Laminated Veneer Lumber - LVL Information

Veneer Lumber, also known as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), is a type of engineered wood product made by bonding together thin layers of wood veneers with adhesives. The layers are oriented in a way that maximizes the strength and stiffness of the resulting composite material.

LVL is commonly used as a substitute for traditional solid lumber in structural applications, such as beams, headers, and columns. It offers several advantages over solid lumber, including:

  1. Strength and stiffness: LVL is stronger and stiffer than solid lumber of the same dimensions, which allows for greater spans and less material use.
  2. Uniformity: Unlike natural lumber, which can have knots and other defects that weaken the material, LVL is made from uniform, defect-free veneers.
  3. Resistance to warping and shrinking: LVL is less susceptible to warping and shrinking than solid lumber, which helps maintain its structural integrity over time.
  4. Sustainability: LVL is made from fast-growing plantation trees, which makes it a more sustainable choice than solid lumber from old-growth forests.

LVL is produced in a variety of thicknesses and lengths, and can be customized to meet specific design requirements. It can be used in both residential and commercial construction projects, and is a popular choice for large-scale projects such as bridges, stadiums, and high-rise buildings.