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-form
Wesbeam e-form is engineered LVL formwork beams with wax-coated protection, strength, straightness and durability for demanding concrete construction environments.
Formwork
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 LVL
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
High-strength LVL beams for formwork and structural applications
Commercial formwork systems
How to Choose the Right LVL
What sizes does LVL come in?
Big River supplies LVL across a wide envelope of standard dimensions. The table below covers the stocked range; availability of specific combinations varies by depth, so confirm with your branch.
| Dimension | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 90mm to 600mm | |
| Width | 35mm, 42mm, 58mm, 75mm | Some widths available in limited depths only |
| Length | Up to 13.2m in 300mm increments | Available up to 15.6m |
| Treatment | H2S and H3 options | Termite and moisture resistance |
Achievable spans depend on depth, load and spacing, so always confirm against the manufacturer’s span tables for your design.
How does LVL compare with structural plywood?
Both are engineered from bonded veneers, but they are built along different axes for different jobs. LVL aligns every veneer’s grain in one direction to make long, straight beam and framing members, manufactured to AS/NZS 4357. Structural plywood cross-laminates its veneers for panel stiffness in both directions, manufactured to AS/NZS 2269, and works as sheet flooring, bracing and roofing. In short: LVL is the beam, plywood is the panel.
| LVL | Structural plywood | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 4357 | AS/NZS 2269 |
| Veneer layup | All grain parallel | Cross-laminated |
| Form | Beams, lintels, joists, studs | Sheets and panels |
| Typical use | Long-span structural members | Flooring, bracing, roofing |
| Size envelope | Depths 90mm to 600mm, lengths up to 15.6m | 7mm to 25mm thick, 2400 x 1200mm sheets |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LVL mean in timber?
LVL stands for laminated veneer lumber, an engineered structural timber made by bonding thin, kiln-dried wood veneers 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, and can be produced in long, uniform lengths without the knots or twist found in solid timber.
Is LVL stronger than regular wood?
Size for size, LVL is stronger and more consistent than sawn timber. Because it is built up from graded, kiln-dried veneers rather than cut from a single log, it carries predictable structural properties along its full length, without the knots, gum veins or twist that create weak points in solid timber. Its high strength-to-weight ratio often allows it to replace heavier hardwood beams or steel in residential and commercial framing.
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.
What are the disadvantages of LVL?
LVL has three genuine limitations. It is not an appearance product: it is engineered for structural performance, not for exposed finished surfaces. Untreated LVL needs protection in exposed or termite-risk applications, which is why H2S and H3 treated options exist, and treatment must be specified rather than assumed. And cut ends, notching and penetrations are governed by the manufacturer’s rules, not carpenter judgement, because they affect the certified structural capacity of the member.
Do termites eat LVL timber?
Untreated LVL is a timber product and should not be described as termite proof. In termite-risk areas, specify a treated product: Big River supplies H2S and H3 treated LVL options specifically for termite and moisture resistance. The right hazard level depends on the exposure of the application, and your branch team can confirm the treatment your design requires.
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