Homeowner’s Guide to Engineered Lumber

When building a home, it is critical to make sure that you have the proper structural pieces together for your foundation. From headers in ceilings to load-bearing beams and more, many aspects of home construction are essential to understand and ensure that you have the right products to use. Cardinal Home Centers in Madison and Crozet are proud to carry Weyerhaeuser lumber. Although we are known for carrying their Framer Series lumber, we also have various engineered lumber products for your home that come into play. Check out this article from our sales team as a homeowner’s guide to engineered lumber.

Parallam® PSL

Parallam® parallel-strand lumber (PSL) can be used in headers and beams, exposed beams and columns, exterior deck posts and beams, and environments with high moisture content. These pieces support larger and heavier loads than Glulam or solid-sawn lumber and support longer spans, which are important in open-concept homes. They can also be exposed to add aesthetic value to the inside of your home. Ask your Cardinal salesman about special ordering these products (please note that lead times may be extended).

TJI® Joists

TrusJoist TJI-Joists are made of a flange (a flat wood piece made of LVL) and web (middle piece) and can be used in floors, roofs, and rims. Holes can be cut in TJI’s to run ductwork or electrical. Weyerhaeuser’s products do not bow, shrink, or twist, ensuring the strength of your joist. They can also be used for longer spans than conventional lumber, and lumber defects have no significant effect. TJI joists can support heavier loads, and there is no stress in bending due to their design. Please note that it is recommended to have one of our Weyerhaeuser experts look at your project before starting. Our team can walk you through several design considerations, including spans, allowable holes, and installation and connection details. Our Madison location has an engineered wood products designer who will look at your project to determine what is needed.

Microllam® LVL

Microllam® laminated veneer lumber (LVL) headers and beams are most commonly used for window openings, garage door headers, and more. They can support heavier loads due to their uniform and predictable manufacturing process. LVLs will also not bow, shrink, or twist and support heavier loads than conventional lumber. They have multi-ply applications, and up to 4 members can be site-connected.

TimberStrand® LSL

TimberStrand® laminated strand lumber (LSL) has various uses, from headers, beams, and wall framing to roof joists, columns, rim boards, and stair stringers. Depending on how you are using your LSL, different sizes will work best for your project. You do not have to worry about using shims for beams and headers because of their consistent construction. It provides greater strength due to shorter spans while having a large hole capacity. LSL also gives a wider nailing surface for subfloor panels and longer pieces for faster installation for rim boards.

An important note: before starting on your project or submitting your order, please make sure to check with a contractor or builder to go over what you will need for your project. Talk with our lumber experts about the type of project you are looking to do, as they may recommend our engineered wood products designer take a look to determine loads. Our team utilizes software to design complex floor systems and provide layouts that are ready for approval. There is no need to calculate loads and stresses on your own or determine the beam sizing you need: our team can do that for you!

Ready to get started? Check out our Weyerhaeuser page to learn more about the benefits of using their products, as well as the Framer Series lumber we offer. You can also check our e-commerce site for all Weyerhaeuser products to see our availability and pricing at our Madison and Crozet locations. Want a quote? Check out our lumber quote page!