Top 4 Engineered Wood Beams Used in Ontario Construction

Engineered wood beams are widely used in Ontario construction because they provide predictable strength, longer spans, and better performance than solid-sawn lumber. They play a critical role in residential, multi-unit, and commercial buildings where structural efficiency, fire performance, and code compliance are required.

From floor beams in houses to long-span girders in commercial projects, selecting the correct beam type directly affects load capacity, fire resistance, constructability, and compliance with OBC 2024 and CSA O86. This article reviews the four most commonly used engineered wood beams in Ontario, followed by a comparison table and practical selection guidance.

1. LVL – Laminated Veneer Lumber

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is manufactured by bonding thin wood veneers with parallel grain orientation, resulting in high strength and stiffness.

• Maximum span: Up to 60 ft

• Depth: Up to 24 in

• Fire rating: 1 hour (with Type X gypsum)

• Typical applications: Garage headers, floor beams, large lintels

• Moisture note: Ends should be sealed if exposed

Why choose LVL: LVL is commonly specified for concealed structural elements carrying moderate to heavy loads where dimensional consistency is required.

2. LSL – Laminated Strand Lumber

LSL is produced using aligned wood strands (typically aspen or poplar) bonded under pressure. It offers good dimensional stability at a lower cost.

• Maximum span: Up to 60 ft (practical spans are usually shorter)

• Depth: Typically 9½ in to 14 in

• Fire rating: 1 hour (with gypsum protection)

• Typical applications: Rim boards, tall walls, mid-span floor supports

• Moisture note: Not recommended for exposed conditions

Why specify LSL: LSL is cost-effective and stable, making it suitable for residential framing and multi-unit housing.

3. PSL – Parallel Strand Lumber

PSL is made from long wood strands aligned longitudinally, providing high load capacity for demanding structural conditions.

• Maximum span: Up to 66 ft

• Width: Typically 3½ in to 7 in

• Fire rating: 1 hour (with protection)

• Typical applications: Ridge beams, columns, load-bearing girders

• Moisture note: Not suitable for exposed environments

Best use: PSL is commonly used in custom homes and commercial projects requiring long clear spans or concentrated loads.

4. Glulam – Glue-Laminated Timber

Glulam consists of bonded dimensional lumber layers and offers both structural capacity and architectural flexibility.

• Maximum span: Up to 80 ft

• Shapes: Straight, curved, or tapered

• Fire rating: 1–2 hours (inherent)

• Typical applications: Vaulted ceilings, canopies, exposed framing

• Moisture note: Suitable for exterior use when properly sealed

Why engineers prefer Glulam: It combines strength, fire performance, and aesthetics for visible structural elements.

Engineered Wood Beam Comparison (Ontario)

Property / Feature	LVL	LSL	PSL	Glulam
Fire Rating	1 hr (Type X gypsum)	1 hr (gypsum)	1 hr (with protection)	1–2 hrs (inherent)
Maximum Span	Up to 60 ft	Up to 60 ft	Up to 66 ft	Up to 80 ft
Typical Sizes	Up to 24" deep, 3½"–5½" wide	9½"–14" deep	3½"–7" wide	Custom depth/width
Relative Cost	Medium–High	Low–Medium	High	High (custom)
Typical Uses	Garage headers, floor beams, lintels	Rim boards, tall walls, floor framing	Ridge beams, columns, long-span girders	Exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, canopies
Moisture Resistance	Seal ends if exposed	Requires protection	Not for exposed use	Good if properly sealed

How to Choose the Right Engineered Wood Beam in Ontario

Selection should consider:

• Span and loading: PSL or Glulam for long spans or high loads; LVL and LSL for moderate conditions

  
  

• Exposure: Glulam or sealed LVL for moisture-prone areas

  
  

• Fire resistance: Verify fire ratings based on encapsulation or inherent properties

  
  

• Budget and lead time: LSL is most economical; PSL and Glulam typically require longer lead times

  
  

• Code compliance: All products must meet CSA O86 and OBC 2024 documentation requirements

Conclusion

LVL, LSL, PSL, and Glulam each serve specific structural roles in Ontario construction, offering strength, reliability, and code compliance that solid-sawn lumber cannot consistently provide. Understanding their differences allows designers and builders to make efficient, inspection-ready decisions.

At Parsways Inc., we support engineered wood beam selection, sizing, and code-compliant structural design, helping residential, multi-unit, and commercial projects across Ontario achieve safe, efficient, and buildable solutions.

Co-authored by Yousef Davari and Negin Amani.

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FAQs

1) Are engineered wood beams stronger than solid lumber?

Yes. They provide more predictable strength and span capacity.

2) Which beam type is best for long clear spans?

PSL and Glulam are typically used for long-span or high-load applications.

3) Do engineered wood beams require engineering review?

Yes. Most applications require structural design and verification under OBC and CSA O86.