LVL Panels

Overview

Vertically laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panels are made from “peeler logs" in the same production lines as LVL beams. Engineered to precise design values and with a very high strength-to-weight ratio, LVL panels are suitable for structural wall, floor and roof applications. With increasing interest in mass timber use for diaphragm applications (floors, roofs, walls), manufacturers are beginning to position LVL in full sheet format, and some interesting configurations involve laminating LVL beams side-to-side to make thin, solid panels - exposing the veneer end grain instead of the face grain.

The LVL manufacturing process of veneering and gluing enables large members to be made from smaller trees, creating efficient utilisation of wood fibre. Scarf joints (chamfer cuts) create joints between sections of veneers. In typical manufacture, all veneers are laid up so the grain direction is the same in all veneers. In so-called 'Q' and 'T' lay-ups, some veneers are laid so that their grain is contrary to the grain direction most of the veneers, giving rigidity to the LVL so it does not warp and twist.

Our LVL Procurement and Integration Process

We procure LVL from a North American producer, coordinating volume and quality requirements for each project. Machining and milling of holes is sometimes performed at the producer's plant based on our carefully detailed fabrication drawings and CNC machine files, and the product is shipped straight to site. Other times the panels are shipped to our shop for further fitting of steel connections to speed up site erection.

Our involvement

StructureCraft procures LVL panels from a North American producer and coordinates machining, connection fitting, and delivery.