Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
STEICO Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a load bearing timber solution for roofs, floors and walls. It is suitable for developments of all shapes and sizes and can contribute to your project’s sustainability targets through carbon binding, responsible sourcing and a slim profile which can reduce thermal bridging compared to traditional lumber with a larger profile.
What is laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and how is it made?
STEICO Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is comprised of multiple layers of approximately 3mm-thick dried softwood veneers, normally pine or spruce. The manufacturing process is as follows:
- The softwood logs are debarked and soaked in hot water to soften them.
- Once softened, they are peeled into veneer layers using a rotational process.
- They are then dried, sorted and glued in layers.
- Finally, they are cut into their final shapes in a controlled factory environment.
The finished product is straight, uniform, and highly versatile. While timber often contains flaws, knots, and other inherent weaknesses, the LVL manufacturing process disperses these imperfections across the entire cross-section. By confining any defect to a single veneer layer, its influence on overall performance is greatly reduced.
As a result, LVL offers far greater stability and reliability than traditional timber in most applications, making it a preferred choice for builders looking for consistency and strength.
How and where can LVL be used in your build?
LVL can be used in roofs, floors and walls to act as the framework for each individual part of the building, and the building as a whole. Different types of STEICO LVL are suitable for different applications:
- STEICO LVL R – All veneer layers are glued lengthways to create high load carrying components for floor beams, rafters, purlins, primary beams and more.
- STEICO LVL X – Approximately one fifth of veneers are glued crosswise to increase stability, rigidity and load-bearing capacity when used as a panel. Uses include rim boards, roof and flooring panels, roof overhangs and more.
What are the key features and benefits of STEICO LVL?
STEICO’s load bearing LVL products offer a range of benefits and key features that can make a positive difference to your project when specified and installed appropriately, including:
- Dimensional stability – With a moisture content of just 9% our LVL products are resistant to shrinkage, twisting and warping.
- Slim profile – STEICO LVL allows for constructions up to 48% slimmer than solid timber without compromising on bending, tensile and compression strength thanks to the layered structure. It also allows for more insulation to be installed between the LVL structural timber elements when compared to traditional solid timber with a larger profile.
- Sustainability goals – Each cubic metre of STEICO LVL binds 772kg CO2eq during Life Cycle Stage A1 as defined in EN 15804+A2 and can therefore contribute to climate protection as part of your overall sustainability strategy.
- Responsible sourcing – Our timber products are sourced from PEFC certified forests (PEFC/04-31-2550), making them suitable for environmentally conscious construction schemes.
- Easy to work with – Our softwood veneer LVL can be worked with basic tools. No special equipment is needed on site.
