As a trusted supplier of
engineered lumber beams,
Arlington Coal and Lumber Company provides a vast selection for professional builders, project contractors, and DIY enthusiasts across Greater Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the surrounding New England region. Explore our diverse inventory at Arlcoal.com to secure the structural materials required for your residential or commercial build. Visit our conveniently located stores:
Burlington Lumber Company,
Wilmington Builders Supply,
Sudbury Lumber Company,
Chelmsford Lumber Company, and
Hudson Lumber Company.
Manufactured for superior load-bearing capacity and stability compared to traditional solid wood, engineered lumber beams are essential components for modern construction, offering distinct structural advantages:
- High strength-to-weight ratio: These beams support heavier dead and live loads than solid wood of a similar size, enabling longer unsupported spans for open floor plans, garage door headers, and large window openings.
- Dimensional stability: The manufacturing process prevents warping, twisting, bowing, and shrinkage, which is critical for maintaining a level structural frame in fluctuating climates.
- Versatility: Engineered beams adapt to diverse structural needs, serving as primary floor girders, roof ridge beams, and cantilevered supports for exterior balconies.
- Uniformity: Manufactured under strict quality control conditions, they offer consistent, predictable load capacities without the natural defects, knots, or wane found in solid sawn timber.
MICROLLAM Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a premium engineered wood product manufactured by Weyerhaeuser. It is constructed from thin layers of graded wood veneer bonded with structural adhesives under high heat and pressure. Commonly available in standard 1-3/4-in thicknesses, this configuration creates a dense, heavy-duty beam that excels in carrying heavy loads across long spans. LVL beams are highly resistant to shrinking and splitting, making them the industry standard for load-bearing headers, floor girders, and hip or valley roof rafters.
Professional installation tip: Always store engineered beams flat and off the ground to prevent moisture absorption before installation. Furthermore, ensure you use proper structural hangers and metal fasteners approved for engineered wood products, and never drill holes through the flanges of LVL beams without consulting manufacturer span tables or a licensed structural engineer.
Things to consider:
- Cost: While engineered beams carry a higher upfront cost than solid timber, their ability to span longer distances often reduces the need for intermediate support columns, lowering overall framing expenses.
- Installation: Specific fastening and bearing requirements depend on the beam size and load application. Always refer to engineered span charts for accurate installation.
- Maintenance: Proper building envelope ventilation and moisture management are crucial, as extended exposure to bulk water can compromise the structural adhesives over time.
Arlington Coal & Lumber Co is your best partner for accurate material take-offs and reliable job site delivery. You can check out our other
engineered lumber options, ranging from
columns (
Parallam PSL),
engineered dimensional lumber (
TimberStrand LSL and
TimberStrand LSL rim board), to
joists (
TJI joists,
TJI 110,
TJI 230,
TJI 360, and
TJI 560).
