This article defines and illustrates Laminated Veneer Lumber LVL used for beams and headers used in floor, wall, and roof construction.

We also illustrate LVL trim boards used on building exteriors. This article series describes wood products used in construction including engineered lumber, OSB, and Plywood products.

Definition & Characteristics of "LVL" - Laminated Veneer Lumber, Beams, Headers

Laminated veneer lumber is an "engineered wood product", developed in the 1960's, is produced by gluing together layers of wood veneers with the wood grains in parallel. Illustraged in our photographs of LVL beams in use at a Poughkeepsie NY Project, our example LVL beams are made of fifteen laminated wood plies.

Multiple laminated veneer lumber beams can be assembled to provide greater strength to carry greater loads. In our LVL beam photo (below left) you will see that a higher-capacity LVL beam may be constructed as a built-up beam using multiple individual members nailed or nailed and glued together.

Our LVL composition closeup photo shows how the ends of individual plies within a single LVL beam may overlap within the product. [Click any image to see an enlarged, detailed version]

Because individual wood ingredient defects in a laminated wood product will not extend beyond a single layer or "veneer" of wood, the overall laminated product is stronger than a piece of lumber of the same dimensions sawn from an individual tree.

This approach also permits construction of large structural beams from smaller-diameter and lower-lumber-grades of trees.

As we illustrate in our LVL beam photographs (above) and as we also discuss at TRIM, EXTERIOR CHOICES, INSTALLATION:

Widely used in beams and headers, LVL has also been put to good use as a trim material (photo at left) with some minor modifications such as water-resistant edge sealing and adding a couple of cross-laminated layers to minimize cupping.

Like LVL beams, LVL trim is dimensionally stable and is easy to cut, nail, and install, similar to a piece of plywood.

Its weight falls in between solid wood and hardboard. It can be used for fascia, casings, corner boards, and most other exterior trim, and is available in lengths from 8 to 24 feet.

According to Laminated Veneer Lumber, Overview [PDF] (Finland)

Being a homogenous and dimensionally stable building material, LVL can be used in both bearing and non-bearing walls, as planks, as beams, as headers, in door and window frames, sliding door rails, steps, as well as in the roof trusses of single-family houses and engineered building constructions such as swimming halls, sport halls, etc.

The example photograph of LVL boards used to form board-and-batten trim on a building exterior is from the above document.

Typically an individual LVL ply or layer of veneer is 45mm to 65mm in thickness, and may be up to 1.2 meters wide and as much as 25 meters in length, depending on the size of the original tree.

LVL lumber, including trim and structural beams (see our photo at left) is provided by several wood products companies including Georgia Pacific (GP-LAM).

LVL beams are typically used where long spans or extra strength are desired of beams, such as over garage doors, ridge and hip beams for suspended roof designs (cathedral ceilings below), and for window and door headers.

Laminated beams such as GluLam ™ (photo at above left) or microlam structural wood beams (see LVL or laminated veneer lumber earlier in this article and illustrated further below). Layers of wood are glued (laminated) together with heat, resin binder, and pressure to form a very strong structural member that can be produced in regular sizes and lengths.

Unlike plywood or OSB, LVL lumber uses wood fragments that are all oriented in the same direction to produce very stiff beams that generally have greater span capacity than sawn lumber. GluLam produces laminated wood beams, timbers, I-joists, and other engineered wood products.

LVL structural wood products are produced in thicknesses from 3 1/2" to 24", and up to 60 feet in length.

Our LVL beam photo at left illustrates that LVL beams are produced in lumber dimensions that allow them to mix naturally with wood framed structures using conventional 2x4 and 2x6 framing.

LVL wood products, depending on their manufacturer and trade names and some product details, may be referred to as Microllam Laminated Veneer Lumber, Parallam Lumber, and also Glulam lumber.

Engineered Wood LVL References Standards Guides

Watch out: timber and other wood framing span tables provided by manufacturers of engineered wood beams as well as dressed or rough-cut timbers are often manufacturer-specific. That means that the span tables provided by a given manufacturer can be used only with that manufacturer's product.

• Dindas, HySPAN® ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS SPAN GUIDE for RESIDENTIAL FRAMING [PDF] Dindas Australia, Dindas Victoria, Victoria
  58 Whiteside Road, Clayton, Dindas New South Wales, New South Wales 138 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys, Didas Queensland Queensland 433 Wondall Road, Tingalpa Website: http://www.dindas.com.au/Tel: 1-800-808-131 VIC: (03) 8540 0500 NSW: (02) 9673 8000 QLD: (07) 3249 9888 retrieved 2020/03/04 original source: http://www.dindas.com.au/f.ashx/pdf/dindas-hyspan-span-tables-oct13.pdf
• Erol Karacabeyli, P.Eng., FPInnovations Brad Douglas, P.E.,(Eds) AWC, CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) HANDBOOK U.S. Ed. [PDF] (2019) FPInnovations Pointe-Claire, QC Special Publication SP-529E .S. Edition, retrieved 2021/11/18 original source: https://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cms/groups/pan/@pan/documents/web_informational/dpds021903.pdf
  
  Summary provided separately by US FPL at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/research/highlights/highlight.php?high_id=439
  
  Summary:
  Developed for building professionals, the U.S. edition of the Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) handbook provides technical information for the design, construction, and implementation of CLT systems and illustrates applications adapted to current codes and standards.
  
  FPL researchers contributed to the publication in multiple areas of expertise, including manufacturing and standardization; economics and assessment of market opportunities; structural design concerning seismic performance and connection design; fire performance; and heat, air, and moisture control in enclosures.
  
  The U.S. CLT Handbook is important because it opens up the opportunity for architects and engineers to implement the use of CLT in the United States. The documentation provided is necessary as codes and standards in the U.S. vary slightly from those in Canada and Europe where CLT is already being used more frequently.
• Erol Karacabeyli, P.Eng., FPInnovations Brad Douglas, P.E.,(Eds) AWC, CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) HANDBOOK Canadian Ed. [PDF] (2013) Op. Cit.
  Excerpt:
  The CLT Handbook provides vital “How to” information on CLT for the design and construction community, and is a great source of information for regulatory authorities, fire services and others.
  
  The CLT Handbook is also a good textbook for university level timber engineering courses. In summary, the Canadian CLT Handbook will remain the most comprehensive reference for sharing the latest technical information on North American CLT.
• Finland, LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER, Overview of the Product, Manufacturing, Market, Department of Forest Products Marketing, wood-Based Panels Technology, Finland [PDF] web search 09/14/2010, original source: http://www.hochstrate.de/micha/finnland/reports/replvl.html
• Fisette, Paul, "Sizing Engineered Beams and Headers" (2003) U. Mass-Amheerst, Dept. of Environmental COnservation, original source: bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/articles/sizing-engineered-beams-and-headers/ - copy on file as inspectapedia.com/structure/Sizing-Engineered-Beams-Headers-Fisette.pdf
  
  Note:
  This older article by our former faculty member remains available on our site for archival purposes. Some information contained in it may be outdated.
  
  Excerpt:
  Considerations

  Sawn Lumber has it limitations.
  
  Its bending strength is often only 1/2 that of engineered wood products. As a result, it doesn’t clear-span long distances, comes in sizes only up to 2×12, and select structural grades are not always available. Select structural grades are special-ordered in many locations.
  
  Also, not every species is readily available. For example, Douglas-fir is difficult to buy in some eastern markets. But overall, for short spans, sawn-lumber is tough to beat.

  Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is strong, stiff and versatile.
  
  It spans long distances. I was able to use LVL for every application in the case-house. Typically, LVL comes 1 ¾” thick and ranges in depth from 7 ¼” up to 18″. To fine-tune the load-carrying potential of a LVL beam, just add another ply to the side of a beam.
  
  Labor is a factor. It takes time to laminate multiple layers of LVL. But the upside is that 2 workers can usually handle the weight of each lamination as it is assembled. LVL is carried as a stock item in most lumber yards and it is familiar to most building code officials and designers.

  Anthony Power Beam (APB)
  
  is a relative newcomer to the structural beam market positioned to compete with LVL and Parallam. APB is a laminated beam product that comes in 3 1/2ö and 5 1/2ö widths to match standard 2×4 and 2×6 wall thicknesses.
  
  Depths range from 7 ¼” to 18″, matching standard I-joist depths. There is also a wider 7ö version available in depths up to 28 7/8″. APB requires very little labor because is comes “fully assembled”, but it is fairly heavy.
  
  The 18-foot garage header for our house weighs in at 380 pounds. APB is a new product and its penetration is somewhat limited so you may have to look for a local supplier. Call Anthony Forest Products direct to find a distributor.

  Parallam,
  
  manufactured by Trus Joist MacMillan (TJM), virtually defines the term: parallel strand lumber (PSL). PSL is an assembly of long, thin strands of wood veneer glued together to form continuous lengths of beam. The wood fiber used is strong and stiff. Several widths from 1 ¾” – 7″ are available in depths of 9 ¼” – 18″. Parallam dimensions are compatible with the other engineered wood products like I-joists and LVL.
  
  Parallam has been around for a while, but still — not all sizes are available in all regions. It is best to plan your design well ahead of schedule. Like APB, Parallam comes fully assembled and is comparably heavy. It is a good choice for long clear spans where sawn lumber is impractical.

  TimberStrand FrameWorks Header,
  
  a laminated strand lumber (LSL) made by TJM, is the latest entry into the structural header and beam competition. LSL is made by upgrading low-value aspen and poplar fiber into high-grade structural material.
  
  The Fb and E values are certainly no match for APB, LVL and PSL, but the performance of TimberStrand is impressive. It worked for most of the applications in our case house. It is worth noting that the 18-foot garage-door header application pushed TimberStrand beyond its structural limit.
  
  TimberStrand Header comes only in 3 ½” widths in depths that range from 4 3/8″ to 18″. This product is new and distributors don’t want to stockpile inventory. It is a cost-effective option for many applications, but it can be very hard to find.
  

• Georgia Pacific, GP LAM LVL LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER [PDF] (2012) Georgia Pacific, retrieved 2023/12/07, original source: sherwoodlumber.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/GP-LAM-Specs.pdf
  
  Gives GP Lam LVL Bearing Details, handling, construction, and allowable spans for various structural applications suchb as floor beams, window & door headers, garage door headers, roof hip and valley beams, and LVL bearing length requirements. A good collection of nearly all LVL sizing and span and load tables.
  
  Excerpt:
  The user is responsible for proper installation of our engineered lumber products. Our engineered lumber products must be installed in strict conformity with our instructions and all applicable building code requirements and other regulations. 
  
  In addition, if not specifically covered by our installation instructions or construction detail illustrations, the products must be installed in accordance with generally accepted design and construction practices.
  
  When installing engineered lumber products, the user must also consider the effects of local climate and geography.
• Global LVL HEADERS BEAMS & COLUMNS USER GUIDE [PDF] LVL Global, 48, Boivin Street Ville-Marie, Quebec (Canada) J9V 1B6 Tel: 819 629 3600 / 855 629 3600 Email: info@lvlglobal.com Web: lvlglobal.com - retrieved 2023/12/07, original source: lvlglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/UG-LVLGlobal-1.9E-USA.pdf
  
  Provides allowable stress & design loads tables (ASD) for LVL beams
  
  Excerpt: GLOBAL Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) 1.9E-2850Fb is manufactured from specially selected Aspen veneers. State-of-the-art manufacturing technology, coupled with a rigid quality control program, assures a precise veneer lay-up and provides for proper distribution of the natural characteristics in wood, further assurance of GLOBAL LVL structural integrity.
• LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER PRODUCT OVERVIEW [PDF] for a nice collection of examples of use of LVL products and a brief history of this material.
• LP, LP SOLIDSTART LVL BEAM & HEADER CANADIAN (LSD) TECHNICAL GUIDE [PDF] 2.0E LP, Web: lpcorp.com/, retrieved 2023/12/07, original source: lpcorp.com/resources/product-literature/technical-guides/lvl-beam-header-technical-guide-canada
  
  LVL product (beam) specifications & design values, including easy quick-reference tables of LVL span limits for various applications such as floors, headers, roofs.
  
  Excerpt: LP SolidStart LVL is made from ultrasonically and visually graded veneers arranged in a specific pattern to maximize the strength and stiffness of the veneers and to disperse the naturally occurring characteristics of wood, such as knots, that can weaken a sawn lumber beam.
  
  The veneers are then bonded with waterproof adhesives under pressure and heat. LP SolidStart LVL beams are exceptionally strong, solid and straight, making them excellent for most primary load-carrying beam applications.
• Roseburg RIGIDLAM LVL FLOOR SPAN CHARTS [PDF] Roseburg, Forest Products Co., 10599 Old Hwy 99 South, Dillard Oregon 97432 USA, tel 800-347-7260, web www.Roseburg.com, email ewpsales@rfpco.com - retrieved 2023/12/07, original source: https://www.roseburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EWP_LVL_floor_Spans_071414-2.pdf
• West Fraser LVL, LVL USER'S GUIDE [PDF] Technical data for LVL headers, beams, column applications for residential floor & roof systems, West Fraser LVL, retrieved 2023/12/07, original source: westfraser.com/sites/default/files/products/LVL/LVL%20Users%20Guide%20-%20US%20%20v0415.pdf
  
  Helpful & clear LVL Span and Load Tables.
  
  Excerpt: When sizing beams and headers, you need to have sufficient moment capacity (Fb), sufficient shear capacity (Fv), sufficient stiffness (EI) to satisfy the live and total load deflection criteria and you need to have adequate bearing sizes (Fci ).
  
  The industry markets LVL beams and headers based on the MOE value (modulus of elasticity = E) which along with the size of the beam (moment of inertia = I) determines the stiffness (EI) of the beam. The stiffness of a beam determines how much deflection a beam will experience under a given load.
  
  Deflection is a performance criteria established by building codes (L/360). Stiffness is not the same as strength!
  
  Not all applications are controlled by stiffness, many are controlled by strength (Fb and Fv). In some applications, a 1.9E or 2.0E beam cannot be used as a substitute for a 1.8E beam that has superior strength properties (Fb and Fv).
  
  A beam 16’ long, carrying 300 PLF, with 1.9E material will deflect 0.0344 inches less (¹⁄₃₂”) under total load compared to the same beam with 1.8E material. This is not much, especially when you consider the premium you pay for high MOE products.

...

Continue reading at DEFINITIONS of ENGINEERED WOOD OSB LVL etc or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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