Glulam Vs Lvl Strength: What’s the Difference Between The Two
Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Dipanjan
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) are two common options for engineered wood products. Their composition, production technique, and qualities vary, yet they both have special benefits and uses in building. With an emphasis on robust, environmentally friendly materials, many people are unsure of the superiority of glue-laminated timber (glulam) or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Let’s know about glulam vs lvl: which engineered wood product is right for your project?
What is Glulam Beam And LVL?
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams and glulam (glued laminated timber) are two varieties of engineered wood products that are well-known for their remarkable strength and adaptability in building applications.
Manufacturing Process of Lvl and Glulam
To manufacture, premium wood is chosen, cut into equal boards, and allowed to dry to achieve proper moisture level. Following the application of the glueing solution to the board surfaces, the boards are stacked in the appropriate orientation and then subjected to hydraulic pressing to create a strong bond.
On other hand, LVL is composed of thin veneers of wood peeled from logs, layered in parallel, with the grain of each layer pointing towards the same direction. High pressure is used to adhere the veneers together.
Difference Between Glulam and LVL: Head To Head
| Feature | Glulam | LVL |
| Manufacturing Process | Multiple layers of dimensional lumber boards glued together with strong adhesives. | Thin wood veneers glued together under heat and pressure, all oriented the same. |
| Strength & Load Capacity | Excellent bending strength, particularly good for long spans and curved shapes. | High strength, especially strong in one direction (parallel to grain). |
| Span Capabilities | Capable of very long spans, often used for beams, arches, and large structures. | Great for straight beams, joists, and headers; spans are slightly shorter. |
| Dimensional Stability | Good stability, though more susceptible to slight movement with moisture changes. | Very stable, less prone to warping or shrinking due to consistent veneers. |
| Appearance | Visually appealing with natural wood grain, ideal for exposed architectural elements. | Typically covered/hidden; not designed for aesthetic appeal. |
| Customization | Can be custom-fabricated into curves, arches, and tapered forms. | Manufactured in standard sizes, mostly straight and uniform. |
| Fire Resistance | Performs well; chars predictably, providing inherent fire resistance. | Similar fire resistance, though less mass means charring occurs faster. |
| Cost | Generally higher material cost, especially for custom shapes or finishes. | Slightly lower cost, more economical for structural, non-exposed use. |
| Sustainability | Made from smaller wood members, efficiently using wood resources; sustainable options available. | Also uses fast-growing species; efficient use of material but more adhesives. |
| Common Applications | Exposed beams, arches, large open spaces, aesthetic-heavy designs. | Floor joists, headers, beams in residential/commercial buildings, often hidden. |
Applications
Choose Glulam if aesthetics, long spans, or curved/custom shapes are priorities.
Choose LVL for standard, strong, straight structural components where appearance isn’t a concern.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct material for the project is important, and also there are a few factors to consider. LVL is frequently used because of its strength. However, glulam is usually a preferable choice for projects requiring flexibility, such as arches and wide expanses.
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