Glulam Floor Beams
Glulam floor beams offer a strong, cost-effective, and versatile alternative to steel and solid-sawn lumber in residential construction. Unlike conventional materials, glulam delivers superior strength-to-weight performance while minimizing shrinkage, warping, nail popping, and floor squeaks.
This publication is designed for: builders, designers, engineers
The publication provides practical sizing tables and framing details for selecting the right glulam beam for a wide range of spans, tributary widths, and loading conditions. It covers both standard and I-joist-compatible (IJC) beam sizes across two stress classifications (24F-1.8E and the high-strength hybrid 30F-2.1E) and includes guidance for substituting glulam beams for steel floor beams. Installation details for both concealed and exposed applications are also provided.
Key sections include:
Glulam floor beam sizes for simple- and multiple-span applications
I-joist compatible (IJC) floor beam sizes
Hybrid glulam beams and new design options
Glulam equivalents to steel floor beams
10 reasons to use glulam instead of steel beams
Concealed and exposed framing details and installation figures
Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.
