Laminated Veneer Lumber
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams and columns are made of layers from 'peeler logs' glued together, and are very similar to plywood - except there are no cross-layers, all layers are oriented with grain in the same direction. This gives LVL elements a very high strength in their spanning direction. Engineered to precise design values and with a high strength-to-weight ratio, LVL elements are suitable for long spans and high loads. LVL is more uniform than sawn timber and less likely to warp, split, bow, or shrink.
LVL is also starting to be used in panel format for walls and floors - see LVL Panels.
Materials
Many species including Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western Hemlock, Eucalyptus, Yellow Poplar, Red Maple, and Southern Pine
Carbon
1471kg CO2 sequestered per tonne
Cross Section
1.75"-5.25" wide, up to 4ft deep
Length
Limited only by shipping constraints
Finishes
Planed, Sanded, Factory Sealed
Profiles
Straight and Radii perpendicular to laminations possible.
Curves in plane of lamination possible with CNC profiling and nesting.
Curves in plane of lamination possible with CNC profiling and nesting.