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ly construction. It functions as a part of the structural system, and as a finish surface on the interior.

Several manufacturers, including Filler King, Disdero Lumber Co. and Boozer Laminated Beam Co., are now producing laminated decking in a variety of new finishes, textures, thicknesses and widths.

Lam decking provides construction economies because it not only serves as an integral part of the structural system, but also as a finish surface. Also, wood is less expensive than a steel roof system because the steel would require drywalling lor fire protection.

Most of the laminated decking sold by dealers goes into commercial and industrial building, but a good volume is also specified for exposed cathedral ceilings in upscale custom homes.

Dealers report that lam decking is ideal for swimming pools and ice rinks because it eliminales corrosion problems associated with bar joist and steel deck roof construction.

Gray Lumber, Tacoma, Wa., reports increased demand for lam decking. Manager Jack deleon says his firm gets orders by following the bid process on schools and churches. He attends AIA meetings to familiarize architects with glulams, lam decking and other engineered products.

Laminated decking has become more popular at Gray Lumber because unlike solid sawn lumber decking, its special T&G joints can connect in the middle of a span, without being supported directly on a roofjoist or truss.

In business since l92l, Alki Lumber, West Seattle, Wa., has a strong identity throughout the Western Washington marketplace as a supplier of laminated decking.

LAMINATED decking combines the natural beauty ol wood with the structural integrity of an engineered timber rool system.

D ETAILERS are becoming a major l\link in the distribution chain for laminated roof decking. Many dealers who sell glulam beams are now supplying the complete package with laminated wood decking as the finish roof over the laminated beams.

Lam wood decking provides an attractive appearance when left exposed, and also avoids the need to suspend or hang ceilings to cover structural roof framing. The furring, sheathing and finishing often required with steel or other materials is eliminaled. meaning l'aster construction at a lower cost. Wood decking also has environmental benefits because it is manufactured from smaller. "second growth" logs, rather than mature or old growth timber.

Last year's drywall shortage also increased demand for laminated wood deck ceilings in single and multi-fami-

Lam decking not only serves as an integral part of the structural system, but also as a finish surface.

Most of its laminated decking goes into commercial buildings. Recently, the dealer supplied 50,000 bd. ft. of lam decking for a new building at a university in Seattle.

According to Alki's Dick Vinson, "Glulam beams and lam decking make a good package because they go together to provide strength and attractive aesthetics."

Laminated decking is available in six different species of softwoods, in 6" and 8" widths and nominal 2". 3". 4" and 5" thicknesses. Different surfaces are available including wire brushed, smooth sanded and saw-textured.

Lam decking is a structural engineered product with two to five laminations of kiln-dried 4/4 lumber. selected for strength and appearance. The laminations are bonded together with an exterior type waterproof adhesive, cured under pressure and machined to form a T&G on both edges and the ends. Average moisture content is 12Vo.