Two Ways to Frame a House
Most Massachusetts homes are framed with a mix of traditional dimensional lumber (2x6, 2x8, 2x10) and engineered wood products (LVL beams, I-joists, glulam). Knowing the difference helps you understand your framing estimate and why a framer chooses one over the other.
Dimensional Lumber (2x Lumber)
Standard kiln-dried SPF (spruce-pine-fir) lumber is the workhorse of residential framing.
- Pros: lower material cost, easy to work with, widely available, fine for standard wall and floor framing.
- Cons: can warp, twist, or shrink as it dries; limited span; quality varies board to board.
It is the right choice for most wall framing and shorter floor/roof spans.
Engineered Lumber (LVL, I-Joists, Glulam)
Engineered products are manufactured from glued wood veneers or strands for consistent strength.
- LVL (laminated veneer lumber): strong, straight beams and headers for wide openings.
- I-joists: lightweight floor and roof joists that span farther with less bounce.
- Glulam: large beams for long spans and exposed-beam looks.
Pros: dimensionally stable (no twisting), longer clear spans, consistent quality, less floor bounce. Cons: higher material cost; must stay dry during construction.
When Each Makes Sense in Massachusetts
- Open floor plans — LVL or steel beams carry the load when you remove walls (see removing a load-bearing wall).
- Long floor spans — I-joists eliminate the bouncy floors common with long 2x10 spans.
- Wide window/door openings — LVL headers handle the load cleanly.
- Standard walls and short spans — dimensional lumber is cost-effective and perfectly strong.
A good framer uses both, matching the product to the load. Our crews frame homes across MetroWest using whichever combination delivers the strongest, most stable result for your design and budget. Learn more about our framing services.
The Bottom Line
Engineered lumber is not "better" everywhere — it is better for spans, openings, and stability. Dimensional lumber is better for cost on standard framing. The right frame uses each where it belongs, and that engineering judgment is exactly what you are paying a professional framer for.
