Wood framing is a common method and approach used by the construction industry to develop commercial, industrial and residential buildings. It is relatively versatile and can be adapted to various architectural styles without much limitations and without compromising on its structural integrity when the right type of wood is selected. Moreover, as woods do not require heavy machinery to transport them or undergo heavy manufacturing processes, they have become an accessible and economical method for framing the buildings. Moreover, wood frames are highly sustainable as they are renewable resources and store carbon emissions, making them an environmentally-friendly option.
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in Wood Framing
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is one of the many methods of wood framing, and it is made by finger jointing dimensional lumber that is cut, layered, and glued to the required size. They come in planks arranged and layered perpendicular to the previous layer to achieve structural rigidity in both directions, especially in panel and truss installations. When they have been sufficiently stacked to the desired thickness, the timber panels are compressed with heat-resistant adhesive and are left to dry or cured in hydraulic presses, creating a structurally sound and durable construction component that provides compressive and tensile strength.
How CLT Is Used in Wood Framing
The dimensions of CLT frames and panels are usually pre-calculated through Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) software and are pre-fitted to suit the proposed framing in the design process. As the CLT frames are fabricated and customized off-site, they require little to no modification. The different components can be efficiently assembled on-site, preventing construction delays and leaving minimal waste that would end up in the landfills, making it a sustainable option. The conventional CLT panels can measure anywhere from 6 inches to 14 inches in nominal thickness and are ideal for floor, wall, and roof components supported by beams and columns.
Material and Labor Costs
Compared to other manufactured materials such as concrete and steel, experts find that opting for CLB could help save up to 15% in expenses. It is lighter in weight, and buildings that utilize this material will require a smaller base foundation. As most CLT panels are prefabricated, there is less demand for skilled labor, and less staffing will be needed, which is highly significant in a tight and volatile wood framing market. In addition to the lower labor costs, CLT’s precision in planning projects allows for faster installation and lesser delays in the production timeline, incurring more secondary losses and more savings.
How US Framing Can Help You
At US Framing, we specialize in various building and framing approaches that range from cross-laminated timber framing (CLT) to wood framing to steel and industrial structure that can suit a range of different needs and requirements. However, we are more than a wood framing contractor. We consider the extent of fire resistance, thermal insulation, and noise insulation you need before advising you on the appropriate type of material you require to make an informed decision and achieve your design goals. With our Building Information Model (BIM), we can identify potential design constraints and issues and formulate solutions before the construction begins, saving you costly rectifications and unnecessary expenses.
For more information about the types of services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment with us today!
