also be treated with heat, chemicals, or pressure to increase its strength, resist moisture and pests, or shape it into a better form suited for building.
Is engineered lumber stronger than regular lumber?
Yes, many types of engineered lumber are stronger than regular lumber. Depending on the manufacturing process and strand orientation, engineered lumber may also be made with specific types of strength in mind – for example, longitudinal strength or torsion resistance.
Is engineered lumber more expensive than traditional lumber?
Yes, engineered lumber is typically more expensive than traditional lumber. Because it comes in formats designed for building, however, you may save money on installation. It also offers enhanced strength, stability, and pest resistance, making the extra cost worth it for some applications.