Laminated Veneer Lumber
A structural composite made by laminating veneers, 1.5 to 4.2 mm thick, with suitable adhesive and with the grain of veneers in successive layers aligned along the longitudinal (length) dimension of the composite. LVL is an engineered, highly predictable, uniform lumber product, because natural defects such as knots, slope of grain and splits have been dispersed throughout the veneer assembly or have been removed altogether.
In addition to this, the veneer sheets are placed in a specific sequence and location within the product to maximise the potential of the stiffer and stronger veneer grades. Building professionals are driven by the need to find safe, carbon-neutral, and sustainable alternatives to steel, brick and concrete.
LVL is used for structural applications such as shutters, supports, beam, header, edge forming and door &window frames. The distinguishing difference between LVL and plywood is the orientation of the veneer layers.
Due to its uniform engineering properties and dimensional flexibility LVL is considered to be superior to sawn timber and glued laminated timber, particularly for large-span structures.
LVL represents a new technology in wood utilization where in short rotation plantation grown timbers can be used to produce LVLs of superior quality.
