ENGINEERED WOOD VS. CONVENTIONAL WOOD
Structural integrity is what we all look for as builders when we consider quality and durability. For years i’m sure most of us always thought of engineered wood as the most cost effective approach, with its ability to pass inspection by having sufficient ANSI approval, it made sheathing much more profitable. I never could have imagined that engineered wood would surpass conventional wood not only in structural integrity but in all building standards across the board.
In this article we are going to explore the key differences between engineered wood and conventional wood. Understanding the composition of these building mediums is vital for deciding what and where to use either material.
Engineered wood and conventional wood, also known as solid wood or lumber, differ in their composition, manufacturing processes, and properties. Here are some key differences between the two:
Composition:
Engineered Wood: It is made by combining layers of wood veneers or strands with adhesives and compressing them into a solid panel. Common types include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
Conventional Wood: Also known as solid wood, it is derived directly from trees and consists of a single piece of timber. Examples include hardwoods (oak, maple, cherry) and softwoods (pine, cedar, fir).
Dimensional Stability:
Engineered Wood: Generally more dimensionally stable than solid wood. It is less prone to warping, twisting, and shrinking, making it a better choice in areas with high humidity or moisture.
Conventional Wood: Solid wood is more susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which can lead to dimensional changes such as warping, cupping, and swelling.
Strength and Durability:
Engineered Wood: Engineered wood products are designed to be strong and consistent. They often exhibit better resistance to certain stresses and strains compared to solid wood.
Conventional Wood: Solid wood has inherent strength and durability, but it may have natural defects like knots and varying grain patterns that can affect its strength and consistency.
Cost:
Engineered Wood: Often more cost-effective than solid wood due to the efficient use of raw materials and the manufacturing process.
Conventional Wood: Solid wood, especially high-quality hardwoods, can be more expensive due to factors such as lumber grade and scarcity of certain wood species.
Environmental Impact:
Engineered Wood: Can be considered more environmentally friendly as it often utilizes smaller, fast-growing trees and minimizes waste through efficient production processes.
Conventional Wood: The environmental impact depends on the logging practices and the sustainability of the wood source. Responsibly harvested solid wood can be eco-friendly.
Applications:
Engineered Wood: Commonly used in construction for structural purposes, as well as in furniture, flooring, and other applications where dimensional stability is crucial.
Conventional Wood: Widely used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and construction. Solid wood is often preferred for applications where the natural beauty and character of wood are important.
By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two pieces of wood we can make more conscious decisions as to which wood better suits our building needs. We use both types of wood in our builds today. I commonly use engineered joists when the structure calls for more than 14 foot spans, in my experience solid wood joists longer than 14 feet can lead to bouncing or imperfections in the floor due to the inconsistencies commonly found in solid lumber. Not only is it difficult and more expensive to find uniform solid lumber but it is extremely time consuming and costly to correct the imperfections post installation.
Solid wood has a visual appeal that you can’t get from engineered wood. There are engineered wood facades or laminates that mimic the appearance and texture of wood yet it can’t be stained or modified in the way solid wood can. Solid wood can be carved, painted, stained, cooked, bent and so much more. When it comes to stick framing solid wood is king especially when it comes to two-by-fours, two-by-sixes, or four-by-fours and six-by-sixes. Timber framing and log building is one of those building styles that really has no place for engineered wood, but in modern residential building practices solid wood and engineered wood are a dynamic duo.
