Engineered Wood Beams Transforming Modern Projects

Not every beam has to be steel. In fact, for a significant portion of the wall removal jobs we do, engineered wood is the right call — and sometimes it's the ONLY call if you want a certain aesthetic.

Let me tell you about engineered wood beams, when we use them, and why they're not just a second-choice to steel.

What Is "Engineered Wood"?

Engineered wood is exactly what it sounds like — wood products that have been engineered for performance rather than just cut from a tree and used as-is. The two main types we work with for beams are LVL and PSL.

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is made by layering thin wood veneers and bonding them together with adhesive under heat and pressure. The result is a beam that's remarkably consistent — no knots, no grain irregularities, no weak spots. It performs predictably every time. That predictability is why our PE can engineer to its exact specs.

PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber) is made from long wood strands oriented parallel to the beam's length and bonded together. It has a distinctive look — you can see the strand structure — and it's often specified when the beam will be visible as a design element.

When We Choose Engineered Wood Over Steel

Span length drives a lot of this decision. For spans under about 20 feet in a single-story home, LVL is often the most cost-effective structural solution. It's lighter than steel, easier to handle and install, and doesn't require painting or coating for corrosion resistance.

Aesthetics also matter. If you want a beam that looks like wood — for a farmhouse kitchen, a craftsman living room, a rustic great room — an exposed LVL or PSL beam gives you that look while doing real structural work.

Engineered Wood in Modern Design

Some of the most beautiful beam-exposure projects we've done use PSL. The strand pattern has a natural warmth that steel can't replicate. Stained, sealed, and left exposed — it becomes a feature of the room. People walk in and ask about it.

The Engineering Is the Same Either Way

Whether we're installing steel or engineered wood, the process is identical: our in-house PE calculates the required beam based on span, load, and support conditions. The beam is specified exactly — size, grade, configuration. No guesswork. This is what makes our installations reliable and safe, regardless of beam material.

Talk to us about your project. DFW: 214.624.5200 | Houston: 713.322.3908 | Austin: 512.641.9555. Or get a free estimate online.