mes

nESPITE a challenging market, Lf laminated strand lumber (LSL) is receiving increasing attention from major wood-products producers.

Developed by TrusJoist in the mid1990s, LSL is suitable for a wide variety of residential applications: headers and beams, wall stud applications, roof beams and rafters, truss chords, rim board, and stair stringers.

"LSL's excellent performance in strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, and cost-saving attributes make it a viable and competitive alternative to other wood and non-wood products," said Kevin Hayes, publicity manager for APA-The Engineered Wood Association. "It is generally recognized that LSL products have better durability than untreated wood members due to the relatively thorough drying process of wood elements, addition of the exterior-type adhesives, and the hot pressing."

LP Building Products plans to unveil its own version-SolidStart LSl--early next year. Company officials say the new product is easy on the environment and cuts building costs. "In comparison to dimensional lumber, engineered wood products require fewer raw materials yet deliver superior strength and consistency," said Brian Luoma, v.p. and general manager of LP's engineered wood products business. "Our builders have been asking for this product, and it's a logical extension of our current offerings of beams, I-joists, and siding."

Weyerhaeuser's ilevel group produces TimberStrand LSL at its plants in Kenora, Ont.; Chavies, Ky., and Deerwood, Mn. Although the Deerwood plant was recently closed due to market conditions. it could be restart- ed when the market improves.

Ainsworth's plans to offer LSL also have been affected by the building slowdown. Capital spending to expand its plant in Grande Prairie, Alb.-which was to include a line to produce both LSL and OSL (oriented strand lumber)-has been put on hold. However, start-up of the new line is tentatively scheduled for mid-2008.

The biggest difference with LP's SolidStart is that it will be available in the industry's only 1.75E grade LSL board-which means lengths of up to 64 ft. will be possible.

"With current structural product grades at l.6E for dimensional lumber and l.9E for LVL, our new LSL product provides a solution for builders at a competitive price by offering the industry's only 1.75E board in LSL," said Luoma.

In addition, both the edges and ends will be sealed to reduce the likelihood of moisture absorption and edge swell, for longer shelf life.

SolidStart will be produced at LP's mill in Houlton, Me., which is being converted from OSB to LSL production. "It was important to launch this endeavor at a site with good wood supply, established capabilities, and an excellent work force," said Melissa Warren, assistant brand manager for LP's EWP business. "Our OSB facility in Houlton met our requirements." Completion of the conversion is scheduled for late 2007.

She explained that SolidStart LSL is manufactured from fast growing, small-dimension, under-utilized northern hardwoods (primarily aspen and maple). The production method is similar to that used for OSB, in which the whole log (excluding the bark) is processed through a stranding machine. But instead of the continuous, conventionally heated press used for OSB, a steam injection press is used for LSL.

"More than SOVo of the log is used in the final product," she said. "The remaining 207o is used as fuel for the production process." The product is also certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.