LVL / Glulam beam calculator
Size engineered lumber beams (LVL, glulam) with bending, deflection, and shear checks.
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LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams are engineered wood products made from thin veneers laminated together. They offer higher strength and stiffness than dimensional lumber, making them ideal for headers, beams, and ridge beams.
Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) beams are made from finger-jointed dimension lumber laminated together. They come in wider widths than LVL and are often used where the beam is exposed.
Common LVL Configurations
- Single 1.75" x 9.25" — Light headers over windows
- 2-ply 1.75" x 11.25" — Standard floor beam or header
- 3-ply 1.75" x 14" — Heavy-load carrying beam
- 2.0E rating — Most common residential LVL grade
LVL Strength and Common Grades
LVL is an engineered wood product made from thin veneers glued with the grain running parallel, producing a beam that is dimensionally stable and free of the knots and checks found in sawn lumber. Typical LVL has an allowable bending stress (Fb) of2,600 to 3,100 psi — roughly three times the 875 psi of #2 SPF dimensional lumber. The two most common residential grades are 1.9E and 2.0E, where the number represents the modulus of elasticity in millions of psi.
LVL vs Glulam vs Dimensional Lumber
Use dimensional lumber (doubled or tripled 2x10s, 2x12s) for spans under 12 to 14 feet where loads are moderate. Switch to LVL for headers and beams up to about 24 feet — it is readily stocked and cost-effective. Choose glulam for long spans, exposed architectural beams, and curved shapes. As a rule of thumb, if you need more than two 2x12s sistered together or your span exceeds 14 feet, it is time to specify engineered lumber.
FAQ
What load should I enter?
Total load = dead load + live load in pounds per linear foot. For a beam carrying floor joists: multiply the total floor load (typically 50 psf) by the tributary width (half the joist span on each side). A beam carrying 12' of floor = 50 x 12 = 600 lbs/ft.
LVL vs glulam — which should I use?
LVL is the better choice for shorter spans up to about 24 feet — it is cheaper and readily available at most lumberyards. Glulam is the go-to for longer spans over 30 feet, exposed decorative beams, and curved shapes. For spans between 24 and 30 feet, either can work — compare pricing and lead times from your supplier.
Can I use LVL for a deck beam?
Standard interior LVL is NOT rated for exterior or wet-service exposure. The adhesives and veneers will delaminate over time. For deck beams you need pressure-treated dimensional lumber, pressure-treated LVL (PWLVL), or exterior-rated glulam. Always check the manufacturer specs for wet-service ratings before specifying engineered lumber outdoors.