LVL

LVL stands for laminated veneer lumber, an engineered wood product created by bonding together multiple thin wood veneers with adhesives under heat and pressure. The veneers are typically peeled from softwood species, dried, and arranged with the grain aligned before bonding. The resulting board is stronger and more uniform than solid lumber and can be manufactured in longer spans and precise dimensions.

Manufacturing and grading involve selecting high-quality veneers, drying and sanding them, then applying a resin adhesive and hot-pressing the layers into a rigid panel. The final LVL is trimmed and cured. LVLs are produced in a range of depths, widths, and lengths to suit structural applications, and are rated for bending, compression, and shear performance. In the United States, standards such as ASTM D5456 govern structural LVL specifications and grades.

Applications and performance characteristics include high strength-to-weight ratio, dimensional stability, and uniformity, which reduce warping, twisting, or bowing compared with conventional lumber. LVL is commonly used for long-span beams, headers above openings, lintels, and other structural members in residential and commercial framing. Exterior-grade LVL or LVL treated for moisture resistance is used where exposure or soil contact is possible.

Limitations and considerations involve moisture management, as with other wood products, and the potential for adhesive emissions in some formulations; low-emission or formaldehyde-free variants are available. LVL can be more expensive than solid lumber, and proper design, notching, and fastener placement are important to maintain structural integrity.

See also: engineered wood, glulam, plywood, and structural lumber products.