#LVL SPAN TABLES RIDGE BEAM HOW TO#

Some information contained in it may be outdated. LVL Beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.Please note: This older article by our former faculty member remains available on our site for archival purposes.

LVL beam span calculator, design an LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20.

Beam depths are typically 5 1/2 inches, 7 1/4 inches, 9 1/4 inches, 11 1/4 inches, 11 7/8 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches.

The width can be increased by laminating in multiples of 1 3/4 inches. LVL Beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.ĭesign a beam width based on the fact that the typical width of an LVL beam is 1 3/4 inches. Rule of thumb for sizing LVL beamĭesign an LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20. For example: An 12 inches deep an LVL beam can span up to 20 feet (12″÷12× 20= 20 foot). LVL span calculatorĬalculate LVL beam span on the rule of thumb for estimating the span of LVL manufactured beam which is to multiply the depth in feet by figure 20, resulting figure is span of LVL beam. LVL beam thickness is usually between 1-3/4″ (one ply) and 7 inches (4ply). Generally, you can find LVL beams in a 4-foot increments starting at 24 feet and going up to 44 feet long, with special customize size up to 60 feet. LVL beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.įor example what size lvl beam for a 20 foot span, as per general thumb rule, for a 20 foot span, size of LVL beam or GLULAM should be (20×12)÷20 = 12 inches deep and width of LVL beam = 12÷ 4 = 3″, which is nearly equal as 3-1/2 inches or 2ply wide, thus you need something like a 12″ thick or 3-1/2″× 11-7/8″ size of LVL beam to span up to 20 feet.Īn LVL beam can span up to 60 feet due to its strength and is much stronger than traditional lumber. Because of the wood’s dimensional stability, inspection times are often reduced, too.īeam depths are typically 5-1/2 inches, 7-1/4 inches, 9-1/4 inches, 11-1/4 inches, 11-7/8 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches. Use an LVL beam to eliminate twisting and splitting for quiet floors. It is a straight, enough strong wood that fights warping and shrinking, providing great stability for your projects. LVL beam is generally made of thin sheets of wood which are sandwiched and bound with super stronger glue. It helps in better understanding about span and depth of LVL beam.

#LVL SPAN TABLES RIDGE BEAM HOW TO#

This article describe about LVL beam span calculator and how to determine size of beam do you need. It is typically used for headers, beams, rim board, and edge-forming material. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. LVL is product of recent innovation they are result of new technology and economic pressure to make use of new wood species and smaller trees that cannot be used to make solid Lumber. The American wood Council National design specification for wood, lvl is type of structural composite lumber comparable to glued laminated timber (Glulam).

Lvl span tables ridge beam