LVL, better known as laminated veneer lumber, has to be one of the most commonly used engineered wood. Due to being strong and more stable dimensionally, it is often classified as an alternative to solid lumber. For the past 30 years, LVL has been used for construction purposes.

LVL is a composite produced made up of multiple layers of veneer. These layers are thin and must be aligned with the length of the already-done lumber. LVL is manufactured under controlled specifications, giving it an upper hand in advantages compared to typical milled lumber.

Features of LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) 

The features of LVL make it one of the best construction materials. Here is a list of those features.

1.    Structural composite LVL

LVL or Laminated Veneer Lumber falls under the structural composite lumber (SCL) category. Its making involves graded and dried wood veneers, strands, or flakes.

2.    Moisture-resistant adhesive LVL

The adhesive used is not regular. A specific moisture-resistant adhesive is used for layering and bonding the veneers together. The purpose of this is to ensure that the layers do not fall apart, thus providing it sturdiness.

Stacking of the veneers is done in only one direction. As a result, the wood grain is vertical to the billet’s length. The board resulting from staking the veneers is called a billet.

3.    Veneers For LVL

The veneers for the production of LVL are not extremely thick, with their thickness being less than 3mm. A rotary peeling technique is used for their production.

Before clipping the veneers to the rotary clipper, they are scanned for defects and analyzed for their moisture content. Only well-treated veneers are selected for the production of Laminated Veneer Lumber.

4.    Prevention from decay

Preservatives are to be used to ensure that there is no decaying happening. Treating LVL with appropriate preservatives for places with high moisture content or unventilated areas will ensure longevity.

5.    Installation

You can drill, nail, or saw LVL with regular tools without any worries. During installation, making holes in these is also acceptable. Thus, the installation process becomes more manageable.

6.    Charring rate

Just like solid timber, which has a predictable charring rate, LVL offers quite similar fire resistance. This rate is usually slow but may vary depending on the species of timber used and the size.

7.    Ideal for beam construction

The orientation of the veneers in one direction makes LVL a suitable choice for beam construction. The strength, depth, and length of the beams made of LVL can carry loads over long periods effortlessly.

8.    Earthquake resistance

Laminated Veneer Lumber offers a good shock absorption performance, making it somewhat earthquake resistant. Hence, it can be an excellent choice for construction in areas with frequent earthquakes.

Along with these features, LVL timber price is also reasonable, considering its unique features.

Applications of Laminated Veneer Lumber in construction

There are multiple uses for this engineered wood, such as:

• Beams and rafters
• LVL wood flooring
• Component of windows and doors
• Ring beams
• I-joists
• Rim boards
• Header
• Truck bed decking
• Roadway signpost

To purchase good quality LVL, contact Timber Central, where you will get the best timber at reasonable prices.