LSLs

Laminated Strand Lumber, or LSL for short, is a stronger and more environmentally friendly building material rivaling LVLs.

What Exactly is Laminated Strand Lumber?

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) is one of those innovations in the building world that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s made by compressing multiple layers of wood strands with adhesives into a dense, uniform block. Think of it as the next level of plywood, but even stronger and more versatile.

Why Choose LSL?

Strength and Durability: First things first, LSL is incredibly strong. It’s designed to handle heavy loads and high stress, which makes it perfect for beams and door frames.

Uniformity: One of the best things about LSL is its consistency. Unlike natural wood, which can have knots and irregular grain patterns, LSL has a predictable performance. This means fewer surprises when you're cutting and installing.

Eco-Friendly: LSL is typically made from younger trees or fast-growing species, and the manufacturing process uses almost every part of the tree, helping to reduce construction waste.

Versatility: Whether you're building a bookshelf or reinforcing your attic, LSL can be used in a myriad of ways. It can be easily cut and customized to fit any shape and size required for the construction project.

How to Use LSLs

Working with LSL isn't much different from working with traditional lumber, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Cutting and Drilling: Use sharp tools for clean cuts. LSL is dense, so dull blades can wander and give you less than perfect edges.

• Finishing: LSL takes well to paints and stains. Just make sure to sand it smoothly before you start to get the best finish.

• Fastening: When nailing or screwing into LSL, pre-drilling is your friend. It prevents splitting and makes sure your fasteners hold tightly.