Bob discusses the advantages of engineered wood for the floor system with Steve Barth from Willamette Industries at the house in Mt. Pleasant, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Bob confers with Lise LaFrance of the A.P.A., The Engineered Wood Association, about their engineered floor system as volunteers assemble the house for Habitat for Humanity in Yonkers, New York.

Framing a house using engineered wood has many advantages. Glue laminated beams are stronger than their conventional solid sawn counterparts. (Laminated veneer lumber comes in smaller dimensions for headers and ridge beams.) Engineered I-joists span greater distances and their stiffness prevents squeaky floors. Oriented strand board sheathing prevents racking and provides good nailer for siding.