Engineered wood has become the backbone of modern framing because it’s stronger, straighter, and more dimensionally stable than sawn lumber — and it ships efficiently. Here are the key engineered wood products, what each is best for, and the brands Impac Co supplies.
The best engineered wood products for framing and floors are: (1) I-joists for long, stiff, lightweight floor and roof systems; (2) LVL (laminated veneer lumber) for strong beams and headers; (3) glulam for long-span beams; and (4) rim board to close floor systems. I-joists and LVL are the workhorses of modern framing.
Why engineered wood for remote & demanding builds
- Strength-to-weight — longer spans with less material and easier handling.
- Dimensional stability — resists shrinking, warping, and twisting.
- Consistency — predictable performance vs. variable sawn lumber.
- Ship efficiency — uniform sizes pack and ship well to Alaska & Hawaii.
1. Wood I-joists
Best for: Long, stiff, lightweight floor and roof framing.
I-joists span farther than dimensional lumber with less weight and minimal shrinkage, giving flat, quiet floors — a staple of modern residential and commercial framing.
Brands Impac Co carries: LP, Boise Cascade (BCI), Weyerhaeuser (TJI)
Consider: Follow the manufacturer’s span and hole-cutting tables.
2. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
Best for: Strong beams, headers, and rim applications.
LVL is dense, uniform, and very strong, making it ideal for headers and beams that carry concentrated loads where sawn lumber would be undersized.
Brands Impac Co carries: Boise Cascade, Weyerhaeuser
Consider: Size to the engineered load; protect from prolonged moisture.
3. Glulam beams
Best for: Long-span and architectural beams.
Glued-laminated timber handles long spans and can be specified for exposed, architectural applications as well as concealed structural ones.
Consider: Specify appearance grade and treatment for the exposure.
4. Plywood, OSB & rim board
Best for: Sheathing and closing floor systems.
Structural panels and rim board complete the engineered system, tying floors and walls together with consistent, ship-friendly sheet goods.
Brands Impac Co carries: Weyerhaeuser, Boise Cascade
Consider: Choose the right span rating and exposure class.
| Product | Best for | Key strength |
|---|---|---|
| I-joists | Floor/roof framing | Long spans, light, stable |
| LVL | Beams & headers | High concentrated load |
| Glulam | Long-span beams | Spans + architectural |
| Panels / rim board | Sheathing & closure | Consistent sheet goods |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between I-joists and LVL?
I-joists are lightweight members for spanning floors and roofs; LVL is a dense, strong material used for beams and headers that carry heavy concentrated loads. Many projects use both.
Is engineered wood better for shipping to Alaska?
Often, yes — uniform sizes pack efficiently into containers and its dimensional stability means fewer problems from moisture and handling in transit.
Does Impac Co supply engineered wood?
Yes — Impac Co carries engineered wood from leading brands and ships it to Alaska and Hawaii.