LVL Beam Span Chart
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is engineered from thin wood veneers glued together with grain running parallel, producing a beam that's dimensionally stable and significantly stronger than dimensional lumber. Values below are based on manufacturer tables from major LVL producers using a 1.9E grade at L/240 deflection for floor applications and L/180 for roof applications.
LVL Sizes Explained
LVL is sold in widths of 1.75" (standard) and 3.5" (often made by laminating two 1.75" beams together on-site), with depths ranging from 5.5" to 18" or more. Common available depths are 5.5", 7.25", 9.25", 9.5", 11.25", 11.875", 14", 16", and 18". The 11.875" depth is specifically sized to match a 2x12 nominal dimension for flush framing with floor joists.
Floor Beam Span Chart (40 psf live + 10 psf dead)
Maximum clear spans for LVL floor beams supporting uniform floor loads. Tributary width is the total width of floor area the beam supports.
| Beam Size | 6' Trib. | 8' Trib. | 10' Trib. | 12' Trib. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 x 7.25 | 9'-2" | 8'-0" | 7'-1" | 6'-6" |
| 1.75 x 9.25 | 11'-8" | 10'-2" | 9'-1" | 8'-3" |
| 1.75 x 11.875 | 14'-10" | 12'-11" | 11'-7" | 10'-6" |
| 1.75 x 14 | 17'-6" | 15'-3" | 13'-7" | 12'-5" |
| 1.75 x 16 | 20'-0" | 17'-5" | 15'-7" | 14'-2" |
| 1.75 x 18 | 22'-6" | 19'-7" | 17'-6" | 15'-11" |
| 3.5 x 11.875 | 18'-8" | 16'-4" | 14'-7" | 13'-3" |
| 3.5 x 14 | 22'-0" | 19'-2" | 17'-2" | 15'-7" |
| 3.5 x 16 | 25'-2" | 21'-11" | 19'-7" | 17'-10" |
Roof Beam Span Chart (30 psf snow + 10 psf dead)
Maximum clear spans for LVL roof beams supporting typical snow loads. For heavy snow regions (50+ psf ground snow), reduce spans by 20-30% or consult a structural engineer.
| Beam Size | 8' Trib. | 12' Trib. | 16' Trib. | 20' Trib. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 x 9.25 | 12'-2" | 10'-0" | 8'-8" | 7'-9" |
| 1.75 x 11.875 | 15'-6" | 12'-8" | 11'-0" | 9'-10" |
| 1.75 x 14 | 18'-3" | 14'-11" | 12'-11" | 11'-7" |
| 1.75 x 16 | 20'-10" | 17'-0" | 14'-9" | 13'-3" |
| 1.75 x 18 | 23'-5" | 19'-1" | 16'-7" | 14'-10" |
| 3.5 x 11.875 | 19'-6" | 15'-11" | 13'-10" | 12'-5" |
| 3.5 x 14 | 23'-0" | 18'-10" | 16'-4" | 14'-8" |
LVL Header Span Chart
For LVL beams used as headers over door and window openings in bearing walls, supporting one story with roof loads.
| Header Size | Light Load | Heavy Load |
|---|---|---|
| 1.75 x 5.5 | 4'-0" | 3'-2" |
| 1.75 x 7.25 | 5'-4" | 4'-3" |
| 1.75 x 9.25 | 6'-10" | 5'-5" |
| 1.75 x 11.875 | 8'-9" | 7'-0" |
| 1.75 x 14 | 10'-4" | 8'-3" |
| 3.5 x 9.25 | 10'-2" | 8'-1" |
| 3.5 x 11.875 | 13'-0" | 10'-4" |
| 3.5 x 14 | 15'-4" | 12'-3" |
When to Use LVL vs Dimensional Lumber vs Glulam
LVLis the default for residential beams between about 10 and 24 feet. It's stronger than dimensional lumber, dimensionally stable (no crowning or twisting over time), and readily available at any lumberyard. Use for floor beams, roof beams, ridge beams, and headers in standard applications.
Dimensional lumber(sistered 2x10s, 2x12s, etc.) works for shorter spans under about 12 feet with light to moderate loads. It's cheaper and doesn't require ordering, but you're limited to the strength values of the lumber grade available, and dimensional lumber will crown and twist over time in ways LVL won't.
Glulamis better for very long spans (25+ feet), curved beam shapes, or architecturally exposed beams. Glulam can be made in custom sizes, has superior appearance for exposed applications, and is stronger than LVL at extreme spans. It's also more expensive and has longer lead times.
Critical LVL Warnings
- Interior LVL is NOT rated for exterior use. Standard LVL uses adhesives that degrade with moisture cycling. If the beam will be exposed to weather, use pressure-treated LVL (PWLVL) specifically rated for exterior service, or a treated glulam.
- LVL beams must be installed with the lamination oriented correctly. The grain runs parallel to the beam length and the laminations stack vertically when the beam is in its installed orientation. Installing LVL on its side dramatically reduces capacity.
- Multiple-ply LVL beams must be connected properly. When two or three 1.75" LVLs are combined to act as a wider beam, they must be fastened together per manufacturer specifications — typically two rows of 10d nails at 12" o.c. minimum, or structural bolts depending on load.
Calculate Your Specific Beam
- LVL Beam Calculator — check deflection, bending, and shear for your specific span and loading
- Header Span Calculator — sizing headers over door and window openings