Glulam vs LVL – Know Which is Stronger?

There are two main types of engineered wood products: glulam and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Both products are made by bonding together pieces of wood, but they differ in how the pieces are cut and arranged.

Glulam vs LVL

Glulam vs LVLGlulam is made by bonding together boards that are cut from the same log. The boards are arranged so that the grain of each board runs in the same direction. This gives glulam beams great strength and stability.

LVL, on the other hand, is made by bonding together boards that are cut from different logs. The boards are arranged so that the grain of each board runs in opposite directions. This gives LVL beams high strength and stiffness.

Glulam 

Glulam is a type of engineered wood product that is made by gluing together lumber or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). It is a strong and versatile building material that can be used in a variety of applications, including beams, trusses, columns, and more. 

Glulam is often used in construction because it is strong, durable, and easy to work with. It is also an environmentally friendly building material because it is made from renewable resources.

Glulam or LVL
Source: researchgate.net

Advantages

  • Glulam is High fire resistance in nature, that makes it a perfect choice for any construction. these are even safer than unprotected steel in fire.
  • Due to the high Flexibility, it becomes easy to reproduce any shape like Curved, arched, folded, etc.

LVL – Laminated Veneer Lumber

LVL is a type of lumber that is made by bonding thin wood veneers together. The veneers are cut so that the grain is parallel to the long direction, making LVL much stronger than traditional lumber. It is also available in much longer lengths.

Some popular applications for LVL include headers and beams, hip and valley rafters, scaffold planking, and the flange material for prefabricated wood I-joists.

esearchgate.net
Source: unknown

Advantages

  • The major advantage of LVL high standard properties. LVL is one of the most strongest construction material when it comes to the density.
  • This can also be produced in different states depending on what are the requirements.

    Conclusion

    There are a few key differences between glulam and LVL. Glulam is made with glued laminated timber, while LVL is made with laminated veneer lumber. Glulam is stronger and more dimensionally stable than LVL. Glulam is also more expensive than LVL.  Keep visiting My Architecture’s Idea for more updates.

    Also Read:

    Rahul Joshi

    Rahul is the founder of My Architecture's Idea and has a passion for writing. He is from India and has been helping businesses grow for 3 years. Follow him on Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook

    2 thoughts on “Glulam vs LVL – Know Which is Stronger?

    • January 16, 2023 at 12:25 am
      Permalink

      Thank you for sharing this article with me. It helped me a lot and I love it.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *