Laminated veneer lumber LVL
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a type of high-strength engineered timber that can be used as an alternative to solid timber, concrete and steel for structural applications. It is manufactured by bonding rotary peeled or wood veneers that have been sliced thinly under heat and pressure.
First developed in the 1970s, LVL is used as a cost-effective and sustainable building material that provides high structural reliability and strength. By reducing solid timber’s natural flaws, such as strength-reducing knots, LVL has good strength, uniformity and durability. As an engineered product, LVL is also less prone to shrinkage or warping and is able to span longer distances and support heavier loads than regular timber.
The veneers that make up LVL are oriented in the same direction, making it particularly suitable for beams, and its length, depth and strength make it effective at carrying loads over long spans. Its high tensile strength relative to sawn timber means it is also commonly used for trusses.
Structural applications include:
LVL is covered by British Standard BS EN 14279:2004+A1:2009 – Definitions, classification and specifications.
[edit] Manufacture
Once logs have been debarked, they are conditioned in hot water for 24 hours. A lathe then peels the logs into veneers – thin slices of wood, usually thinner than 3 mm. The veneer is scanned by camera for defects, analysed for moisture content and then clipped to a width of approximately 1.4 m by a rotary clipper. Veneers are then dried to a target moisture content of between 8-10%.
Before being laminated, the veneers are dried and then oriented in the same direction. Once dried, the edge of the veneer is scarfed for a uniform thickness at the joints. Veneers are then coated with an adhesive (such as phenol formaldehyde), and heated in a continuous press. They can then be cut to the required sizes.
LVL beams are usually straight as the most cost-effective production method is to cut a number of straight members from one sheet. Curved or tapered members can be cut although these are more expensive.
LVL may be subject to decay if there is a high moisture content or if it is used in an unventilated area. If used for in-ground applications, LVL should be treated with preservatives to protect against decay and infestation. See, Timber preservatives for more information.
LVL can be treated during manufacture by impregnating veneers or surface-treated post-manufacture.
LVL can be sawn, nailed, screwed and drilled using normal tools. Holes can be cut in the web of a beam for services installation.
[edit] Sizes
One of the main advantages of LVL is that it can be manufactured to almost any length, although available sizes will vary between manufacturers. Sheets, or billets, are usually manufactured to thicknesses of 35-63 mm, and to lengths of up to 12 m.
[edit] Fire resistance
The fire resistance of LVL is similar to solid timber, with a slow and predictable charring rate, dependent on the timber species and the size of the member.
[edit] Handling and storage
LVL should be handled in the same way as solid seasoned timber. Care should be taken to avoid damage to exposed corners or edges where the member is to be visually exposed.
On site, LVL members should be stored flat, off the ground and kept dry prior to installation. While short-term weather exposure will not unduly affect its performance, long-term exposure will require preservative treatment and finishing with a protective coating.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Architectural Technology Studio 3.
- Bamboo.
- Chipboard.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- European Union Timber Regulation.
- Glulam.
- Laminate.
- Laminated strand lumber LSL.
- Medium density fibreboard - MDF
- Modified wood.
- Oriented strand board.
- Plywood.
- Softwood.
- The skyscrapers of the future will be made of wood.
- Timber.
- Timber construction for London.
- Timber engineered structural frames.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of timber.
- Veneer.
- Wood and hybrid structures.
[edit] External references
- Wood Solutions - Laminated veneer lumber LVL
- Nelson Pine - How LVL is made
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.