What is LVL Timber?
LVL Timber is an engineered lumber product popular in the construction industry for its strength. Applications include load-bearing in formwork, where beams assist in holding wet concrete slabs in place until they dry.
Tiny veneer sheets are held together with structural adhesive.
The manufacturing plant creates thin veneer sheets bound together with heavy-duty adhesive. This lean manufacturing process results in a structural timber product with strength similar to steel. LVL can be used anywhere regular timber can.
Advantages
Laminated Veneer Lumber offers an array of advantages in both formwork, commercial, and residential buildings. The list of LVL timber applications shows it as a versatile product. LVL features incredible strength comparable to steel thanks to the veneer sheets, high-strength glue, and lack of knots.
Using the lathe to peel logs allows manufacturers of any size. A wide variety of thicknesses and lengths are available for sale at wholesalers, but custom orders are also possible depending on the project size. The lathe also creates a high yield of high-strength timber, reducing cost and creating a more sustainable timber supply.
The design of laminated veneer lumber means the product is free of warps and splits. The product is designed to resist shrinkage or warping from exposure; however, the builder must provide appropriate storage.
LVL Timber has additional environmental benefits beyond the plantations it’s sourced from. LVL Beams act as carbon storage even after logging and production. Despite its wood composite, LVL Timber is highly fire-resistant. Pressed veneer sheets resulting in a high density means only the outer layer will char initially. The char acts as a defence and allows the beam to maintain its strength for a prolonged period of time. This can ultimately save lives in the event of a fire inside a building.
Disadvantages
Laminated Veneer Lumber has logistical pitfalls, despite being a fantastic building material. Timber can and will warp if builders fail to store the beams appropriately. Unfortunately, not even Laminated Wood is immune to decay from termites.
Setting up a capable manufacturing plant requires a sizeable amount of capital to install. This can act as a barrier to communities and regions hoping to begin their own production and areas with low demand.
