LVL engineered Lumber Explained!

LVL engineered lumber has been around for quite some time yet is very misunderstood as to its uses. In this video, I will explain how it is made, Its intended purpose, and why it is superior to dimensional lumber. There are several types of engineered lumber this video will focus on the LVL, Which stands for laminated veneer lumber.
Remember to always respect the power of your power tools!
Enjoy the video!

[@lanceleavitt7472]

I had 7 question; you answered every one of them. -- Thanks for the great upload. ---

[@NigelNaughton]

Great info!! Thank you! we are in the process of building a barn and we have to 56' lengths (56x36) that we will be using LVLs.

[@samajier2566]

Thanks for sharing

[@millikenway]

Hello sir, thank you very much taking the time to share your knowledge on LVL. I am in Toronto. I have tried hard digging out more info on using LVL instead of dimensional lumber building a deck cover, 15' by 8'. One side of the 15' ledger board is hung on to the brick wall of the house. The opening is 15' and I think LVL may be the way to go. The immediate question is what size LVL to buy?? Do I want to get a single1.75"x9.5"x16' or stacking two pieces of 1.75"x7.25x16'?? I spent hours on the Internet but couldn't find anything that I can make use of and yours is by far the most helpful video. The cover has to bear the weight of only 4 pieces of 3/4" OSB board and shingles. The slope is every 12" the rise is 3" good enough to shed the winter snow. If you can point me to a good source of info I would be so grateful!!

[@detroitdiy]

Leger boards are different because they are fastened to the wall in multiple locations. Most span tables for lvl beams are just that for spans. A 2x10 can span the 8 feet no problem and handle snow load. I would attach a single lvl of 1.75 x 10 as my ledger board. Also I would install it using the fastners at the recommended or code distances. Here it is every 12 inches. I hope this helps and an lvl is an excellent choice.

[@detroitdiy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXjVm2WnebqSmpIsi=RBTUGwDwL5eJw3m0 This is a video I did on ledger boards. There are 2 parts this is part 1. In my playlist is a deck build series that you my find helpful.

[@jayzswayz4897]

don't use lvl outdoors

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Could I use an 24' LVL over a 22' garage roof? I want to use it as a ridge beam. I will be putting a sheet metal roof on the garage. The LVL in question is a 1 3/4 x 9 1/2 1.9E. Thank you.

[@saudk9261]

Where is the link you sir that you said would be helpful? can you please share that link you were talking about in the video?

[@detroitdiy]

www.bc.com/versa-lam-lvl-span-size-chart/

[@detroitdiy]

Sorry about that.

[@james.l.]

What is the advantage of using LVL instead of a steel beam? In my opinion, the small difference in cost, when labor cost is factored in, is really a non issue. So why use LVL instead of steel?

[@detroitdiy]

You can easily attach other framing structures to an lvl. If it was a steel structure it would be a different story.

[@letsdanceonhere]

Is there any way to moisture proof a LVL beam somewhat exposed to rain? (It's a beam in an open gable for an attic extension/patio over.) Boise Cascade says the LVL can be in open air but has to be protected. I'm wondering if maybe epoxy can protect the beam. Thanks

[@detroitdiy]

myteamengineering.com/lvls-rated-for-interior-dry-use-and-exterior-use/#:~:text=The%20best%20choice%20for%20exterior,to%20direct%20rain%20or%20snow.

[@detroitdiy]

Here is the information about which lvl beam to use for exterior applications. Thanks for watching!

[@vcleare]

I'm building a garage. 20 ft wide by 30 ft long. 10 ft tall. I'm considering putting a single LVL down the middle to support my ceiling joist which is going to be 2 by 6. Is a single LVL enough or should I double it. The roof is going to be a 7/12 pitch. I'll just be bracing down on top of the ceiling.

[@detroitdiy]

www.bc.com/span-and-size-charts-for-bci-joists/

[@detroitdiy]

This span chart may help you make the right choice. I can not say that will be enough.

[@VishalRaoOnYouTube]

Under what circumstances would one use an LVL (laminated veneer lumber) over PSL (parallel stand lumber) and vice versa?

[@detroitdiy]

PSL'S are usually used in wood frame construction for girders to support shorter spans of LVL'S. I am not an engineer. I just follow their plan. The reason they pick one or the other is flexibility. If things can't flex sometimes they will break.

[@VishalRaoOnYouTube]

@@detroitdiy Thank you so much for the prompt response sir!