Parallel Strand Lumber

Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL): What You Need to Know

Parallel strand lumber (PSL) is an engineered wood product that brings steel-like strength to timber framing. It is made from long wood strands bonded together with moisture-resistant adhesives under high pressure. Because the strands are aligned and formed under tight force, natural wood characteristics like knots or uneven growth have minimal impact on performance. The result is consistent, predictable strength—every beam behaves reliably, helping builders and engineers trust the structure. From homes to offices and industrial facilities across Los Angeles, PSL beams support demanding loads while enabling open layouts and clear spans below—while still looking right where it’s needed.

PSL Grades:

• Parallam 2.2E: Parallam 2.2E is among the highest-grade PSL options available. Designed for demanding structural performance, it supports heavy loads while maintaining rigidity and stability under stress. During manufacturing, strands align precisely to create uniform strength across every piece. Because of this tight fiber bonding, the material resists warping, twisting, shrinkage, and shape changes better than many solid-wood alternatives—especially in environments like Los Angeles where temperature and humidity can vary. It is widely used for beams, girders, headers, and columns where predictable strength and long-term stability are critical.
• Other PSL Variations (1.8E, 2.0E, and more): Manufacturers also produce other strength grades such as 1.8E or 2.0E. These options deliver the same engineered-wood advantages—uniformity, dimensional stability, and predictable performance—at different capacity levels. Lower-E grades are often used for light- to medium-duty applications such as headers over windows or short-span beams, while higher-E grades are selected for heavier loads or longer spans.

Key Features:

• Superior Strength and Uniformity: PSL outperforms conventional sawn lumber because long strands are aligned and bonded under high pressure, delivering exceptional stiffness, reliable load-bearing capacity, and minimal variability from piece to piece.
• Dimensional Stability: Manufactured at a controlled moisture content (around 11%), PSL resists bowing, twisting, warping, and shrinkage, maintaining consistent shape in both humid and dry conditions.
• Long-Span Capability: High bending strength allows longer spans with fewer supports—ideal for open-plan layouts, wide openings, and expansive roof systems without compromising safety.
• Efficient Use of Wood: PSL production can use smaller trees and incorporate strands from related engineered-wood manufacturing streams, helping reduce waste and support efficient resource use.
• Fire and Insect Resistance: PSL’s mass can char on the outside when exposed to fire, forming a protective layer that slows combustion and helps preserve structural integrity. Its dense structure also discourages insects and fungal decay, extending service life.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With a rich, textured look and darker glue lines, PSL beams can be left exposed in modern interiors. They can also be stained or finished to match architectural designs, making them suitable for structural and decorative applications.

Common Applications:

• Structural Beams and Headers: PSL’s high load-carrying strength makes it ideal for primary beams, girders, and large headers in residential and commercial projects. It supports heavy roof and floor loads while allowing wide openings for doors, windows, and open-concept spaces.
• Columns and Posts: Strong compressive performance and uniformity provide stable support for multi-story structures, seismic retrofits, and heavy-duty columns. PSL posts are commonly used in basements, garages, and industrial buildings across the Los Angeles area.
• Long-Span Elements: PSL is well suited for roof beams and long-span framing in warehouses, gymnasiums, theatres, and other large spaces. Its ability to reduce the number of supports can lower installation time and overall material costs.
• Exterior Applications: Moisture-resistant adhesives and dimensional stability allow PSL to be used in exterior structures such as pergolas, covered patios, and carports. When properly sealed or cladded, PSL can withstand Los Angeles sun exposure and occasional rain.

Terminology:

This section explains key terms customers and professionals use when referring to parallel strand lumber (PSL) products. These definitions help you understand listings, product descriptions, and search terminology for Los Angeles construction projects.

• Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL): An engineered wood product made from long, aligned wood strands bonded under high pressure for exceptional strength, stiffness, and uniformity. Used for beams, girders, headers, columns, and long-span structural elements.
• Parallam PSL: A branded PSL series engineered for consistent high performance and reliable structural framing. Parallam 2.2E is commonly specified where maximum strength and minimal variation are required.
• PSL Beam: A load-bearing PSL beam used for long spans, high strength applications, and framing systems requiring dimensional stability. PSL beams resist bowing, twisting, warping, and shrinkage and outperform conventional sawn lumber.
• PSL Header: PSL used above doors, windows, and wide openings to transfer loads across structural gaps. Its uniformity supports heavy loads and helps meet code requirements in Los Angeles structures.
• PSL Column: A vertical PSL support member used where high compressive strength and uniform performance are needed—such as multi-story buildings, garages, and commercial structures.
• Parallam 2.2E: A structural grade designation where “2.2E” refers to a modulus of elasticity of 2.2 million psi, indicating exceptional stiffness and load-carrying capacity.
• Structural Composite Lumber (SCL): A technical category that includes PSL and LVL. SCL products are designed for greater strength, stability, and consistency than solid-sawn lumber for modern residential and commercial construction.
• Engineered Wood Beam: A general term for structural beams made from engineered wood products such as PSL, providing higher performance and reliability than conventional lumber.

Why Choose Supply Ontime?

At Supply Ontime, we offer reliable engineered-wood materials designed to meet your project’s structural needs. With same-day delivery across the Greater Los Angeles area, we make it easy to keep your projects on schedule. Order PSL beams today and get them delivered in hours!