What Is Laminated Veneer Lumber

The fabrication, applications, efficiency, and environmental impact of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Usually, it is created using rotary peeled veneers, which are thinly sliced sheets of wood stripped from logs through a rotary cutting technique.

LVL: What Is It?

It belongs to a category of products known as structural composite lumber, which are constructed from dried and graded wood veneers, strands or flakes that are stacked and adhered together with a water-resistant adhesive to create large blocks called billets. Additional items in this category consist of laminated strand lumber (LSL) and parallel strand lumber (PSL). With LVL, veneers are laid together and then bonded using hot and pressure.

What Is LvL Used For?

It is appropriate for use as beams, trusses, planks, and rafters. When it is bonded in a cross pattern to enhance rigidity, it can be utilized to create panels for walls and floors that can support weight. Although often used only for hiding the structure of a building, finished appearance grades are also utilized.

How Is LVL Made?

LVL is created by bonding rotary-peeled veneers together under heat and pressure to form large panels, which are then sliced into various widths. Phenol-formaldehyde resins create water-resistant connections. Various species like Douglas-fir, larch, pine, and spruce can be utilized to create LVL, resulting in components that exceed standard lumber lengths. Usually, LVL veneers are aligned in the identical direction.

Will LvL Burn In A Fire?

Exposure to LVL is allowed and safe under building codes due to its significant mass that naturally resists fire. LVL, similar to other mass timber products, has a natural resistance to fire due to charring. If a fire occurs, this charred layer on the surface acts as a shield, maintaining its durability. This delays the burning process, giving people enough time to safely exit the building.

During testing for fire resistance, the charring rate of composite lumber, like LVL, LSL, and PSL, was similar to solid-sawn lumber and fell within the range observed in various solid-sawn lumber species.

Extensive fire tests conducted in Canada and worldwide support the fire safety of mass timber.

Will LvL Rot or Mould?

Just like other wood products, if designed and installed properly, LVL will not decay or develop mold. It is important to refrain from coming into contact with water during construction and in the period following. Applying sealant to the ends and edges of LVL will help guarantee protection against moisture infiltration.

Preservative treatment and a protective coating are necessary for prolonged exposure. Adhering to recommended methods for controlling moisture in wooden structures will protect the material from harm or deterioration.

How Does LvL Compare To Other Building Materials?

It is a stable, easily anticipated, consistent timber material that can be produced from rapid-growing trees that are not appropriate for traditional solid-sawn lumber. The quality consistency simplifies construction and minimizes waste at the construction site. Numerous species can be substituted without affecting results.

The effective utilization of wood fiber enhances its environmental advantages and makes it a desirable option compared to materials with higher carbon emissions. Similar to many other wood products, it is suitable for prefabrication. Being a manufactured item, it is less susceptible to shrinking or warping and can span greater lengths and bear heavier weights than traditional wood.

Looking To Use LvL In Your Next Project?

We offer a range of services including single machine provision, separate production lines, whole plant planning, design, analysis, and selection. We have the ability to provide tools and auxiliary materials for every stage of the production process.