When choosing construction materials, laminated wood beams offer durability and strength. Amongst the array of options, they shine in comparison with their unparalleled resilience. Choosing laminated wood to build promises a steadfast foundation for any structural project.
What is Laminated Wood?
Laminated wood in commercial construction is like a sandwich made of wood. To make it, many layers of wood are stuck together with a strong glue. These layers are stacked with their grains running in different directions. It makes the wood stronger and more stable than regular solid wood. The process involves pressing and gluing the layers under high pressure and heat.
Also known as engineered wood or laminated timber, it’s super strong and long-lasting. It’s often used in beams, columns, and other structural elements for buildings. This is because it can handle heavy loads without warping or bending easily. Laminated wood can be made in different sizes and shapes, making it useful for different construction needs.
1.) Lighter in Weight
Laminated posts and columns are much stronger than solid wood posts in construction. They’re lighter but still tough and sturdy. This means they’re much easier to lift, carry, and install. Think of carrying a heavy backpack versus a lighter one. Laminated posts are like the lighter backpack.
With these laminated posts, you can put them in place quicker with fewer people. This faster installation is a great advantage for big projects with many columns or posts. Less time moving and setting up posts means saving both time and money for you and the building owner.
2.) Durable Structural Support
Imagine if you were building a super team of wood posts. That’s what laminated wood does – it teams up layers of wood to amplify the support of your project. These laminated posts are like the MVPs of the construction world.
Unlike regular solid wood posts, laminated ones are engineered to be way tougher. They’re like the Avengers working together, each layer making the others stronger.
With these posts, you won’t have to worry much about knots or weak spots causing trouble. These posts are strong and won’t crack or split, unlike solid wood posts that can’t handle pressure. These items are made to be strong and straight, without bending or warping, even when heavy.
3.) Longevity
Laminated last longer than solid wood posts in similar situations. Solid wood can twist, warp, or crack, but laminated posts remain strong and steady. That means fewer callbacks for you and happier clients enjoying longer-lasting columns.
They’re treated to prevent wood rot and insects, making them nearly invulnerable to these problems. The eco-friendly preservative helps them last way longer than other wood columns. Plus, their prime paint coating not only looks good but also fights off mold and mildew. You won’t need to stress about the color or any unwanted surprises ruining the finish. Treatment means it’s all set and ready for a top coat without any worries.
4.) Appearance
Think of pressure-treated timber like actors in a movie wearing heavy makeup. They need a little something else to make them shine. Usually, they need a fiberglass cover to improve their appearance. However, the cover doesn’t feel or look like real wood. This can make the final project less attractive.
Solid wood posts might also end up with little cracks on their surface, kind of like tiny wrinkles. These cracks don’t affect how strong the post is, but they don’t look perfect.
On the other hand, laminated posts are the natural beauty of the wood world. They’re made of real wood and look like it too! With their smooth surface and natural appearance, laminated posts don’t need any cover-ups. They’ll always look good, unlike posts that need constant touch-ups to maintain appearance.
5.) Stability
When making posts, there are various methods like cutting solid wood or using mechanical lamination. But if you’re after stability and strength, glue-laminated wood posts take the crown.
These posts ace the tests for carrying heavy loads. Whether it’s a building, a bridge, or anything else needing support, these posts won’t let you down. They outperform both solid-sawn and mechanically laminated posts, making them a trusty choice. You can count on them to stand tall without slipping, warping, or cracking, no matter the load or where you put them.
Make the Right Choice with Laminated Wood Beams
Construction experts stand by the benefits of choosing laminated wood to build with. Its’ strength, durability, and resistance to warping make it a reliable choice. With laminated wood beams, you’re ensuring longevity and stability in each commercial project.
For quality that endures, make the right choice with laminated wood beams. Contact our team today to explore the benefits of laminated wood beams for your next project!
