Most people don’t think twice about how Boise Cascade products are manufactured or the testing done to help ensure their performance in a structure. For us, this is something we see as a responsibility to our customers, and ultimately for homeowners across the United States and Canada.
When it comes to Boise Cascade’s BCI® and AJS® Joists and Versa-Lam® Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) quality and consistency are non-negotiable. Our Engineered Wood Products (EWP) are manufactured with automated precision and tight tolerances to ensure they meet rigorous performance standards. But how can builders, designers, and code officials be confident in their reliability? That’s where the ICC-ES Evaluation Report comes in.
What Is ICC-ES?
Let’s start at the top. The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is a trusted authority that evaluates building products for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), among many other codes and standards. Created by code officials, ICC-ES employs licensed engineers who specialize in a wide range of code areas across single and multifamily housing.
What goes into testing?
During the manufacturing process for our EWP, we randomly pull product off the line in our mills to run quality assurance (QA) tests. We do this to make sure both industry and our company standards are being met.
When it comes to an ICC-ES Evaluation Report, however, it’s more than just a stamp of approval on these products. The additional comprehensive review processes include:
- Rigorous Product Testing: Products must meet stringent performance standards and undergo extensive testing, often conducted by third-party labs.
- Peer Review: Each evaluation is reviewed by experts to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Code Clarity: The report helps code officials understand how a product complies with the IBC and how to identify proper installation.
To earn an ICC-ES Evaluation Report, Boise Cascade and other manufacturers must submit products for extensive testing based on established industry standards. For Boise Cascade EWP, this includes structural performance, durability, and consistency. During this, the manufacturing process is subject to strict third-party quality control, which ensures that each batch meets the same high standards.
Products that are up to the test
Boise Cascade currently holds active ICC-ES Evaluation Reports for several structural wood products including Versa-Lam® LVL, BCI® joists, and AJS® joists. VAR Environmental Report 1017 highlights multiple Boise Cascade products’ compliance to green building codes and standards, as well as LEED rating systems.
What’s in it for you?
Essentially, ICC-ES Evaluation Reports help ensure that Boise Cascade EWP:
- Meet Code Requirements: They confirm compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
- Support Safe Design: Reports include data on structural performance, fire resistance, and sound transmission—critical for multifamily and commercial buildings.
- Streamline Approval: Products with ICC-ES reports can be used without requiring project-specific engineering, saving time and cost.
This system allows products to be manufactured safely, reliably, and at scale, which provides builders with peace of mind and helps projects move forward with confidence.
What you’re made of matters. Products that consistently perform matter. With a limited lifetime warranty and ongoing testing to back them, Boise Cascade EWP are reliable for builders and stand up to the rigors of construction time after time.