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Materials & Specificationsaka: LVLaka: micro-lam

Laminated Veneer Lumber

In Plain English

An engineered beam made of thin wood layers glued together to create strong, consistent structural members.

Definition

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product made by bonding multiple thin wood veneers with structural adhesive to create large, uniform structural members. LVL is used for beams, headers, rim boards, and scaffold planks and can be produced in larger sizes than solid sawn lumber. It has consistent structural properties and minimal warping or shrinkage.

Why It Matters in Bidding

LVL lets estimators carry long-span beams and headers without the cost or unpredictability of large solid timbers, and its dimensional stability reduces callbacks from warping or shrinkage. Because it is engineered to order, lead times and the size of specified members drive both material cost and the procurement schedule, so it must be flagged early in the bid.

Example

A GC's estimator prices a triple-ply LVL header to carry a 16-foot great-room opening after the framing sub flags that dimensional lumber cannot span it.

Related Terms

Engineered WoodOriented Strand BoardDimensional LumberComposite Material

Frequently Asked Questions

Reach for LVL when spans, loads, or opening widths exceed what sawn lumber can carry, or when a structural drawing calls it out by ply and depth. It also wins where consistent strength and minimal shrinkage matter. The tradeoff is higher unit cost and longer lead time for non-stock sizes.
LVL is typically priced by the linear foot for a given depth and thickness, then multiplied by the number of plies in each member. The takeoff must capture plies, connection hardware, and any required flush or dropped beam labor, since multi-ply assembly and hanging add hours beyond standard framing.
LVL is built from thin veneers peeled and bonded with the grain running lengthwise, giving uniform, predictable beam and header strength. Glulam laminates dimensional boards face to face and suits larger architectural or curved members. For typical headers and rim, LVL is the common, economical choice; glulam serves heavier or exposed spans.

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