LVL
What Is LVL?
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered structural timber made by bonding thin, kiln-dried wood veneers together under heat and pressure, with the grain of every veneer running in the same direction. Manufactured to AS/NZS 4357, LVL is straighter, stronger and more dimensionally consistent than sawn timber of the same size. Because it is built up from graded veneers rather than a single log, it carries predictable structural properties and can be produced in long, uniform lengths without the knots, gum veins or twist found in solid timber.
LVL vs Sawn Timber and Steel
LVL offers a high strength-to-weight ratio that often allows it to replace heavier hardwood beams or steel in residential and commercial framing. It resists warping, bowing and shrinkage because the veneers are kiln-dried and uniformly oriented before pressing. Against steel it is lighter to handle on site and fixes with conventional fasteners; against sawn hardwood it delivers consistent capacity along the full length of the member, which simplifies span design.
Applications
LVL is used for beams, lintels and headers over long spans such as open-plan living areas and garage openings; for floor and roof joists and I-beams where a lightweight, rigid platform is needed; and for wall framing where perfectly straight studs and plates are required. Big River also supplies formwork LVL for concrete construction, and TruForm LVL beams for load-bearing structural work.
Brands, Sizes and Treatment
Big River is a major distributor of Carter Holt Harvey, Wesbeam and Tilling’s leading brands, including e-beam, e-joist, SmartJoist and SmartLVL 15/18, plus Pine 17C and Hardwood 18C and 21C laminated beams. Depths from 90mm to 600mm. Widths 35, 42, 58, 75mm (limited depths). Lengths up to 13.2m in 300mm increments, and available up to 15.6m long. Treatment options cover hazard levels such as H2S and H3 for termite and moisture resistance. Achievable spans depend on depth, load and spacing, so confirm against the manufacturer’s span tables for your design.
Specification Support
LVL must be specified to suit the load, span and exposure of each application. Our trade-centre teams can help you select the right product, depth and treatment level, available from our locations across Australia.
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e-beam
e-beam is an Australian-made LVL engineered for Australian construction conditions used as a high-performing alternative to traditional timber and steel.
Walls, Floors, Columns & Beams
e-joist
Wesbeam e-joist and complete floor systems bring services-friendly flexibility with faster installs, predictable costs and design optimisation.
Floors & Floor Systems, Walls, Roofs, Rafters
FormBEAM
Purpose-engineered Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) for high-performance concrete formwork applications.
Formwork LVL
Scaffold Plank
Big River Group’s Scaffold Plank is recognised for its safe and dependable performance.
Scaffold planking
StraightFrame LVL10
Big River Group’s StraightFrame LVL 10 is a premium engineered timber framing solution developed to deliver strength, accuracy, and reliability on every project.
Internal Wall Framing
TruForm LVL Beams
High-strength LVL beams for formwork and structural applications
Commercial formwork systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LVL stand for?
LVL stands for laminated veneer lumber, an engineered structural timber made by bonding thin, kiln-dried wood veneers together under heat and pressure with the grain running in one direction. It is manufactured to AS/NZS 4357 and used for beams, joists, lintels and framing.
Is LVL stronger than timber?
LVL generally provides higher and more consistent structural capacity than sawn timber of the same dimension, because it is built from graded veneers without the knots or natural defects that weaken solid timber. It also resists warping and can span further for a given depth. The exact capacity depends on the grade and section, so check the manufacturer’s span tables.
What is LVL used for in construction?
LVL is used for beams, lintels and headers over wide openings, for floor and roof joists and I-beams, for straight wall framing, and as formwork LVL in concrete construction. Its strength-to-weight ratio means it can often replace heavier hardwood or steel members.
What sizes and spans does LVL come in?
Big River supplies LVL in depths from 90mm to 600mm, widths of 35mm to 75mm, and lengths up to 13.2m in 300mm increments, with longer lengths available up to 15.6m. Achievable spans depend on depth, load and spacing, so refer to the manufacturer’s span tables or ask your local trade centre.
Is LVL structurally certified?
Big River supplies LVL manufactured to AS/NZS 4357. Certification varies by product and manufacturer, for example EWPAA or BSI, so confirm the specific product carries the relevant certification for structural use.
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