Parallel strand lumber (PSL)
Is PSL stronger than LVL?
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
Its shear strength is superior to LSL but doesn’t quite match PSL’s ability to withstand bending stress.
What does PSL mean in framing?
Parallel-strand lumber (PSL) is a form of engineered wood made from parallel wood strands bonded together with adhesive. It is used for beams, headers, columns, and posts, among other uses.
Is PSL the same as LVL?
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a commonly available engineered product that is manufactured similarly to PSL. Available sizes, strengths, and stiffnesses are similar to PSL but are generally cheaper, making it a commonly specified beam type.
Can PSL be used outside?
Can Parallam® PSL be used in exterior applications? No. The product is intended for dry-use applications only and is not a preservative treatment.
Can you rip a PSL beam?
No, Parallam® Plus PSL must maintain its original cross section and shall not be re-sawn in depth or thickness.
How far can a PSL beam span?
* The span and load tables in this guide cover beam spans up to 60 feet; however, 2.2E Parallam® PSL beams can be delivered in lengths up to 66 feet.
What is the strongest engineered wood beam?
Power Beam® is the strongest engineered wood product (EWP) on the market with design values of 3000Fb – 2.1E – 300Fv. Power Beam® is manufactured with superior strength southern yellow pine MSR Lumber.
What can I use instead of LVL?
Long, straight, stable and cost efficient – the GLT alternative to LVL. With excellent nail holding capability, LGL is a breeze to work with. H3 treated as standard for protection outdoors, it can be used in conjunction with other termite and fungal resistant materials to provide total peace of mind.
Is PSL a parallam?
Parallam® PSL Beams are strong, beautiful, and can help turn open floor plans into reality. They are made using long thin strands of wood and a super strong adhesive glue to give you perfectly predictable beams and columns.
What is laminated veneer lumber often used for?
LVL is suitable for use as beams, trusses, planks and rafters. When cross-bonded for increased stiffness it can be used to form wall and floor panels with load-bearing capacity. While frequently used solely as a concealed structural component of a building, finished appearance grades are also used.
Which is stronger LVL or glulam?
The laminated beam is stronger but more expensive and used when bigger cross-sections are required. Generally made from hardwood, rather than the lvl softwood. Better performance from a laminated beam can be got when using cambered lamination.
Is LVL cheaper than steel?
LVL beams are cheaper than steel beams; however, steel beams take up less space and are easier to install inside a ceiling.
What’s the difference between glulam and LVL?
A glulam beam looks like a stack of 2 x 4s (or larger lumber) glued together on their broadsides. This is in contrast to other engineered members, such as LVL (laminated veneer lumber) and Microlam beams, which look like very thick plywood, with very thin layers of wood glued together to form a thicker mass.
Is PSL pressure treated?
Parallam® PSL products enter an airtight treatment cylinder—a highly controlled, pressurized environment where they are exposed to the Wolman® treatment process.
Can you paint PSL beams?
Yes. If a wax overlay is present the surface should be sanded. Parallam Plus (Wolmanized) can also be painted or stained (see question 13 on page 11 of the Parallam Plus Specifier’s Guide for more information). For a more aesthetically pleasing finished interior look, Parallam can be sanded and stained/ varnished.
What is laminated veneer lumber often used for?
LVL is suitable for use as beams, trusses, planks and rafters. When cross-bonded for increased stiffness it can be used to form wall and floor panels with load-bearing capacity. While frequently used solely as a concealed structural component of a building, finished appearance grades are also used.
Is glulam stronger than steel?
Glued laminated timber, or glulam, is a highly innovative construction material. Pound for pound, glulam is stronger than steel and has greater strength and stiffness than comparably sized dimensional lumber.
