LVL Header Beam Span Tables: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to building structures, stability and strength are crucial factors to consider. One way to achieve this is by using laminated veneer lumber (LVL) header beam span tables. In this article, we'll delve into the world of LVL beams, exploring their benefits, characteristics, and how to determine the size of the beam you need.

Benefits of Using LVL Beams

LVL beams are engineered wood products that offer several advantages over traditional solid lumber. One of the primary benefits is their dimensional stability, which reduces inspection times. Additionally, LVL beams are designed to eliminate twisting and splitting, providing quiet floors and a smooth ride.

Another significant advantage of LVL beams is their resistance to warping and shrinking. This is due to the way they're constructed – thin sheets of wood sandwiched together with super-strong glue. This innovative design provides great stability for your projects, making it an excellent choice for headers, beams, rim board, and edge-forming material.

How LVL Beams are Made

LVL beams are created by assembling multiple layers of thin wood with adhesives. This process is the result of recent innovation in the industry, driven by new technology and economic pressure to utilize new wood species and smaller trees that cannot be used for solid lumber.

Calculating the Maximum Safe Span

To determine the maximum safe span for an LVL beam, you'll need to use a specialized calculator. The American Wood Council's National Design Specification for Wood provides guidelines for calculating the maximum safe span of LVL beams.

The calculator will require input values such as the LVL beam width, depth, and uniform load that the beam will support. Once these values are entered, the calculator will display the calculated maximum safe span in feet.

Using the LVL Span Calculator

To use the LVL span calculator, follow these steps:

1. Gather information: You'll need to know the LVL beam width, depth, and uniform load that the beam will support.

2. Enter input values: Enter the required information into the calculator fields.

3. Review maximum safe span: The calculated maximum safe span for the LVL beam will be displayed on the page.

4. Calculate: Click the 'Calculate' button to compute the maximum safe span based on the input values.

In conclusion, LVL header beam span tables offer a reliable and efficient way to build structures that are strong, stable, and quiet. By understanding how to determine the size of the beam you need and using specialized calculators, you can ensure your projects meet safety standards and exceed expectations. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, LVL beams are an excellent choice for any construction project.

Lvl header beam span tables