LVL – Laminated Veneer Lumber

LVL

LVL, Laminated Veneer Lumber timber is one of the engineered-wood systems that is privileged with high-strength quality. This strength is gained from the way it was manufactured by bonding sliced thin wood veneers under certain heat and pressure which makes it comparable to solid timber, steel and concrete. It becomes stronger, straighter and uniform in the stage of lamination due to the veneers’ grains being aligned in the same direction.

 

 
Capturelvl

LVL was developed in the 1970s and is today used for permanent structural applications including beams, lintels, purlins, truss chords and formwork. LVL can be used wherever sawn timber is used however one of the main advantages is that it can be manufactured to almost any length, restricted only by transportation to site. The added durability of being an engineered wood product means LVL is less prone to shrinking or warping. LVL can also support heavier loads and span longer distances than normal timber.

 

 

LVL advantagesLVL – Laminated Veneer Lumber Advantages

LVL timber is distinguished from other structural material for the advantages of its low and competitive cost, design flexibility – it can be manufactured at any desired design, less subject to shrinking and warping and it is very durable.  LVL span can be designed for longer distances than any other normal timber which still can support heavy loads. In some cases, to enhance the LVL member’s shear strength, laminations can be added to it at right angle of the lay up.
For durability, it is recommended not to expose to weather permanently.