In the world of residential buildings, it can be easy to get stuck on aesthetics. Real estate reality television shows have ensured that “curb appeal” stays top-of-mind for many home buyers and renters. It makes sense that these shows obsess over curb appeal as television is a visual medium.  

But builders can’t afford to fixate on looks. Without high-quality structural components, it doesn’t matter how appealing your build is if it isn’t built to last. 

Foundations, footings, slabs, beams, columns, and load-bearing walls don’t get much airtime on TV, but they’re crucial for stability, weatherproofing, durability, and functionality. Further, choosing the right components can help make your building more energy efficient and eco-friendly and meet local building codes. They’ll even make a difference when it comes to aesthetics, as innovative components can lead to new design and layout possibilities.  

Multifamily buildings aren’t immune to the obsession with curb appeal, but their high complexity means that structural integrity is extremely important. Here are some things to consider for your next multifamily build.  

Structuring by Purpose and Location 

Multifamily housing is different than single family or commercial buildings, from building codes to safety standards right down to the structural level. For example, load-bearing walls can help create a cozy feeling across units, as opposed to columns that are more conducive to an open-plan office or retail space.  

But if you’re building a lot of units – especially vertically – you also have to consider the type of frame that would best support your build. Traditional wood frames may work for a low-rise structure, but if it’s more than a couple stories tall, you may need something more rigid, like steel, or that is available in longer lengths, like engineered wood. 

You also need to think about the climate you’re building in. In the Midwest, big storms are becoming even more frequent, and so multifamily units need to be more resilient against wind, hail, ice, rain and snow. It’s also a fairly humid region, and if you let moisture get into the bones of the building, the quality of life for its residents will suffer. That’s another point in favor of using engineered wood, which is stronger and more weather-resistant, for frames and other structural components, like roof trusses. 

And as more states and municipalities try to encourage eco-friendly buildings, it’s worth considering more sustainable structural materials. Engineered wood requires far fewer trees, and high-quality fasteners can help keep hot and cold air out of living spaces, which in turn means less energy used on indoor climate control.  

Picking the Best Structural Components 

At BPI, we partner with top brands to offer the best quality structural building components on the market. Here are a few options for your next build: 

  • Pacific Woodtech’s laminated veneer lumber (LVL) Is perfect for headers, beams, rim board, and columns. You’ll need a lot lumber for a multifamily home, and PWT’s LVL is stronger, straighter, and more uniform than the usual milled lumber, which makes it much easier to build with—and ensures a higher-quality product once you’re done. No worries about warping, twisting, bowing or shrinking of structural components. 
  • TrimJoist’s open web, trimmable floor truss system is another great example of how innovative engineered wood products are changing the game for contractors. They’re strong, they fit well, and they offer the level of stability and durability that’s expected of modern multifamily housing. Their open web design allows HVAC subcontractors to easily install their systems without drilling through the truss and compromising their structural integrity. 

Deliver Results with BPI 

Multifamily housing comes with lots of expectations, but with the right structural components, you can make life better for every unit dweller. Reach out to BPI’s expert team today to learn more about how we can help your next multifamily build be your best one yet.  

Are you a builder looking for these quality structural components? Locate your nearest dealer.