Besides the cost difference apparently, is there a preference for by many builders or certain geographic area’s like California versus Florida, or the Northeast versus the Midwest.
I used both systems, used LVL’s up to 48 feet long and Ganglams up to 55 feet long 6"X30"
Here in San Diego County area LVL’s and GluLam beams are used for alot of the structural beams in plans. I also do framing in alot of “flips” and when they want structural walls taken down I normally use a nice straight GluLam, for anything over eight feet span, in place of the wall to open up the space.
Architects and designers prefer glulams because in designs with exposed beams they are more attractive than LVLs; they may be used in exterior applications.
Builders prefer doubled LVLs because they may lifted into place individually, then bolted together, while a large glulam is just one heavy monster.
I’m not aware of any regional preferences.
In concealed locations, cost concerns prevail, and LVLs or PSL’s are used in preference to glulams.
Builders like to use LVL’s more than the Gluelams, structural design loads will specifi Gluelams for the heavy construction and load bearing memebrs. Difference that Gluelams load bearing strength much more and heavier than LVL’s. Methods of instalation are differnet and require equipment to lift due to there heavy weight.
