I-Joist/LVL FAQs

I've always used solid-sawn lumber for joists. Why should I switch to engineered I-joists?

• There are a lot of good reasons to make the switch to engineered I-joists. One of the most convincing arguments in favor of I-joists is time and money savings. I-joists are exceptionally stiff, pound for pound, which gives them greater spanning capabilities than their solid-sawn counterparts; less product is required for the same size project, and the need for supporting walls or beams is reduced. Their light weight makes them easy to handle and install. Unlike conventional lumber, I-joists are dimensionally stable and uniform in size, with no crown. This keeps floors quieter, reduces callbacks and field modifications, and eliminates rejects in the field. In addition, there are environmental benefits to using I-joists. I-joists use about half the wood fiber as conventional lumber, making them an efficient resource and an environmentally friendly option.

What are the benefits of using RedLam™ LVL and what are the best applications?

• Like I-joists and glulam, LVL makes use of small logs, reducing the need for large-diameter trees and avoiding dependence on old-growth resources. RedLam™ LVL is made from graded veneers that are laminated together. Any natural defects are dispersed throughout the member -- unlike solid wood with knots -- making LVL dimensionally stable, consistent in size, and resistant to warping and twisting. The uniformity of RedLam™ LVL and lack of a crown provides a rigid, flat surface with good nail-holding characteristics.

• LVL is ideally suited to spans bearing heavy loads and multi-span applications. It is a superior alternative to sawn lumber for beams, headers, rafters and long-length studs. Specific applications include floor beams, garage door headers, window headers and door headers.

What is the difference between I-joists made with a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) flange versus a solid wood flange?

• The original I-joists produced in the 1960s were made with solid-sawn 2x3 and 2x4 flanges. As I-joist usage increased, the availability of high-grade flange material became critical. Accordingly, the use of LVL for I-joist flanges has become the flagship product for many major manufacturers. I-joists made with LVL flanges have all the advantages of LVL's newer technology features, such as consistent performance and dimensional uniformity. And unlike solid-sawn wood, LVL is produced in long lengths, which eliminates the production precision required to end-joint solid-sawn flanges to produce long I-joists.

How do I choose the right engineered wood product for the job?

• Choosing the right engineered wood product has never been easier. RedBuilt™ provides easy-to-use span charts and load tables for common residential floor and roof applications. In addition, the RedSpec™� design program helps analyze and size engineered wood products.

• As engineered wood products grow in popularity, more and more building designers are including engineered wood products in their designs, taking out any guesswork on the builder's part. Furthermore, engineered wood suppliers are trained to provide assistance to builders.

I've never framed a house with engineered wood. Are I-joists and LVL difficult to install?

• One of the benefits of using engineered wood is ease of installation. Framing with engineered wood isn't difficult; it's just a little different than framing with conventional solid-sawn materials. RedBuilt™ provides detailed installation guidelines covering many common installation conditions. We also provide Technical Support for special conditions -- a service that isn't always available from other suppliers or framing materials.

• Engineered wood products have a number of inherent qualities that make them easy to install. For example, I-joists and LVL beams and headers are produced without a crown, so there's no top or bottom orientation for framers to be concerned about. No special tools are required for installation, and metal hangers are readily available to fit all sizes and depths of I-joists and LVL beams and headers. Furthermore, framers will appreciate the quality of engineered wood products. Every piece is uniform and usable, eliminating the need to sort through a unit of material to find usable members. Framers also will save time because, unlike solid-sawn framing, mid-span bridging isn't required in I-joist framing.

Can I cut holes in I-joists and LVL beams and headers?

• Yes, you can cut holes in these products for electrical wiring, cable, plumbing, etc. When doing so, however, it is important to follow specific guidelines. RedBuilt™ I-joists have 1"-inch knockouts every foot or so. These pre-scored holes can be easily punched out to accommodate wiring, plumbing, etc. If additional holes are needed beyond the knockouts, follow the RedBuilt™ installation guidelines that accompany the I-joist product. Holes should be centered in the middle of the depth of the web whenever possible, and the top and bottom flanges of the I-joist should never be cut or notched. As a general rule, the farther away from the joist bearing, the larger the allowable hole diameter.

• Cutting holes in LVL beams and headers is more restrictive. Field-drilled holes should be used for access only (small-diameter wires, conduit, cable and other lightweight materials) and not for load-bearing hardware attachments, unless specifically designed by the project engineer. Because the location and size of the hole are extremely critical, always consult with the manufacturer before cutting.

What are the handling and storage recommendations for I-joists and LVL?

• As with all engineered wood products, proper storage and handling is key to maintaining the integrity of the product. I-joists should be stored vertically; don't stack or handle I-joists flat. I-joists and LVL should be protected from exposure to weather conditions (i.e. sun, wind, rain, snow) by storing under cover or in wrapped bundles until they are ready to be installed. Store I-joists and LVL on stickers above ground moisture and in orderly stacks at heights that can be handled safely. Always use care with forklifts to avoid damaging I-joists and LVL.

How are RedBuilt™ engineered wood products such as I-joists and LVL technically supported?

• Technical support is available through a number of sources, including engineered wood products manufacturers, distributors and associations. RedBuilt™ offers Technical Support and Sales Support which includes free literature, software programs, design guides, and internet support.