What New Contractors Need to Know About Engineered Wood Products
Engineered wood products are one of the most vital items to have on any construction site. From improving framing efficiency to enhancing the aesthetics and durability of any project, they can solve a host of real-world building challenges. No wonder they have become a modern construction-site staple.
That said, engineered wood products are of several types and not all of them serve the same purpose. If you want to make the most of them, you need to know when to use LVL instead of plywood, for example. Or whether to use i-joists or simply OSB planks. This knowledge can make a remarkable difference in the overall structural performance and durability of your build.
However, if you are new to the construction industry and do not know where to begin, let us help you. In this blog, experts from Fonthill Lumber Inc. – the topmost supplier of engineered wood products in Ontario – have furnished a detailed breakdown of different engineered wood products along with their strengths and applications so you can choose right for your project.
What Is Engineered Wood & Why Contractors Prefer Using It?
Engineered wood is different from natural wood and its name is a dead giveaway. Manufactured by binding wood fibers, strands or veneers together with the help of high heat and pressure, engineered wood offers uniform strength and stability across its length and breadth.
This makes it better than traditional lumber in a few ways such as:
- Dimensional consistency
- Ability to handle specific loads and spans
- More resistant to warping, twisting, and shrinking
- Built to meet Ontario construction and building code requirements
Each of these serves as a reason behind the favoritism engineered wood and its products receive from Ontario contractors. Their predictability makes them the perfect choice of material for various kinds of projects – whether it’s residential builds in the suburbs or multi-unit or commercial construction in cityscapes.
Engineered Wood Products: Types, Strengths & Application
The fact that engineered wood products are manufactured in controlled environments means you get a wide range of items that can be used to fulfil the many different demands of your project – whether it involves building subfloors or other structural components such as beams, walls etc. Let’s explore.
LVL Or Laminated Veneer Lumber
LVL actually makes use of thin wood veneers in its construction. They are bonded together with the grain running in the same direction to ensure a consistent pattern that excels in terms of structural strength. That is why LVLs are used to build components that require a high load capacity.
Some of the most common applications of laminated veneer lumber include:
- Beams and headers
- Garage door openings
- Door and window spans
- Roof and floor load points
As for their strengths, seasoned contractors use LVL for the following benefits they offer:
- Superior load-bearing capacity compared to other materials
- Ability to create defect-free, straight spans of longer dimensions
- Predictable performance that passes most inspection checks easily
- The perfect replacement material for dimensional beams
If you have a site inspector visiting your project, adding LVL to your list of construction materials can actually help you pass that check. Especially if you source yours from a dependable lumber yard such as Fonthill Lumber Inc.
I-Joists
Lightweight, strong, and efficient, i-joists are actually a combination of solid wood and engineered wood products – particularly LVL flanges with an OSB web. Their core purpose is to impart projects with exceptional strength while reducing their overall weight. In fact, the lightweight nature of i-joists is what makes them so easy to work with and install.
Common applications of i-joists cover:
- Floor systems
- Roof applications
- Long spans with the least amount of deflection
Of course, there are benefits to using i-joists for contractors such as:
- Building straighter floors because of minimal material deflection
- Reducing instances of callbacks caused by floor bounce
- Depth consistency across the entire structure
- Faster installation times when compared to traditional joists
If you pair your i-joists with a proper layout and blocking, you can actually create quieter and stiffer floors that homeowners would be willing to pay extra for.
Plywood
Plywood is similar to LVLs as the former is also made of binding thin wood veneers together. The only difference between them? Unlike LVLs, plywood features alternating grain patterns, which might not make it as strong but it certainly makes it way more flexible.
The most common uses of plywood in Ontario projects include:
- Building subfloors
- Constructing wall sheathing and roof decking
- Crafting cabinets and other interior furniture/structures
The lightweight and flexible nature of plywood is what makes it so popular among contractors. Other reasons include:
- Stronger fastener holding capacity
- Superior resistance against impact
- More durable performance in humid weather
- Easy to install and maintain
Plywood is often the choice of material when nail-holding strength is a top priority. That is why it is so commonly used for furniture and other interior structures.
OSB or Oriented Strand Board
The last type of engineered wood product you should know about is OSB. Oriental strand boards are unique in their own right. Made with compressed wood strands arranged in layers and bonded with resin, OSBs typically show a unique flakey pattern. Strong and durable, their most common use is as sheathing material.
Other major applications of OSB include:
- Roof sheathing
- Wall sheathing
- Making of subfloor panels
Contractors actually prefer using OSB for all kinds of sheathing purposes because:
- They offer consistent quality
- They are a cost-effective option for large surfaces/big projects
- Their strong load distribution means they can withstand wear and tear in the long run
- They are approved by Ontario building codes so there is minimal chance of rejection during inspection
If you install OSBs right and ensure they are adequately protected from prolonged exposure to moisture, you can actually trust them to last for years, which makes them perfect for residential builds.
When To Use Different Engineered Wood Products?
The key is not to choose the strongest product, or the most expensive one, or even what might conventionally be referred to as the “best” one. The key is to choose the “right” engineered wood product for your project. This table should help you do just that:
For entry-level contractors, this can still be confusing at times. Do not worry though. If you go to the right lumber yard, such as Fonthill Lumber Inc., and state your project’s requirements clearly, you will get the right assistance. In fact, our team is always ready to help you match the best products as per your project’s budget, structural needs, and inspection requirements.
Conclusion
Engineered wood products are a modern-day marvel that can work wonders for your project if you use them right. However, knowledge only comes from experience, and if you do not know which product to use for which application, you can turn to us.
Fonthill Lumber Inc. is one of the most trusted suppliers of engineered wood, lumber, and other related products in Ontario. Our range of LVLs, plywood, i-joists, and OSBs is code-compliant and suitable for Ontario weather. Contact us to place your order and get reliable support and delivery.
FAQs
Are engineered wood products actually stronger than real lumber?
As a matter of fact, yes. Engineered wood products are designed to offer predictable strength with minimal defects.
Can i-joists be used for residential floors?
Yes, they can be. In fact, i-joists are frequently used to create straighter and quieter floor systems for homes.
Can engineered wood be used for renovation projects?
Absolutely. Engineered wood products can be ordered in custom quantities and sizes too, which makes them perfect for structural upgrades.
