- Type: Made from thin layers (veneers) of wood, similar to plywood but designed specifically for beams and load-bearing applications.
- Core Material: Softwood veneers.
- Manufacturing: Veneers are dried, coated with adhesives, stacked with all grains in the same direction, then hot-pressed into a thick, strong billet that is cut into beams, planks, or panels.
- Layers / Construction: Parallel veneer lamination
- Adhesive Type: Phenol-formaldehyde
- Thickness Range: LVL Panels (Sheets): 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 38 mm, 45 mm, 63 mm, 75 mm. LVL Beams / Planks: Often built up by cutting and laminating multiple 35 – 75 mm billets to achieve the required structural size.
- Dimensions Available: LVL Panel Sizes (before cutting): 1220 × 2440 mm (Standard), 1200 × 2400 mm, 1200 × 2700 mm, 1200 × 3000 mm. LVL Beam / Plank Sizes (after cutting): Thickness: 25 mm, 35 mm, 38 mm, 45 mm, 63 mm, 75 mm, Width: 90 mm, 140 mm, 190 mm, 240 mm, 300 mm, Length: Commonly 2400 mm, 3000 mm, 3600 mm, 6000 mm, 7200 mm, 12000 mm.
- Density: ~600 – 750 kg/m³.
- Moisture Resistance (MR): Moderate.
- Fire Rating: Class C (FR LVL available).
- Formaldehyde Emissions: E1, E0.
- Janka Hardness: ~700 – 900 lbf.
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): ~12000 – 15000 MPa.
- Modulus of Rupture (MOR): ~60 – 80 MPa.
- Dimensional Stability: Excellent.
- Surface Finish: Raw, structural.
- Color / Appearance: Layered wood look.
- Durability: High durability in dry or protected environments and can be treated with preservatives for enhanced insect and decay resistance.
- Mechanical Properties: very high strength and stiffness from veneer alignment, excellent load-bearing capacity, often surpassing solid timber in strength and straightness, and is less prone to warping, twisting, or splitting.
- Stability: Exceptional dimensional stability, manufactured under controlled conditions, reducing natural defects found in solid wood.
- Water Resistant: Standard LVL is not fully water-resistant and requires protection from prolonged moisture unless made with exterior-grade adhesives, though special grades are available for outdoor or humid conditions.
- Workability: Good.
- Screw Holding Strength: High.
- Edge Integrity: Strong edges.
- Eco Certification: FSC, PEFC.
- Estimated Prices: Around ~US $250 – $650+ Per m3 / Final prices depend on raw material quality, board density and thickness, surface treatments, manufacturing technology, customization, regional costs, logistics, market demand, environmental standards, brand reputation, and order volume.
- Use Cases: Structural beams, headers, rafters, rim boards, lintels, I-joists, roof, floor, and wall framing, formwork panels when treated, and heavy-duty construction like bridges.
