Top 4 Engineered Wood Beams Used in Ontario Construction
- Yousef Davari
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Engineered wood beams are essential components in Ontario construction, offering predictable strength, longer spans, and higher performance compared to solid-sawn lumber.
From floor beams in residential builds to long-span girders in commercial projects, choosing the right beam type directly impacts structural efficiency, fire safety, and code compliance under OBC 2024 and CSA O86.
This article covers the top 4 engineered wood beam types widely used across Ontario, followed by a detailed size and span comparison chart, and a guide on how to choose the best option based on your project needs.
1. LVL – Laminated Veneer Lumber
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is constructed by gluing multiple thin wood veneers in a parallel grain orientation.
Span: Up to 60 ft
Depth: Up to 24 inches
Fire Rating: 1 hour (Type X gypsum)
Applications: Garage headers, floor beams, large lintels
Moisture Note: Ends should be sealed if exposed
Why choose LVL in Ontario? High strength and stiffness make it a go-to for concealed structural elements under moderate to heavy loads.
2. LSL – Laminated Strand Lumber
LSL uses aligned wood strands (like aspen or poplar) bonded under pressure for excellent stability and affordability.
Span: Up to 60 ft (practical use often less)
Depth: Commonly from 9½ to 14 inches
Fire Rating: 1 hour (gypsum)
Applications: Rim boards, tall walls, mid-span floor supports
Moisture Note: Not recommended for exposed use
Why specify LSL? It’s dimensionally stable and cost-effective, ideal for residential framing and multi-unit housing.
Need Help Choosing the Right Beam?
Get guidance on selecting and sizing engineered wood beams that meet Ontario Building Code (OBC 2024) and CSA O86 standards.
3. PSL – Parallel Strand Lumber
PSL is made from long wood strands aligned longitudinally, delivering superior strength for long-span or heavily loaded applications.
Span: Up to 66 ft
Width: Typically 3½" to 7"
Fire Rating: 1 hour (with protection)
Applications: Ridge beams, columns, load-bearing girders
Moisture Note: Not suited for exposed environments
Use case: Custom homes and commercial projects where long clear spans or concentrated loads are present.
4. Glulam – Glue-Laminated Timber
Glulam consists of stacked and bonded dimensional lumber, offering both strength and architectural flexibility.
Span: Up to 80 ft
Shapes: Can be curved or tapered
Fire Rating: 1–2 hours (inherent)
Applications: Vaulted ceilings, entry canopies, visible framing
Moisture Note: Good for exterior use if properly sealed
Why engineers prefer Glulam: Combines structural capacity with aesthetic appeal—ideal for exposed structural elements in public and high-end builds.
Engineered Wood Beam Sizes and Span Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main engineered wood beams used in Ontario:
Beam Type | Fire Rating | Max Span | Typical Sizes | Cost | Best Uses | Moisture Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LVL | 1 hr (Type X gypsum) | Up to 60 ft | Up to 24" deep, 3½"–5½" wide | Medium–High | Garage headers, floor beams, lintels | Seal ends if exposed |
LSL | 1 hr (gypsum) | Up to 60 ft | 9½" to 14" deep | Low–Medium | Rim boards, tall walls, floor framing | Requires protection |
PSL | 1 hr (with protection) | Up to 66 ft | 3½" to 7" wide | High | Ridge beams, columns, long-span girders | Not for exposed use |
Glulam | 1–2 hrs (inherent) | Up to 80 ft | Custom depth/width options | High (custom) | Exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, canopies | Good if properly sealed |
How to Choose the Right Engineered Wood Beam in Ontario
When specifying engineered wood beams in Ontario, several project-specific factors must be evaluated:
Span and Load Requirements
For long clear spans or concentrated loads, PSL or Glulam is often required. LVL and LSL are suitable for moderate spans and distributed loads.
Exposure and Moisture
Use Glulam or sealed LVL for semi-exposed or exterior beams. Avoid LSL and PSL where moisture risk is present.
Fire Resistance
Fire ratings typically range from 1 to 2 hours depending on encapsulation or inherent properties (as with Glulam). Always check compatibility with your fire separation assemblies.
Budget and Lead Time
LSL is typically the most economical. Glulam and PSL have longer lead times and higher costs due to manufacturing complexity.
Code Compliance
Ensure the beam product complies with CSA O86 and OBC 2024, including required documentation for inspections.
Custom Beam Design for Your Build
From LVL to Glulam, we offer expert design and code-compliant detailing for engineered beams in residential and commercial construction.
Conclusion: Engineered Wood Beams Deliver Structural Confidence in Ontario
Whether you're designing a custom home, multi-unit residential, or a commercial facility in Ontario, engineered wood beams—LVL, LSL, PSL, and Glulam—offer performance, predictability, and code compliance that solid-sawn lumber can't match.
By understanding the unique properties of each beam type and their structural capacities, design professionals can make confident, efficient decisions that stand the test of time and inspection.
Co-authored by Yousef Davari and Negin Amani.
