When you are considering the kinds of lumber to use for construction, make sure that you do not overlook EWP. Engineered Wood Products are necessary for construction, especially for wall and roof sheathing. Many contractors and builders use plywood and OSB, both kinds of EWP, for these purposes. While many varieties on natural lumber are excellent options for beams and other areas of construction, EWP has a number of benefits that builders and contractors need to consider.

Engineered for Versatility

Many different kinds of engineered wood have been engineered for different purposes. For example, LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) has been engineered to hold heavy loads. Since it is engineered, it can be made to be longer than the average length of a piece of natural lumber. Also, its engineering has removed naturally occurring knots that can weaken lumber. This makes LVL an excellent option to build homes and buildings with open floor plan. Engineered wood can also be engineered to be flexible and pliable. This makes it highly versatile for curved walls and other architectural features.

Because there is such variety, there are many different purposes for engineered wood and lumber. While there are types of EWPs that do have a single purpose, such as OSB, there are types of engineered wood, such as particle board, that can be used for construction or decorative purposes. Particle board could be used for sheathing, or it could be used to create furniture or cabinets. There are other fiberboards and EWPs that can also be used for multiple purposes.

Strength and Durability

This goes alongside the first benefit, but it is important to highlight this benefit. Because these varieties of lumber are engineered, they have been made to meet building standards. They are created with heavy duty glue that bonds the wood particles or veneers together. This glue adds stability and strength as well as other qualities such as waterproofing and resistance to rot, insects, and mold. The glue also prevents warping and bending that is common in traditional wood products that cannot handle the elements as well. This makes engineered wood and lumber long lasting and more durable than other lumber products.

Sustainability

In a previous blog post, we talked about the importance of sustainability when it comes to lumber and forestry. Lumber companies are using more of the renewable resource of wood through EWPs. EWPs use parts of the wood that would have normally been burned or been wasted. Through the use of EWPs, we are able to use the little particles and chips that break off during the sawing process. This increases sustainability, since fewer trees are being used to manufacture more lumber products. The environmental impact of creating EWPs is very low and all of the ecological benefits greatly outweigh any impact.

We want to ensure that you understand some of the benefits of engineered wood and lumber. Because there is such variety of EWPs, make sure that you get the right kind of lumber for the right kind of job. We know that EWPs can create sturdy, beautiful buildings that can last for years to come.

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