The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Engineered Lumber for Your St. Louis-Area Project

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Engineered Lumber for Your St. Louis-Area Project

If you're building or remodeling anywhere from Franklin and Jefferson to Gasconade Counties—or right in the heart of the St. Louis metro—you want materials that balance strength, sustainability, and performance. Engineered lumber checks all those boxes, delivering consistent quality for beams, joists, headers, and more.

What Is Engineered Lumber?

Engineered lumber includes high-performance materials like LVL (laminated veneer lumber), glulam (glued laminated timber), and I-joists. These products are manufactured for strength and stability, performing better than traditional lumber in resisting warping, shrinking, or twisting. LVL is ideal for straight, heavy-load beams, while glulam offers creative architectural possibilities without sacrificing durability.

Why It Matters for Your Project

Because engineered lumber is made under controlled conditions, it delivers unmatched reliability—especially in multi-story or design-forward builds. It also supports sustainability by reducing waste and keeping carbon stored in your structure for years.

How to Choose the Right Type

  • LVL – Ideal for consistent strength in headers and rim boards.
  • Glulam – Best for durability and design flair, such as curved beams or open spans.
  • I-Joists – Lightweight yet rigid, perfect for floor systems.
  • General Tips – Always match the product specs to your load plan and consult with an engineered lumber supplier for guidance.

Where to Get It in the St. Louis Area

Hall Brothers Lumber serves Franklin, Jefferson, and Gasconade Counties—as well as the wider St. Louis metropolitan area—with leading brands like Rosboro, Boise Cascade, Weyerhaeuser TJI®, and LP I-Joists. Their team can help match your project with the right product, ensuring strength, code compliance, and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

Engineered lumber offers performance, precision, and peace of mind. Whether you’re working on a residential remodel or a commercial build, choosing the right engineered wood product ensures strength, sustainability, and smart investment.

Ready to explore your options? See Hall Brothers’ engineered lumber products here.

dave hagedorn