Different types of LVL beams: what the labels really mean.

LVL is a product family, not a generic substitute for a beam.

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered structural composite lumber product made by bonding thin wood veneers with their grain oriented primarily in the same direction. That controlled manufacturing makes properties more predictable than a random piece of sawn lumber, but it does not make every LVL interchangeable. The manufacturer, product line, grade, size, orientation, support, and connection details all matter.

APA explains that structural composite lumber includes LVL, parallel strand lumber (PSL), laminated strand lumber (LSL), and oriented strand lumber (OSL). The product literature and the design professional’s calculations are the right sources for allowable loads, stiffness, fire requirements, and installation limits.

The main LVL configurations

1. Single-ply LVL. One member is used at its manufactured width. This may suit a modest span or a location where the design calls for a narrow member, but the actual product width and design values must be confirmed.
2. Multi-ply built-up LVL. Two or more plies are fastened together to create a wider beam. The plies are not simply “glued into one bigger beam” on site: the designer or manufacturer must specify fastener type, spacing, edge distances, bearing, and how loads transfer between plies.
3. Standard and deeper members. Depth is a physical size distinction, not a universal performance class. A deeper member may reduce deflection or carry more load, while a shallow member may fit a flush or low-headroom detail. The selected series and span tables control.
4. Different grades and E-values. LVL products can have different bending, shear, compression, and stiffness values. A label such as an E-value is only meaningful with the product’s complete specification and evaluation report.

LVL, LSL, and PSL are related but different.

LVL uses veneers. LSL and OSL use strands or flakes, while PSL uses long, aligned strands. They are all SCL products, yet their density, appearance, available sizes, design values, and installation rules differ. A quote that says only “engineered wood beam” is incomplete. Ask for the manufacturer, series, grade, dimensions, design values, and the installation detail.

APA: Structural Composite Lumber overview ↗ Weyerhaeuser Microllam LVL technical support ↗

What controls beam selection?

The designer should assess the complete load path and not just the wall opening. Important inputs include span, tributary floor or roof area, live and dead loads, point loads above, deflection limits, bearing length, posts, footing capacity, lateral restraint, fire separation, moisture exposure, access for delivery and lifting, and the location of services. Holes, notches, cuts, drilling, or field alterations may be prohibited unless specifically designed.

What a useful quote or specification should state

• manufacturer and product series;
• number of plies, finished width, depth, and orientation;
• design values or a reference to the signed drawings and tables;
• bearing length, posts, connections, and any footing or load-transfer work;
• temporary shoring and installation sequence;
• limits on holes, notches, cuts, connectors, and field modifications;
• fire protection, drywall wrapping, moisture protection, and inspection responsibilities; and
• delivery, lifting, disposal, trade coordination, and finish restoration.

Relate the LVL choice to the wall opening.

For a load-bearing wall removal, LVL is one possible solution alongside steel or another approved member. The right choice depends on the opening, headroom, loads, supports below, and the construction sequence. Read the load-bearing wall-removal guide and the pre-removal checklist before requesting pricing. JT can coordinate the construction scope around the owner’s designer and the approved structural details through its load-bearing wall-removal service.