LVLs

LVLs, or laminated veneer lumber, are an engineered wood product used in structural applications. They are made by layering multiple thin wood veneers with their grain oriented in the same direction and bonding them with durable structural adhesives under heat and pressure. The result is a strong, straight, and dimensionally stable member with a high strength-to-weight ratio compared to solid-sawn lumber.

Manufacturing and properties: Veneers are produced from logs, dried to an appropriate moisture content, and laid out with aligned grain. The veneers are bonded with adhesives such as phenol-formaldehyde or polyurethane and pressed into billet form, then milled to final dimensions. LVLs are valued for their uniformity, predictable strength, and resistance to warping, twisting, and knot-related defects. Modern LVLs may use low-emission or formaldehyde-free resins to meet environmental standards.

Uses and applications: LVLs are widely used as structural beams, headers, lintels, and sill plates in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. They also serve in floor and roof systems, where long spans or high load capacities are required. LVLs can be stacked or combined to achieve desired strength and depth in a given application.

Sizes, standards, and sustainability: LVLs are manufactured in a range of depths, widths, and lengths to meet load and design requirements. They are typically labeled with grade and span information and are produced under standards set by organizations such as ASTM and trade associations like APA – The Engineered Wood Association. LVLs offer a more uniform performance than many solid woods and are considered a sustainable option when sourced from responsibly managed forests.