Home construction these days is all about open concept and stretching the boundaries of structural engineering. Technology has created multiple manufactured beam types that make open floor plans possible.

Glued Laminated Timber, or Glulam, is made by gluing layers of full-size timber boards to make a layer cake of versatile, inexpensive, and durable beams. Unlike some other engineered wood products, Glulams don’t resemble particle board, and is a good option if the beam will be exposed.

Laminated Veneer Lumber is similar to a Glulam except the adhered layers of wood are very thin and the beam can handle more stress. They are stronger, straighter, and more uniform than most milled lumber, and work well in locations where lifting a wide, heavy beam isn’t feasible.

Laminated Strand Lumber is manufactured from flaked wood strands. LSL boards are stronger, straighter, and potentially longer than milled lumber. LSL beams are also less expensive than other engineered beams. It is not as strong as LVL beams, but it is a good option if you need a cheap, short span.