Owens Corning® Structural Lumber (also marketed as OC™ Lumber Structural Framing / OC™ Lumber) is a high-performance, wood-free composite alternative to traditional pressure-treated lumber and steel framing materials. It’s engineered to deliver strength, durability, and ease of installation while minimizing the common pitfalls of natural wood.
Key Features and Benefits
Rotproof | Rustproof | Long-Lasting
Because it’s a composite material (not wood), Owens Corning Structural Lumber resists decay, mold, mildew, pests, and termites. It can be used in contact with fresh or salt water and even ground contact without the corrosion or decay issues of conventional lumber.
Reinforced with Advantex® Fiberglas™
The product is “Glas-Powered™” — internally reinforced with Advantex® fiberglass to improve corrosion resistance and add structural strength while maintaining a lighter weight compared to many pressure-treated timbers.
Thermal-Stable & Low Expansion
Its composite design helps minimize expansion and contraction due to temperature or moisture fluctuations. Some boards include heat-reflective surfaces to reduce thermal stresses.
Straight, Uniform, & Easy to Work
Boards come in flat, consistent profiles that install like traditional wood — they cut, fasten, and handle similarly in construction. No planing is required.
Warranty Backing
Residential: Limited lifetime warranty
Commercial: 25-year limited warranty
Typical Applications & Profiles
Uses: Deck framing (joists, beams), structural framing, posts, pergolas, rail supports, and other load-bearing outdoor structures.
Profiles & Sizes: Available in standard structural dimensions such as 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, and 2×12 (nominal sizes).
Color Options: Offered in multiple standard and special-order colors (e.g. black, light grey, saddle white, sand, weatherwood, driftwood) for aesthetic integration.
Posts: OC Structural Posts are available in 4×4 and 6×6 profiles with load capacities of up to ~18,500 lb (for < 9 ft height) in compression, depending on the profile.
Technical / Performance Data Highlights
Material Composition: Reinforced polymer composite composed of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) base with fiberglass reinforcement and acrylic surface capping.
Load Performance: In its datasheet, OC posts demonstrate competitive bending and compression strength compared to traditional pressure-treated wood, while maintaining lighter weight and more uniform performance across units.
Stability: Engineered for consistent quality with low variability in strength and less susceptibility to warping, twisting, or shrinking over time.
Installation & Handling Notes
Use standard woodworking tools, blades, and fasteners (e.g. stainless or structural screws) — no special tooling is usually required.
Maintain directional consistency — many boards have a raised line that should all face the same direction for uniform appearance.
Leave appropriate gaps for expansion (recommended ~1⁄16″ to 3⁄16″ spacing between ends and sides) when fastening boards.
For posts installed in-ground or on footings, standard post bases and anchoring details apply (the product supports contact with ground or water).
Handle with care on site — stack on level supports, avoid letting boards rest on uneven surfaces in hot weather (they may creep toward the surface).
Why Choose Owens Corning Structural Lumber?
Longevity & Reliability: Resists decay, pests, and moisture damage that plague traditional wood framing.
Low Maintenance: No need for periodic sealing, staining, or chemical treatments.
Design Flexibility: Available in multiple profiles and colors to match project aesthetics.
Sustainability: Reduces the waste and environmental impact associated with treated lumber runoff and frequent replacements.