###Both I-joists and LVLs can be used for rafters

I-joists

The flanges are sawn from small-diameter trees, and the webs are a type of oriented strand board (OSB) that’s made of wood fiber from underused and quickly regenerating tree species. I-joists are more expensive than dimensional lumber, but they are uniformly straight and don’t have the knots, splits, and other defects that are increasingly common in sawn lumber. They also come in longer lengths than dimensional lumber. I-joists, however, are not interchangeable with dimensional lumber, and framing techniques have to be adjusted, possibly with the help of an engineer. Using I-joists in roof framing has proved to be more time-consuming for some builders. Connections at wall plates and the ridge, for example, are more complicated.

LVLs

LVLs are useful in cases where long spans rule out the use of dimensional lumber. LVLs can be handled much like conventional lumber but, like I-joists, LVLs make better use of limited wood resources.

A framed roof is likely to consist of more than one type of engineered component. Common rafters could be I-joists, for example, while LVLs could be used to carry extra loads around roof windows or dormers.

Key Considerations

More expensive. Engineered lumber is usually more expensive than dimensional lumber. And connections between engineered framing members are made with metal connectors, which adds to the cost and may require special ordering. You may want to consider getting a special pneumatic nailer to install the hardware–another cost.

Plan ahead. Because field modifications aren’t typically an option, planning ahead for plumbing and HVAC lines is crucial.

Some things are slower. Rafters made from dimensional lumber can be nailed in place quickly, but I-joists must be fitted with web stiffeners to accommodate metal hangers. Similarly, cutting the bird’s…