LVL

LVL (laminated veneer lumber) is engineered wood designed for high strength, long spans, and reliable performance in beams, headers, lintels, rim boards, and roof or floor members. By bonding thin wood veneers with adhesives under heat and pressure, LVL offers uniform stiffness, predictable load capacity, straight lines, and fewer voids than sawn lumber. That means less cupping, twisting, and jobsite waste, plus faster installs and cleaner finishes.

Why builders choose LVL:
- High strength-to-weight ratio supports wide openings for doors, windows, and garages.
- Consistent engineering values simplify sizing with span tables and building code approval.
- Excellent dimensional stability reduces callbacks for sagging or drywall cracks.
- Available in common depths (9-1/2 to 24 inches), standard 1-3/4 inch plies, and multiple grades (such as 1.9E to 2.1E).

Common applications include multi-ply beams, flush or drop headers, ridge beams, stair stringers, and ridge or hip members. LVL integrates easily with joist hangers, structural screws, and framing nailers, and it cuts cleanly with a carbide blade.

Selection and jobsite tips:
- Match depth to adjacent joists; stack plies to meet load; verify species, grade, and E-rating.
- Use manufacturer span tables and follow connector schedules from your engineer.
- Seal cuts and ends where required; keep stock elevated and dry; follow fastener edge distances.
- For holes, follow published boring limits; avoid notching unless listed.
- For exterior or treated conditions, confirm product approvals or choose alternative engineered wood.

Tools that pair well with LVL include a track or miter saw with a sharp carbide blade, framing nailer or impact driver with structural screws, heavy-duty clamps, and a laser level for bearing alignment.

Search terms: LVL beams, laminated veneer lumber, structural headers, engineered wood beams, rim board, long-span beam solutions. Available from leading suppliers for residential and commercial framing projects nationwide.