Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Engineered Wood
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood veneers glued together under heat and pressure. The veneers are usually oriented with the grain running parallel to the length of the board. This construction method creates a strong and stable product that can be used in a wide range of applications, including residential and commercial construction.
One of the primary advantages of LVL is its strength. Because it is made from thin layers of wood, LVL can be manufactured to achieve consistent strength characteristics, which makes it a popular choice for structural applications. Additionally, LVL is often used as a substitute for traditional dimensional lumber, as it can be manufactured to larger sizes and lengths than solid wood.
Another benefit of LVL is its dimensional stability. Because the veneers are oriented in a specific direction, LVL has minimal warping, twisting, or shrinking. This stability makes it an ideal choice for applications where straightness and precision are critical.
LVL can be used for a variety of applications, including floor beams, roof beams, headers, and rim boards. It is also commonly used as a replacement for solid wood in applications such as door and window headers, garage door headers, and lintels.
Product Description
Full Pine LVL beam, LVL framing, LVL rafters or Strand lumber/Engineered lumber/Wood beam of engineered wood for LVL moulding Structural LVL
HW structural laminated veneer lumber (LVL) which has been manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 4357 with properties determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4063.2 and therefore complies with the requirements for structural design in accordance with AS1720.1
HW LVL terminator is available in all sizes and is part of the Carter Holt Harvey Terminator range. HW H2-S Terminator is treated against termites south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The treatment is applied to the glue-line during manufacture to achieve full termite protection to the core of the beam. No further sealing is required on cut ends, holes or notches. Other treatment levels are available from suppliers on request, but treatment is limited to above ground use. hySPAN cannot be readily treated for in ground contact applications.
HW LVL is manufactured using an ‘A’ Bond with less than 0.5mg/l Formaldehyde (equivalent to E0) emissions from the final product.
laminated veneer lumber type structural lvl
For quality assurance the HW range is manufactured with independent audit processes and product certification. Carter Holt Harvey ensures that its wood is legally sourced from managed forests and offer FSC ‘Chain of Custody’ certified upon request.
HW LVL is produced with a structural grade face and is not generally used in appearance applications and at the time of dispatch from the manufacturing site has a moisture content of between 8-15%.
Size Range
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SIZE |
35mm |
45mm |
63mm |
75mm |
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90 mm |
A |
A |
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130 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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150 mm |
A |
A |
A |
A |
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170 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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200 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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240 mm |
A |
A |
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300 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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360 mm |
A |
A |
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400 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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450 mm |
A |
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525 mm |
A |
A |
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600 mm |
A |
Advantage of HW structural LVL
1. Small logs can be made into large-dimension LVL products.
2. Long lengths of LVL are available up to 12m
The wood resource can be optimized by grading and selecting veneer for different parts of an LVL cross-section and making a range of products with different properties.
The structural properties of LVL are very uniform because the randomized layers of thin veneers are pre-graded for stiffness (coefficient of variation for modulus of elasticity less than 5%).
LVL members have high strength because of the low variability and randomized wood properties in thin layers.
LVL can be cut and machined with normal woodworking tools.
LVL is often used to complement the use of sawn timber in domestic construction.
3. Strength: LVL is engineered to be stronger and more consistent than solid wood. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it is capable of supporting heavy loads with minimal deflection.
4. Dimensional stability: The manufacturing process of LVL involves bonding multiple layers of wood veneers together with a strong adhesive. This construction method ensures that the wood remains stable and doesn’t warp or twist under changes in temperature or humidity. As a result, LVL is an excellent choice for applications where dimensional stability is important.
5. Versatility: LVL can be used in a wide range of applications, including beams, headers, columns, and posts. It is also available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and lengths, making it suitable for both residential and commercial construction projects.
6. Sustainability: LVL is an environmentally friendly building material. It is made from fast-growing trees, and the manufacturing process produces less waste than other wood products.
7. Cost-effective: Although LVL may initially cost more than solid wood, its strength and durability make it a cost-effective choice over the long term. It requires less maintenance and replacement than solid wood, which can save time and money in the future.
Application of HW structural LVL
LVL is particularly well suited to the following applications
Rafters and joists
Lintels, beams and framing members
Truss chords
Portal frames
I-beams
Box-beams
Scaffold planks
Formwork
Panels of LVL are cut into structural members which have high strength and stiffness.
LVL is suited to structural applications such as beams, rafters and columns in a wide range of buildings including houses, commercial, industrial and rural structures. Some special LVL has a small number of veneers laid perpendicularly (cross banded).
In commercial or industrial structures it is often used as a wood-based alternative to structural steel or reinforced concrete.
Packaging and Containerization
FAQ
Q: What is LVL made of?
A: LVL is made from thin layers of wood veneers that are bonded together with a strong adhesive. The veneers are usually oriented with the grain running parallel to the length of the board.
Q: How strong is LVL compared to solid wood?
A: LVL is engineered to be stronger and more consistent than solid wood. It has a higher strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it is capable of supporting heavy loads with minimal deflection.
Q: What are the advantages of using LVL?
A: LVL has several advantages, including its strength, dimensional stability, versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. It is also available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and lengths, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Q: What are some common uses for LVL?
A: LVL is commonly used in residential and commercial construction projects for applications such as beams, headers, columns, and posts. It is also used as a replacement for solid wood in applications such as door and window headers, garage door headers, and lintels.
Q: Is LVL environmentally friendly?
A: LVL is made from fast-growing trees, and the manufacturing process produces less waste than other wood products. As a result, LVL is considered to be an environmentally friendly building material.
