ENGINEERED WOOD
Engineered wood is preferred above solid wood because of its more dimensionally stable properties. Almost every homeowner or contractor chooses engineered wood for everything related to home improvement and interior decoration. They provide lighter and smaller sections over wider spans than conventional wood, that is, they provide a very desirable effective span to depth ratio.
In this article, we'll be looking at the comparisons of the different types of Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) as well as the uses of engineered wood generally.
What Is SCL?
Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) refers to a class of engineered wood products obtained by stacking and gluing wood strands or veneers with adhesives that are moisture-resistant, thus forming structural framing members like studs, columns and beams.
There are many advantages SCL products have over other types of engineered wood and conventional lumber generally, such as greater strength and dimensional stability, as well as resistance to moisture changes.
There are three types of Structural Composite Lumber, and they are Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL).
Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL)
This type of SCL is derived from laying veneers into long strands in parallel formation, and bonding them with adhesives. The length-to-thickness ratio of these long strands is about 300.
The more common sizes of PSL columns fall somewhere around 3½ to 7 inches, with depths that match I-joists from 9½ - 24 inches in depth. There are PSL columns that are also available in the sizes of common sawn wood members from 4x4 to 8x8 in size.
The common uses of PSL columns are beam and header applications, where its high bending strength is extremely useful. Sometimes, PSL columns also perform load-bearing functions.
The down side of this product is its cost, being more expensive than glulam, LSL and LVL beams. However, it is easily overlooked as it can easily be stained or finished to give an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
This is one of the most widely used Structures Composite Lumber (SCL) product. It is gotten from flaked wood strands arranged in parallel formation to the long axis of the members. Wood veneers are bonded together in a large billet such that the grain of the veneers stand parallel to the long direction.
The widths of this product range from 1¼ to 3½ inches while the depths are normally around 9¼ to 16 inches to match common I-joists.
The strengths and sizes of LVL match that of PSL, but it is a much cheaper option than PSL. Another benefit is that it can be manufactured in narrower beam widths and a larger beam can be formed as well by nail-laminating multiple plus together.
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)
Just like PSL, Laminated Strand Lumber is made from flaked wood strands with a length-to-thickness ratio of around 150. Much similar in appearance to Oriented Strand Board (OSB), LSL strands are oriented and formed into a large billet using an adhesive.
LSL is used for a lot of applications including studs, millwork components, etc. It is also great for usage in rim conditions due to mineral shrinkage. It can also feature in highly loaded diaphragms because of its cupping and high holding strength.
Although LSL beams are not as strong as its counterparts, they are however cost-efficient and have high allowable shear strength. It is ideal for short spans.
Having seen the different types of Structural Composite Lumber (SCL), let's take a look at the life applications and uses of engineered wood in general.
USES OF ENGINEERED WOOD
There's so much talk about engineered wood and its types, but what and what can the different types of engineered wood be used for?
Siding:
Engineered wood provides the perfect alternative to solid wood materials for siding, and many companies prefer the former to the latter. This is because engineered wood is much more durable and sturdy. Again, the cost-effectiveness of engineered wood makes it the first and best choice for construction companies.
2. Flooring:
Nowadays, almost every American home has wood flooring. Flooring is one of the most practical ways engineered wood can be used. Engineered wood flooring especially for hardwood floors, surpasses solid wood flooring for so many reasons. One is its ability to be glued down onto a concrete subfloor. In many cases, solid wood flooring can't achieve this.
Again, you need not worry about whether your floor will buckle as long as it's engineered wood. However, the same can't be said of solid wood flooring.
Then cost-wise, of course by now you know which to go for to get a better deal. A manufacturer can produce the same floor with much less waste, because in the manufacture of engineered wood flooring, the entire tree will be utilised. However, for solid wood, there are only a few wood pieces that can be used, while the rest goes to waste.
Engineered wood can hardly be differentiated from solid wood once it is installed because only the top layer would be visible and this top layer looks similar to solid wood.
3. Ceiling
Using engineered wood for ceilings has a lot of perks. One of such is that the ceiling material won't need to be replaced often because engineered wood is very durable and sturdy. Also, considering aesthetics, engineered wood used for ceilings gives a rustic feel that is very desirable and much sought after.
However, here's a subtle disclaimer: using engineered wood for your ceiling could come at a higher price than most alternatives you may have. But, you could always weigh the perks against the down sides and make your choice.
4. Sub floor:
When considering options for your subflooring, engineered wood should top the list, or at least come in somewhere close to the top. Plywood and some other types of engineered wood make great sub flooring designs.
Before laying your finished flooring, you can nail your preferred engineered wood to the floor joists, thus resulting in a most reliable and durable floor surface for your finished flooring to be laid later on. Whatever flooring you choose, you can easily install it on the subfloor.
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