Structural Lumber: The Owens Corning Difference

Welcome to Decks & Docks, your trusted source for all your decking, marine, seawall, and piling needs. We are a lumber company that serves the whole U.S. East Coast, from the stunning Florida Keys to the vibrant metropolis of New York. 

At Decks & Docks, we’re proud to present Structural Composite Lumber (SCL). SCL may sound complex, but it’s a fascinating engineered wood product that’s changing the game in construction. By blending wood fibers, plastics, and special additives, it offers a sturdy, eco-friendly alternative to traditional lumber. SCL is gaining momentum in wood construction. 

In this article, consider us your buddies on a journey to discover the world of SCL products. We’ll walk you through its different types and introduce you to the superstar, WearDeck™. 

Join us on this trip into the world of structural composite lumber, and let’s get started on building a better outdoor space for you. 

What Is Structural Composite Lumber? 

While the term may seem complex, the concept is genuinely intriguing. SCL represents a groundbreaking engineered wood product that creates an exceptionally robust and durable material. 

SCL is gaining popularity in wood construction for its impressive strength, dimensional stability, long-term reliability, and sustainability. It serves as an ideal replacement for traditional timber. 

Engineered wood products, including SCL, are transforming the construction landscape. These products, such as oriented strand lumber (OSL), laminated strand lumber (LSL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), lead the way in modern construction due to their versatility and eco-friendliness. 

It possesses high load-bearing capacities and enjoys a reputation for its durability and low moisture content. This low moisture content reduces the risk of warping, making SCL an ideal choice for structural components such as headers in construction. 

Types of Structural Composite Lumber 

• Oriented Strand Lumber (OSL) 

• Manufacturers create Oriented Strand Lumber (OSL) by compressing and gluing layers of wood strands in specific orientations. This process yields a material with consistent strength in multiple directions. OSL’s remarkable load-bearing capacity and versatility position it as a preferred choice for constructing I-joists, billets, and trusses. 

• Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) 

• Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) earns its reputation for outstanding strength and dimensional stability. Builders often use it in structural applications where consistent performance is crucial. Its ability to resist warping positions it as a dependable choice for applications such as headers in construction. 

• Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) 

• Manufacturers create Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) by bonding long, parallel strands together. This process produces a highly durable product that excels in load-bearing applications. Builders use PSL in beams and columns due to its impressive load-carrying capacity. 

• Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) 

• Manufacturers produce Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) by bonding veneer sheets, resulting in a product with enhanced strength and flexibility. Its versatility positions it as a suitable choice for various structural components, including wood I-joists and beams. 

Why You Should Choose WearDeck™ 

WearDeck™ composite decking emerges as the ideal match for projects that use Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) for framing. It offers the resilience, durability, and ease of maintenance that homeowners and builders desire for outdoor living spaces.

Let’s explore some key reasons why WearDeck™ stands out. 

Superior Strength for Demanding Uses 

WearDeck™ establishes an extraordinary benchmark for strength and durability. This composite material distinguishes itself with its toughness and long-lasting properties. It boasts an unparalleled live load capacity, surpassing other composites by up to 2.7 times. 

This makes it a great choice for outdoor projects that require high strength, such as load-bearing structures, decking, and structural composite lumber products. 

Waterproof and Highly Resistant to Wear 

In the challenging outdoor environment, durability is a paramount concern. WearDeck™ excels in this aspect as well. It’s moisture-resistant adhesive mold, mildew, pests, stains, and fading, ensuring it maintains its integrity even in the harshest conditions. 

The product possesses a high rating for underwater installation and can be completely immersed in either fresh or saltwater. This exceptional level of resistance makes it a preferred choice for coastal areas and marine construction projects. 

Heat-Reflective for Comfort 

When it comes to comfort, WearDeck™ knows how to make the most of your outdoor experience, especially during those scorching summer days. Owens Corning WearDeck™ options stand out with their impressive heat-reflective properties. 

Picture this: you step onto your deck under the blazing sun, and instead of feeling discomfort, you’re met with a pleasantly cool surface underfoot. 

This is precisely what Owens Corning WearDeck™ delivers. This cool composite decking is intentionally designed to stay cooler, even when directly exposed to sunlight, making it an ideal choice for outdoor areas that face the sun head-on. 

This remarkable heat-reflective quality is no accident; it results from careful material selection and engineering, setting Owens Corning WearDeck™ apart from the rest. 

Easy Maintenance and Installation 

WearDeck™ boasts a significant advantage in its minimal maintenance requirement and the flexibility to tailor it to various specifications. You’ll dedicate less time to upkeep and more to enjoying your outdoor space. Moreover, it presents an easily installed, efficient choice for a range of projects, including decking and structural construction. 

Get Structural Composite Lumber for Your Project 

Are you prepared to elevate your project to the next level? Decks & Docks, a reliable establishment specializing in decking, marine, seawall, and piling solutions, is here to help you on this journey. We provide exceptional structural composite lumber products, such as SCL and OSB, which have the potential to make your project truly remarkable. 

Wherever you are, you can easily find a Decks & Docks location nearby to start your project. It is the perfect time to take the next step in transforming your outdoor dreams into a reality. Begin your project now and find a location today!