Wood is a natural, organic material that comes from the stems and branches of trees. It is a renewable resource that has been used for thousands of years in construction, furniture-making, and other applications. Wood is composed of cellulose fibers, which are held together by a natural binder called lignin. It is a strong, lightweight, and flexible material that is relatively easy to work with using hand or power tools. It can be cut, drilled, sanded, and joined together using various techniques, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications.
In this blog, we are going to review a few wood products and the properties of wood framing.
What are the different types of wood products?
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Parallel strand lumber (PSL) is made from flaked wood strands. The strands are formed into a large billet using a waterproof adhesive and are cured to a uniform, engineered wood. This is often used in rough framing for headers, beams, columns, and lintels.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) is an engineered wood product made from soft wood or wood strands pressure bonded together using a water resistant glue and then manufactured into the desired shape. It is commonly used for walls, floors, beams, etc. It is ideal to achieve a very high drywall finish due to its straightness and precision.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Glue-Laminated Timber (Glulam) is composed of individual wood laminations of dimensional lumber. The individual pieces are often selected and positioned based on their structural performance characteristics, and then bonded together. The grain of the laminations run parallel with the length of the member. Glulams are often used in structural framing, but there are a variety of architectural options with higher wood grades for a better finish appearance.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT) is similar to a Glulam except the bonding application is a mechanical fastener such as a nail. Typical applications for NLT includes flooring, decking, and walls.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Mass plywood panel (MPP) is a relatively new engineered wood product that is similar to cross-laminated timber (CLT). MPP is made by stacking and gluing several layers of softwood veneers together, with each layer oriented perpendicular to the previous layer. MPPs offer several advantages over traditional wood framing and other engineered wood products. They are lightweight, yet strong and durable, with a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes them suitable for use in a range of building types, including mid-rise and high-rise buildings. They are also sustainable, as they are made from a renewable resource and can be used as a substitute for traditional concrete and steel construction materials, which have a higher carbon footprint.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Dowell laminated timber (DLT) is a type of engineered wood product that is made by laminating multiple layers of lumber together using a specialized glue. The layers are stacked and glued together in a criss-cross pattern, which provides exceptional strength and stability while also allowing the wood to expand and contract naturally in response to changes in temperature and humidity.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that is made by bonding thin layers of wood veneers together under heat and pressure, using a waterproof adhesive. The veneers are typically oriented parallel to each other, creating a strong, uniform, and dimensionally stable product. LVL is commonly used in a variety of building types, from residential homes to large commercial and institutional buildings.
Credit: Adapted from Perkins+Will’s Wood 101 and Mass Timber Pocket Guide
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product that is made by gluing together layers of solid-sawn lumber boards at right angles to each other. The resulting panels have a solid wood core that is incredibly strong and stable, with excellent load-bearing capabilities. CLT is known for its strength, stability, and versatility. It can be used as a load-bearing wall, floor, or roof panel, and can be used in a range of building types, from single-family homes to high-rise buildings. Because of its strength and durability, CLT is also being used in seismic-resistant construction.
Is Wood Sustainable in Construction?
Wood is the most sustainable and environmental friendly material we use. Since environmental sustainability has become a major global concern, many countries as well as construction industries are making an extra effort finding ways on how to help reduce environmental damages especially on the materials being used. To ensure the sustainability of wood in construction, it is important to source wood from responsibly managed forests and to use certified wood products that meet environmental and social standards. Building codes and regulations can also play a role in promoting sustainable wood use by requiring the use of certified wood products or setting sustainability standards for wood construction.
Benefits of Woods in Construction
Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource that can be grown and harvested in a sustainable and responsible way. It is also biodegradable, which means that it can be easily disposed of at the end of its lifespan.
Strength: Wood is a strong and durable material that can support heavy loads and withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
Insulation: Wood has natural insulation properties, which can help to reduce energy costs and improve the energy efficiency of a building.
Aesthetic appeal: Wood has a natural beauty and warmth that can enhance the visual appeal of a building. It comes in a range of colors and textures, and can be stained, painted, or treated to achieve a range of different effects.
Sustainability: Wood is a sustainable building material, as it is made from natural materials and does not release harmful chemicals or pollutants into the environment. It is also highly recyclable and can be reused or repurposed at the end of its lifespan.
Woods helps improved quality of air and absorbs carbon dioxide
Speed of construction: Wood is a lightweight material that can be quickly and easily assembled on site, which can help to reduce construction time and costs.
Health benefits: Wood has been shown to have positive effects on human health, including reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Conclusion
Overall, wood is an important building material that offers a range of benefits for construction projects. Its sustainability, strength, insulation, aesthetic appeal, versatility, speed of construction, and health benefits make it a popular choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike.