Does anyone know of any information regarding a cost comparison of framing with dimensional timber vs engineered wood products (LVL, HyJoists, Ibeams, etc). I am guessing that the overall lower cost that is often claimed is mostly due to the lower labour costs. For an owner/builder with more time than money that is not the most pressing consideration. Any info appreciated.
Dimensional vs. Engineered Timber
(2 posts) (2 voices)-
karmacoma
MemberTypically studs are cheaper when supplied plain, but the finger-jointed ones are likely to stay more straight (but cost a bit more).
For larger stuff like bearers, joists and lintels, LVL is often *much* cheaper than natural timber. The reason is supply. No more old-growth forests to cut down, except in SE Asia. But even if you get big timber from from Dirty Dave's Rainforest Timbers, it will cost more than LVL. And there's practically no more big oregon either.
For floor spans, truss joists have advantages over Hyjoist style I-beams - mainly that you can thread services through without cutting holes into the web.
Is that what you mean?
Posted Thursday 15 May 2014 @ 5:37:10 am from IP #