Achieving wide open spaces in new houses' interiors has gotten a lot easier. Credit engineered lumber, says Jerry Klevan, Sales Consultant at Hanson Builders & Remodelers. I-joists, trusses, beams and other structural framing components made from engineered lumber boost design flexibility and support large, open rooms.

Engineered lumber out-performs conventional wood, Klevan says. "The engineered lumber is more stable. It can span longer distances and carry heavier loads. It lets builders achieve longer expanses in floor systems."

Engineered lumber, also known as LVL (laminated veneer lumber), is a layered composite of wood veneers and waterproof adhesive, bonded under high pressure. "LVL components are a large and important part of the framing package today," Klevan says.