Given the fluctuating price, availability,
and quality of full-sized solid sawn
timber these days, Weyerhaeuser Series
1650 glulams may be an answer for
one-piece headers and beams. These
glulam headers have no camber and are
sized to fit into conventional 4- and 6-
inch framing. They are stress rated for
bending at 1,650 psi. Comparably sized
glulams, LVL, and parallel-strand lumber
cost significantly more and are
rated for commercial use at a minimum
of 2,800 psi which is more than is
needed for most residential applications.
A 3 1/2 x 7 1/2-inch Series 1650
glulam reportedly has the same structural
capacity as a 4x10 #1 Douglas-fir
beam. The reduction in size alone may
make these glulams cost effective.