LVL Beam (Laminated Veneer Lumber)
LVL beam is an engineered lumber product manufactured by bonding thin wood veneers with adhesive under heat and pressure, creating exceptionally strong beams for long spans and heavy loads.
LVL beams are engineered lumber products that outperform traditional solid wood beams in strength, consistency, and dimensional stability. Manufactured by layering thin wood veneers with grain running parallel and bonding them under pressure, LVL eliminates natural defects like knots and warping found in solid lumber. This process creates beams capable of spanning longer distances and carrying heavier loads than comparably-sized solid wood. Common sizes range from 1-3/4 inches thick to 3-1/2 inches thick and 9-1/2 to 18 inches deep.
Why It Matters in Remodeling
When removing load-bearing walls for open-concept layouts, LVL beams provide the strength to span wide openings without intermediate support posts. A properly sized LVL beam can span 20 feet or more, carrying the weight of upper floors and roofs. LVL beams won't shrink, twist, or warp like solid lumber, preventing drywall cracks and door misalignment. For Denver remodels, structural engineers specify LVL beams based on load calculations that account for snow loads and live loads, ensuring code compliance and safety.
Common Applications
- Headers over wide openings when removing load-bearing walls
- Ridge beams in vaulted ceiling applications
- Floor girders supporting joists in basement and main floor framing
- Garage door headers spanning double and triple car openings
- Rim boards and ledger boards for elevated deck construction
Related Terms
Load-Bearing Wall
A load-bearing wall is a structural wall that carries the weight of the structure above it, transferring loads from the roof, floors, and other building elements down to the foundation.
Load Calculation
Load calculation is the engineering process of determining the forces acting on structural elements and designing adequate support to safely carry those loads.
Framing
Framing is the process of constructing the structural skeleton of a building using dimensional lumber or engineered wood to create walls, floors, and roof systems.