# Structural Composite Lumber: Building Code Definition > How the IBC 2009 define structural composite lumber, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structural-composite-lumber/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IBC 2009 Wood (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 5 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Structural composite lumber is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite lumber are:” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wood (IBC 2009), Floors (IRC 2009), Roof-ceiling Construction (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Structural Composite Lumber** — IBC 2009, Wood: > Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite lumber are: ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Structural Composite Lumber: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/structural-composite-lumber/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IBC 2009 define structural composite lumber, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Structural Composite Lumber** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009: > Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite lumber are: ## Where structural composite lumber is used in the code The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) | IBC 2009 | 13 | | [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 6 | | [Roof-ceiling Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/roof-ceiling-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 | | [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about structural composite lumber, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > Structural capacities for structural composite lumber shall be established and monitored in accordance with ASTM D 5456. — [IBC 2009 §2303.1.9](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) > Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, structural composite lumber, structural glue-laminated members or I-joists are prohibited except where permitted by the manufacturer's recommendations or where the effects of such alterations are specifically considered in the design of the member by a registered design professional. — [IRC 2009 §R502.8.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) > Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, structural composite lumber, structural glued-laminated members and I-joists are prohibited except where permitted by the manufacturer's recommendations or where the effects of such alterations are specifically considered in the design of the member by a registered design professional. — [IRC 2009 §G2405.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) ## Structural Composite Lumber: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Wood | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Floors (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof-ceiling Construction (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | | | Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | | **A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply. ## Where can you explore related guidance? - [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Wood Structural Panel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/wood-structural-panel.md) - [Treated Wood: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/treated-wood.md) - [Shear Wall: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/shear-wall.md) - [Braced Wall Panel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/braced-wall-panel.md) ## Sources and method Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of structural composite lumber? The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite lumber are:” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally. ### Which parts of the code depend on structural composite lumber? In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Wood in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own. ### What is structural composite lumber? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite lumber are:” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fstructural-composite-lumber%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structural-composite-lumber/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt