Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is available in a range of sizes, depending on the manufacturer and type of product. Generally speaking, most LVL manufacturers offer lumber lengths up to 60 feet, while several offer lengths up to 24 feet.
Depths range from a minimum of 9.5 inches up to 24 inches, and widths can range from 2.5 to 11.25 inches.
Better grades of LVL might offer specifications for greater depths, widths, and lengths. For instance, deeper and wider wood pieces may be better suited to larger structural beams.
Multi-ply LVL is also available in some cases, which is essentially an engineered assembly of three or more plies. This type of LVL typically has higher strength than single-ply products, can be produced with higher depths, and can be cut and nailed more easily.
When considering which LVL sizes to use, know that each size is suited for particular applications, so it’s important to match the size to the job. Different sizes also require different types of installation methods, so be sure to get the right product and installation instructions before getting started.
What size does LVL beams come in?
LVL beams come in various sizes, depending on the engineered load requirements for the build. They are typically available in depths from 9-1/2” to 24” and widths from 3-1/2” to 7-1/4”. LVL beams are available in lengths from 8′ to 80′ or longer and are custom-ordered in increments of 2′.
Each beam is graded and dimensioned in inches and certified by the mill and stamped with an American Lumber Standard feature. The size, span, loadbearing capacity, and other factors all contribute to the cost of an LVL beam.
If a custom size is needed, there are many mills that will be able to accommodate special order requests.
How much does a 20 foot LVL beam cost?
The cost of a 20 foot long LVL beam can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the thickness of the beam, type of wood used, any additional treatments or finishes, and the specific supplier you purchase from.
On average, however, a 20 foot long LVL beam can cost between $70 and $100. This cost can be lowered significantly if you purchase from a discount or wholesale supplier. It may also be possible to find cheaper LVL beams if you buy second-hand materials.
It is worth shopping around to find the best price.
What size LVL do I need for a 20 foot span?
The size of the LVL you will need for a 20 foot span depends on what type of load you are trying to support. Generally speaking, a 20 foot span typically requires a minimum of 3-1/2″ x 11-7/8″ LVL. However, if you are trying to support a live load greater than 10 psf (pounds/square foot), then you will need a stronger and/or deeper LVL.
If you are installing LVLs in a two-ply application, then you will need to use an LVL that is at least 8-1/4″ deep. Additionally, if the distance between supports is greater than 20 feet or the LVLs are attached to an outside wall, you will also need to use a deeper LVL and/or additional bracing/blocking.
It is always best to check with your local building codes and a structural engineer for the best recommendation for your specific project.
What is stronger PSL or LVL?
PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber) and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) are both engineered wood products and are both strong but which is stronger depends on a few factors. PSL is composed of multiple veneers that have been glued and compressed together in the parallel direction, while LVL is composed of multiple veneers that have been glued and compressed together in the same plane.
PSL is typically used where extremely high load bearing capacity is necessary, so it is the stronger of the two. It is able to bear heavier and thicker loads, can span long distances without additional supports, and possess great strength to weight ratio.
It is ideal for applications such as large trusses, columns and beams, tall walls or any other large-scale building structure.
LVL provides excellent strength along the full length of its members, making it ideal for use in window and door headers, beams, joists and other structural members. It also offers good impact resistance.
LVL is typically slightly less expensive than PSL, making it suitable for framing applications when cost is a factor.
Ultimately, both PSL and LVL offer excellent strength and load bearing capacity, but PSL is the stronger of the two and suitable for applications where high strength is necessary.
How far can an LVL span without support?
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams can be spanning up to 20 feet without requiring an additional support, depending on the thickness of the beam and the load it is supporting. Generally, LVL beams that are 1 3/4” thick can span up to 18 feet with no additional support, while a beam 2 3/8” in thickness can span 20 feet.
Beams that are thicker than 2 3/8” in thickness can span even longer.
The load is also a critical factor when calculating how far a beam can span without additional support. For instance, if the load is limited to no more than 1,000 pounds per square foot (psf), a 1 3/4” LVL beam can span up to 17 feet.
However, if the load increases to 1,500 psf, then the 1 3/4” beam can only span up to 14 feet. It is also important to make sure that the beam is securely fastened in place as LVL is considered to be an easily-bowed material.
When considering an LVL span without additional support, it is important to consult with a structural engineer or architect to determine the most suitable beam size, thickness, and span for the specific area in which it is being installed, as well as the load it is designed to support, to be sure that the beam can safely span without the need for additional support.
How far can a 12 inch LVL span?
The span capacity of a 12 inch LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) varies based on a variety of factors, such as the grade, wood species, and load type. Generally, LVL can span up to 24 feet with 11-7/8 inches in width or 24 feet 7 inches with 12 inches in width.
For uniform, dead loads, allowable spans can reach up to 32 feet. The actual span will depend on the load type and the species of wood used for the LVL. In general, higher strength-to-weight ratio woods, such as southern pine, can span further than lower strength-to-weight ratio woods, such as Douglas fir.
Structural grade LVL can be used under a variety of conditions, such as in beams, header beams, header beams lintels, ridge beams and vaulted ceilings. It is important to use proper fasteners when installing LVL, such as screws that penetrate 1-1/2 times the width of the lumber, and nails with a minimum shank diameter of 0.
148 inch and a nail-type piercing point.
What size LVL do they make?
The size of LVL beams (or Laminated Veneer Lumber) can vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, LVLs are available in standard sizes ranging from 9-1/2” to 24” in width, with depths from 1-3/4” to 18”.
It is also possible to get custom sizes, up to 40” wide and 60” deep, but these must be ordered at a specialty supplier. The length of LVLs depends on the manufacturer and can range from 6’ to 60’. At higher lengths, beams may need to be laminated together with finger joints to achieve the desired length.
The most common lengths are 12’, 18’, and 24’. Also, keep in mind that LVL beams are usually sold in even lengths only, with increments of 2 feet.
What widths do levels come?
Levels come in a variety of widths, depending on the specific product. Most levels range between 15 and 36 inches, with thicker models usually having a wider width. In terms of purpose, levels are often broken down into categories like framing levels, carpenter’s levels, and machinist levels.
Framing levels typically have widths of 24 to 30 inches, providing a stable stabilizing platform when measuring long distances. Meanwhile, carpenter’s levels range from about 15 to 24 inches, making them well-suited for precision work in tight spaces.
Finally, machinist levels tend to have the narrowest widths between 18 and 24 inches, giving them maximum portability in order to ensure accurate results in industrial settings.
What is the difference between an LVL and a Microlam?
The main difference between an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and a Microlam is their size, as well as the construction technique and material used to create them.
LVL is a type of engineered wood made by gluing multiple thin layers of wood together under high temperature and pressure. It is then sanded and formed into large, solid beams and boards. LVL tends to be thicker, providing greater strength and stability.
It is also less prone to warping and movement than traditional wood.
On the other hand, Microlam is a type of lightweight engineered wood consisting of multiple layers of thin, high-degree laminae. Unlike LVL, it is constructed using a process that applies resin and heat along the entire face of laminae, making it suitable for use in small, intricate applications and load-bearing situations.
Because Microlam is lightweight and limited in size, it is often used in roof and floor joists, where less weight is needed.
In summary, the difference between LVL and Microlam is the size, construction technique and material used. LVL is a thicker, solid engineered wood product that is better at resisting warping and movement, while Microlam is a lightweight version that is better suited for intricate applications and load-bearing situations.
How far can you span a 2×10 LVL?
The distance you can safely span a 2×10 LVL beam will depend on a few factors, such as the size and orientation of the beam, the span of the beam, the type of load that it must carry and the quality of the lumber used.
In general, however, a 2×10 LVL beam can span up to 33 feet when used in a wall or rafter system. This can increase to up to 48 feet when it is used in a floor system. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these values must be adjusted if the beam is used in an attic truss application, with larger spans requiring more support beams.
Additionally, the lumber must be of good quality to ensure it has sufficient strength to support the load. When in doubt, it is best to consult with an engineer for the appropriate span for your application.
How much weight can a triple 2×10 hold?
The weight that a triple 2×10 can hold will depend on several factors, including the type of wood used and the quality of the joists. Generally speaking, the maximum load capacities of such a joist can range from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds, with some higher-end designs able to hold up to 40,000 pounds.
As with any construction project, the amount of weight that a triple 2×10 can handle should not exceed manufacturer recommendations and local building codes. Additionally, the load should be evenly distributed to ensure the floor joists remain in optimal condition.
Can a 2×10 span 20 feet?
No, a 2×10 cannot span 20 feet. Generally, the maximum span for a 2×10 is around 14–16 feet depending on the species of the lumber, load, spacing, and other factors. In order to span 20 feet, you would need to use a larger size of lumber such as 2×12, 2×14, or 2×16.
It is important to work with an experienced lumber supplier to make sure you pick the right size for the job. Additionally, you will need to consult your local building code to make sure that your proposal meets the necessary safety standards.