Laminated Veneer Lumber

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): What You Need to Know

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a pre-fabricated engineered wood beam made from multiple layers of wood veneers bonded together under high pressure. Because all of the wood grain is aligned in one direction, LVL offers high load-bearing capacity and excellent dimensional stability. Supply Ontime stocks LVL in a standard 1-3/4 in thickness, the industry standard for structural LVL beams used in residential and commercial construction. This consistent thickness ensures predictable performance and reliable load calculations that simplify integration with Los Angeles building plans. From 10 ft up to 24 ft in length, Supply Ontime can supply LVL beams at custom-quoted prices.

LVL Widths:

• 9-1/2 in: This narrower width works well for residential floor joists, small headers, and conditions where height clearance is limited. It provides the strength of LVL without excessive depth.
• 11-7/8 in: A versatile mid-width choice commonly used for floor and roof systems. It offers additional load capacity while remaining easy to handle on site.
• 14 in: Stepping up in width increases beam stiffness, making it suitable for supporting heavier loads or longer spans in multi-story homes and light-commercial projects.
• 16 in: The widest size stocked by Supply Ontime is engineered for demanding structural applications. Use it for beams, roof rafters, or rim boards where maximum strength and minimal deflection are critical.

Terminology:

This section explains the common terms customers and professionals use when referring to LVL and related engineered wood products. These terms can help you better understand industry listings, product descriptions, and search terminology.

• Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): An engineered wood product made from layered wood veneers bonded together for strength and dimensional consistency. Commonly used for structural framing in Los Angeles construction.
• LVL Beam: A load-bearing engineered beam used for wide openings, floor systems, roof support, and seismic-rated framing.
• Microllam LVL: A branded LVL product commonly specified on Los Angeles job sites for reliable strength, stiffness, and code compliance.
• Engineered Wood Beam: A general term used to describe structural beams manufactured for higher performance than solid-sawn lumber, including LVL products.
• Structural Composite Lumber: A technical category that includes laminated veneer lumber and other engineered framing materials used in residential and commercial construction.
• LVL Header: LVL used above doors, windows, and large openings to transfer loads around structural gaps.
• LVL Joist: Horizontal LVL members used to support floors and ceilings, allowing for longer spans with fewer supports.
• 1-3/4 in LVL: The standard thickness for most LVL products used in Los Angeles framing applications.
• LVL Widths: Common widths include 9-1/2 in, 11-7/8 in, 14 in, and 16 in, selected based on load requirements and structural design.

Common Uses:

• Headers and Lintels: LVL beams are ideal for spanning openings above doors, windows, and garage bays. Their high strength and consistent dimensions allow them to carry the loads above large wall openings without sagging.
• Beams: When you need long, straight spans—such as for open floor plans, lofts, or wide decks—LVL beams offer superior stiffness and uniformity compared with conventional lumber. They support roof or floor loads over greater distances with fewer intermediate supports.
• Joists and Rim Boards: LVL can be used as joists to provide solid, squeak-free floor systems, and as rim boards to tie joists together while resisting rotation. Because the material resists warping and shrinking, it maintains a flat, even platform over time.
• Truss and Roof Components: Engineered LVL is often incorporated into truss chords, rafters, and purlins in roof assemblies. Its strength and straightness help maintain roof geometry and prevent deflection in long-span applications.
• Columns and Posts: Although LVL is typically used horizontally, shorter sections can serve as columns or load-bearing posts. Their high compressive strength makes them a reliable alternative to traditional sawn lumber for vertical supports.

Why Choose Supply Ontime?

At Supply Ontime, we offer reliable LVL beams designed to meet your project’s structural needs. With same-day delivery across the Greater Los Angeles area, we make it easy to keep your projects on schedule. Order laminated veneer lumber today and get your LVL beams delivered in hours!