Answered by Our Experts- What is Engineered Lumber and Why is it Important to Use When Building a Quality Door?

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Here at Rustica, we used engineered lumber to bring you the best doors on the market. There are quite a few reasons we use engineered lumber. Our expert J.D. Rideout explains the importance of this material we use to build our doors.

What is engineered lumber and why is it important to use when building a quality door?

Engineered lumber, just as its name implies, is exactly that. Lumber that has been engineered in some fashion to help gain strength or create a specific product. In most cases, the lumber is engineered to help strengthen the finished product. There are many different applications of engineered lumber. Some common uses would be indoors, the construction of most homes, and larger architectural applications where long beams of displayed wood are present.
 
The most commonly used engineered lumber is comprised of multiple pieces of wood glued, or laminated, together to help add strength. A normal thick-cut piece of wood has a tendency to start warping and twisting, especially in longer lengths. Thin pieces may also begin to do this, but are easier to work with and move back into a desirable shape. With engineered lumber, the lamination process generally adds strength and stability to the completed piece.
 
LVL, or laminated veneer lumber, is a specific type of engineered lumber that is widely used in various woodworking applications. LVL is comprised of thin layers of wood. These thin layers are arranged in flowing grain patters. Then each individual layer, or veneer, has glue applied to them and they are stacked one on top of the other. Finally, the veneers are pressed together, left to cure, and then ready to be sized for the proper application.
 
The added strength of LVL allows it to create longer beams with higher levels of consistency and rigidity. Additionally, LVL is slightly more moisture-resistant when compared to natural wood. Another added feature of LVL is that it can be worked with general woodworking tools, not require any specific machinery or tools to get it to its final shape.
 
In conclusion, engineered lumber adds strength, durability, and longevity to your product, home, or doors.
 
- J.D. Rideout, Door Shop Manager

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