information/FAQs

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)- Introduction, products and applications

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is manufactured from veneers which are rotary peeled then dried. They are laminated together under high temperature and pressure using a phenolic adhesive. This gives it a type "A" exterior glue bond which is identical to that used in structural and marine plywood. Structural Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is manufactured to AS/NZS4357.

The grain direction of all veneers is parallel to the length of the beam. This makes maximum use of the inherent strength properties of the timber fibres.

There is very little variation in the mechanical properties within or between pieces of LVL. Each manufacturer publishes the structural properties of LVL as span tables for defined applications, or as design properties for use with AS1720.1 Timber Structures Code.

LVL is much stronger and stiffer then the parent material. The improved structural properties can be utilised in the chords of trusses, the outer laminates in glue laminated beams, or as the flanges in plywood webbed box, C or I beams. LVL should be marked with the PAA/JAS-ANZ product certification brand.

LVL is manufactured as 2400mm x 1200mm "biscuits" and as continuous 1200mm wide "slabs". It can then be sawn into beams of standard depths. Lengths greater than 2400mm can be formed from the "biscuits" by joining 2400mm lengths using special nail plates.

Standard LVL thicknesses are 36, 45 and 63mm.

LVL can be used for roof purlins, floor joists, wall girts and portal frames in domestic, industrial and commercial structures. It can also be used for the manufacture of large roof trusses or box beams. LVL products are suitable for both domestic and industrial structures. Long deep sections can be vertically laminated to produce heavy sections for large roof structures.

Reference: Plywood Association of Australia