The popularity of wooden house constructions continues to grow, and the beams used for these projects are not always solid wood. Engineered wood beams, such as glued laminated spruce beams, are commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.
If these beams are exposed, they require a finish to showcase their design. Oils can be used for interior or exterior finishing, but it is important to prepare the wood in the same way as a standard pine beam by performing aggressive sanding with 080 grit for exterior and 100/120 for interior.
However, it should be noted that engineered wood beams, such as PSL and LSL, contain glues or other products that make surfaces very smooth and less absorbent. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare surfaces with appropriate sanding to allow maximum absorption of the products used. Although finishing oils are very popular for this type of project, high-quality varnishes should not be overlooked, as they are also very effective in preserving the initial color of the wood.