Looking at framing new house with both conventional lumber and LSL/LVL studs. I want to use the LSL/LVL around windows and doors and in corners and infill the rest with spf #2 or better. Any foreseeable issues going this route? Reasoning has a lot to due with windows and doors operating smoothly over the life of the home. My current home is all 2X4 up and down, 2 story house. Windows and doors down stairs tend to get stiff around certain times of the year causing headaches and frustration. Location is north of Houston Tx.

I think the function of doors working good and not, is more tied to moisture. I have found that even though everything has been installed for over a year and been working great, the humidity rise this summer in my icf house has caused a couple of my full wood doors to start rubbing. I think the whole door itself has expanded, unless the moisture has caused the foam to expand even though it is 2 years old.

Dark wood doors facing the sun can expand and be difficult to open and close. I switched to metal skins with a polyurethane core to avoid the problems with moisture and heat. My experience is primarily in the southeast that has plenty of humidity and heat.

Isssue 1: Expense. LSL/LVL are going to cost more. If you're simply looking at penetrations and corners, that'll help keep the price down.

Issue 2: Availability. Usually you need to special-order this kind of stuff unless you have an extremely local manufacturer.

Issue 3: Face matching vs conventional lumber. You may run into problems keeping the face of a wall true, either inside (causing problems with drywall) or outside (causing problems with sheathing). So some shimming or sistering with conventional may be required.

Most of your problems with window and door fitment are moisture related. Weather seal your walls and penetrations properly, air seal properly, insulate properly and you should never notice seasonal behavior differences.

Thanks Dilettante. I’m sure delivery shouldn’t be a major issue. Spoke the Pro Build, BMC, and 84 lumber and all stated the same in ordering materials from them. My current home was built by a national builder, poor quality due to it being just another spec production home.

Well then. Good luck on your new build! Hope you'll document it (pics, YouTube vids, etc) and share with us!

I'm an absolute SUCKER for this stuff. Grew up in a "This Old House" family (Norm is my shepherd, I will not measure once...)