Front Range Lumber offers a complete selection of Glulams, LVLs, LSLs, I-Joists, Parallams, Rimboards and more.
Collectively known as EWP (Engineered Wood Products), these are manufactured wood products used in a variety of construction applications. These items commonly are confused with each other, but EWP can be the generic label for any man-made wood-based construction item.
If you have a challenging structural need, engineered wood products may be the most cost-effective and convenient solution. Ask your Front Range Lumber salesperson for more information about engineered wood today.
Engineered to provide superior characteristics than regular lumber.
Factors of EWP such as load capacity, spans, appearance and durability generally exceed those of regular lumber. Since they are engineered, extra care must be utilized if you need to cut/drill/notch these items. Using EWP products results in a flatter, straighter, more uniform wall, floor or roof construction.
Most of these items are intended for enclosed construction, not for true exposed/exterior applications. However, some can be sourced in a treated version for exterior exposure.
Certainly, a consideration in using these products is handling them. One or two people literally may not be able to lift or handle a single piece, therefore this may require a “Plan B”. An alternative is using two LVL’s instead of one larger beam for ease of installation, for instance.
With the exception of rimboard, all the products below come to us in (mostly) 60’ lengths. We then cut the length(s) needed for your order. These cuts are just to the full foot mark, an on-the-job exact cut is then performed by the installer.
Types of Engineered Wood Products.
Glulams
Imagine a stack of 2x6 lumber glued on top of each other to fabricate a beam – that’s a Glulam! Although more involved than this, it does provide a good mental picture. Glulams generally are made with a slight arch so that when in place with a load on them they “flatten out”. Glulams are made using both Douglas fir (DF) and Alaskan Yellow Cedar (AYC) lumber. The AYC version is specifically meant for exterior uses such as the main beam of a deck.
LVLs
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is essentially a thick plywood beam. Most usually in a 1-3/4” thickness and available in heights including 5-1/2”, 7-1/4”, 9-1/2”, 11-7/8”, 14”, 16”, 18” and 20”. As an example, if your home was built after 1990, there is almost a 100% chance that the beams above your garage doors are LVLs.
We believe Front Range Lumber is one of the very few retailers stocking LVLs in 5-1/2” through 18” heights. These are all 1-3/4” thick, commonly used in main beams, headers and longer spans. We stock these in 60 lengths. We do need a couple hours notice to cut to your needs. Remember, our cut is to the full foot mark. You’ll need to make the final job-required cut on your job site. Very few other retailers stock the smaller and larger sizes of LVLs – especially the 5-1/2”, 7-1/4”, 16” and 18” heights.
I-Joists
I-Joists are lightweight, straighter and more uniform in strength, stiffness and size than traditional lumber. Less likely to split, shrink, twist, warp or bow. They also offer wide flanges for greater stability. Flange material available in 2-1/2" and 3-1/2" widths, in both Solid Sawn and LVL. Standard Depths: 9-1/2", 11-7/8", 14", and 16". Larger depths are available.
Parallams
If you can imagine chunks of woods glued together in various beam sizes, you have pictured a Parallam (PSL). Very strong, but not “pretty," these serve as an excellent choice for structural beams which will not be exposed. Use beams, headers, and columns made from Parallam PSL and open up a whole new world of design options for the interior of a home. Create long, clear spans and support heavy loads.
Rimboard
Think of a piece of thick OSB. These pieces are used to surround I-Joist framing, creating a float surface for installation of siding on exterior faces. Very stable (low shrinkage/movement) adding to load capacity.
LSL
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), coming generally in stud sizes is straight and flat. There won’t be warping or other movement in the product – outperforming traditional lumber. Originally meant for taller walls, they have become a favorite for use in areas like kitchens where a very flat wall is desirable to install cabinets onto.