What is Microllam LVL?

Microllam® LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is one of the older Trus Joist® products but still a versatile performer in a wide range of structural applications. Microllam® LVL is engineered from large sheets of veneer laminated together to form a rectangular beam product.

What is the difference between a Microlam and LVL?

What Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Is. Much like plywood, thin sheets of wood are sandwiched and bound with super-strong glue. Unlike plywood, Microllam and other LVLs are solid and intended to carry loads. This means that LVL has greater strength in a smaller size than solid lumber.

Is glulam the same as LVL?

LVL refers to a manufactured timber product made from thin veneers (often 3mm) glued together to form large structural members, often known as Hyspan or similiar. Glulam is made from thicker sections of timber, generally 15-45mm thick, glued together to form a large variety of products.

What is an LVL joist?

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. It is typically used for headers, beams, rimboard, and edge-forming material. Due to its composite nature, it is much less likely than conventional lumber to warp, twist, bow, or shrink.

What is the difference between LVL and PSL?

Structural composite lumber (SCL) is a term used to describe a family of engineered wood products created by layering wood veneers or strands and bonding them with moisture-resistant adhesives to form structural framing members such as beams, studs, and columns.

How far can you span with LVL?

Due to its strength, an LVL beam can span up to 60 feet and is much stronger than traditional lumber. Generally, you can find LVL beams in 4-foot increments starting at 24 feet and going up to 44 feet long, with special orders up to 60 feet. LVL beam thickness is usually between 1 ¾ and 7 inches.

What is the difference between a PSL and LVL?

PSL beams are generally more expensive than glulam, LSL, or LVL beams. PSL beams can be stained or finished where an aesthetically pleasing exposed application is desired. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a commonly available engineered product that is manufactured similarly to PSL.

What is a Microllam beam?

A microlam, sometimes called a lam beam or laminated veneer lumber (LVL), is a type of engineered timber. Like plywood, thin sheets of wood are glued together to create beams. Each layer is glued such that the direction of the grain alternates, providing strength in each direction.

Is glulam more expensive than steel?

Is glulam cheaper than steel? For a simple beam, spanning between supports, glulam is often cheaper than steel. For fabricated structures glulam is usually a little more expensive than steel.

What is the difference between I joist and LVL?

The I-joists are made from lumber flanges, OSB webs and cured adhesive. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams are manufactured with multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesive. Stark Truss engineered LVL beams are strong, consistent and straight.

Is LVL stronger than hardwood?

One of the major differences between LVL and conventional lumber is that – due to the emphasis placed on quality bonding in LVL – there are no naturally occurring knots. This not only makes the product stronger, but more durable than conventional lumber.