Great Options to Keep Your Customers Happy

Every builder knows that traditional sawn lumber is sometimes twisted, cupped and warped – and this is one reason more consistent engineered wood products (EWP) such as laminated strand lumber (LSL) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are being used instead of traditional studs, joists and beams. Another reason is homeowner satisfaction with a better final result. Understanding the benefits of LSL and LVL, both for you and for your clients, can improve your bottom line and reputation, as you’ll see.

Benefits for Builders of LSL and LVL

All engineered lumber offers technical benefits to you as a builder, but also better homes and additions for your clients. Direct benefits of using these options for you include:

Greater strength and spans: Both LSL and LVL are stronger than sawn lumber for a given size of material. This translates to fewer design restrictions and greater unsupported free spans possible for floor joists and roof members. It’s entirely possible to have floors spans 20+ feet with no need for disruptive support posts.

More stable finished wall surfaces: Much less movement and settling happens with LSL and LVL, so wall and ceiling surfaces remain trouble-free.

More rigid floors: Fewer floor squeaks and less floor bounce is easy to achieve with LSL and LVL construction. Manufacturers typically offer floor construction parameters where you can dial in specific amounts of floor deflection depending on client preferences and project budgets.

Selling the LSL and LVL Option

Cost is always an issue when it comes to construction, so you need to be upfront about the fact that LSL and LVL is slightly more expensive than sawn lumber equivalents. And while the cost difference is negligible compared to overall project costs, you need to show how the benefits are worth it. Arrive at client meetings prepared to explain the technicalities, especially in applications where flat, straight walls are a benefit, such as where cabinets will be mounted on walls.

Good contractors are about more than just physical construction. If you’re aiming for excellence and profits you must also be an advisor on how projects should be tackled, explaining which materials to use where and why. So if you want to enjoy the benefits of LSL and LVL, and the boost in your reputation for quality, do your homework, prepare for client meetings and make your business that much better.

Great Options to Keep Your Customers Happy

Benefits for Builders of LSL and LVL

Benefits for Homeowners of LSL and LVL

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