Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. It is typically used for headers, beams, rimboard, and edge-forming material. LVL is a type of structural composite lumber, comparable to glued laminated timber (glulam) but with a higher allowable stress.

LVL offers several advantages over typical milled lumber. It is stronger, straighter, and more uniform because it is made in a factory under controlled specifications. Due to its composite nature, it is much less likely than conventional lumber to warp, twist, bow, or shrink. LVL is also one of the strongest wood-based construction materials relative to its density.

LVL is commonly manufactured in North America by companies that also manufacture I-joists. It is manufactured to sizes compatible with the depth of I-joist framing members for use as beams and headers. Additionally, some manufacturers further cut LVL into sizes for use as chord-members on I-joists. LVL is suitable for use as beams, trusses, planks, and rafters.

LVL is made from rotary-peeled veneers that are bonded together under heat and pressure into large panels that are cut into a range of widths. Phenol-formaldehyde resins provide waterproof bonds. A diverse range of species can be used to produce LVL, such as Douglas-fir, larch, pine, and spruce, to produce members that are beyond conventional lumber lengths. Typically, LVL veneers are oriented in the same direction.

In summary, LVL is an engineered wood product made of multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. It is stronger, straighter, and more uniform than typical milled lumber, and it is commonly used for headers, beams, rimboard, and edge-forming material. LVL is a type of structural composite lumber that is suitable for use as beams, trusses, planks, and rafters.