What is the advantage of LVL over solid sawn lumber?

LVL has higher and more consistent strength (Fb = 2,600 psi vs. 1,000 psi for DF-L #2), less variability (no knots or grain defects), and is available in long lengths. It also doesn't crown, twist, or warp like solid lumber.

How many plies of LVL do I need?

It depends on the load and span. A 2-ply 11.25″ LVL (3.5″ wide) replaces a 4×12 solid beam in many cases. A 3-ply fits inside a 2×6 wall (5.25″ width). Use span tables to find the minimum number of plies.

Can I cut or notch an LVL beam?

Minor trimming of the ends is OK. Never notch or bore holes in the tension (bottom) face of an LVL beam. Consult the manufacturer for any modifications—LVL is engineered and modifications can void its rated capacity.

What is 1.9E vs. 2.0E LVL?

The number refers to the modulus of elasticity (E) in millions of psi. A 1.9E LVL has E = 1,900,000 psi; 2.0E has E = 2,000,000 psi. Higher E means less deflection. The bending strength (Fb) is also typically different.

How do I connect LVL beams?

LVL beams connect to posts via beam-to-post connectors (Simpson BC, LPC series), to bearing walls with bearing plates, or to other beams with engineered connectors. Standard nailing or lag screws per the manufacturer's guidelines.

LVL has a predictable char rate (~1.5″ per hour) and can achieve 1-hour fire ratings when sized to account for charring. It's treated the same as solid sawn lumber for fire design purposes per NDS Chapter 16.

LVL Beam Span Calculator

Find the maximum span for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams by depth, number of plies, and load. Quick LVL sizing reference.

Uniform Load (w)

plf

LVL Depth

Number of Plies

Max Span

14.3 ft

Deflection controls

Bending Limit

17.9 ft

Fb = 2,600 psi

Deflection Limit

14.3 ft

L/360

Section

3.5″ × 11.25″

S=73.8 in³, I=415 in⁴

Based on 1.9E LVL (Fb=2,600 psi, E=1.9M psi). Verify with manufacturer tables.

Planning notes, formulas, and examples

About the LVL Beam Span Calculator

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is one of the most popular engineered wood products for beams and headers. Made from thin wood veneers bonded with adhesive, LVL offers consistent strength (no knots or defects), higher allowable stresses than solid sawn lumber, and availability in long lengths and deep sections.

This LVL beam span calculator provides approximate maximum spans for common LVL depths (9.25″ to 18″) in single and multi-ply configurations. The values are based on typical 1.9E LVL properties (E = 1,900,000 psi, Fb = 2,600 psi) and assume a simply-supported, uniformly-loaded beam with L/360 live-load deflection limit.

LVL comes in standard 1.75″ thickness (matching 2× lumber width for consistent wall framing). Multiple plies are fastened together with nails or bolts to create wider beams. A 3-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL (5.25″ wide) is a common beam for residential construction.

When This Page Helps

LVL beams span farther than solid sawn lumber at the same depth, making them ideal for open floor plans and large headers. This calculator quickly narrows down the right LVL size for your span and load.

How to Use the Inputs

Enter the total uniform load on the beam (plf).
Select the LVL depth from standard options.
Select the number of plies (1, 2, 3, or 4).
Read the maximum span controlled by bending or deflection.
Verify with the LVL manufacturer's published span tables.

Formula used

Bending span: L = √(8 × Fb × S / (w × 12))
Deflection span: L = ⁴√(384 × E × I / (5 × w/12 × 12³ / (ratio)))
Max span = min(bending, deflection)

Example Calculation

Result: Max span ≈ 18.5 ft (deflection controls)

A 2-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL (b = 3.5″, d = 11.25″) with Fb = 2,600 psi and E = 1.9M psi: S = 3.5×11.25²/6 = 73.8 in³, I = 415 in⁴. At 400 plf, bending allows ~21 ft but deflection (L/360) limits to ~18.5 ft.

Tips & Best Practices

LVL must be ordered by depth and number of plies—the width is always 1.75″ per ply.
LVL is moisture-sensitive and should not be exposed to weather. Cover or install roof sheathing promptly after placement.
Standard LVL grades are 1.3E, 1.5E, 1.9E, and 2.0E—the number is the modulus of elasticity in millions of psi.
LVL can be special-ordered in depths up to 24″ and lengths up to 60 ft.
Nailing plies together: code and manufacturer typically require two rows of 16d nails at 16″ OC, staggered.
LVL beams need bearing plates or adequate bearing length at their supports (minimum 1.5″3.5″ depending on reaction).

LVL Products and Brands

Major LVL manufacturers include Weyerhaeuser (Microllam), Louisiana-Pacific (LPI), and Boise Cascade (Versa-Lam). While properties are similar across brands (1.9E is the most common grade), always use the specific manufacturer's published span tables for design.

When to Use LVL vs. Glulam

LVL is best for narrow, deep beams in concealed applications (floor beams, headers in walls). Glulam is better for exposed applications (aesthetics), very long spans (30+ ft), and when a wider, shallower beam is preferred.

LVL as a Header

LVL is the standard header material in modern residential construction. A 2-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL can header a garage-door-sized opening (16 ft) in many load conditions where a 4×12 solid beam would be marginal.

Sources & Methodology

Last updated: February 8, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

LVL has higher and more consistent strength (Fb = 2,600 psi vs. 1,000 psi for DF-L #2), less variability (no knots or grain defects), and is available in long lengths. It also doesn't crown, twist, or warp like solid lumber.