Find the maximum span for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams by depth, number of plies, and load. Quick LVL sizing reference.
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is one of the most popular engineered wood products for beams and headers. Made from thin wood veneers bonded with adhesive, LVL offers consistent strength (no knots or defects), higher allowable stresses than solid sawn lumber, and availability in long lengths and deep sections.
This LVL beam span calculator provides approximate maximum spans for common LVL depths (9.25″ to 18″) in single and multi-ply configurations. The values are based on typical 1.9E LVL properties (E = 1,900,000 psi, Fb = 2,600 psi) and assume a simply-supported, uniformly-loaded beam with L/360 live-load deflection limit.
LVL comes in standard 1.75″ thickness (matching 2× lumber width for consistent wall framing). Multiple plies are fastened together with nails or bolts to create wider beams. A 3-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL (5.25″ wide) is a common beam for residential construction.
Integrating this calculation into the estimating workflow reduces reliance on rules of thumb and improves the accuracy of material takeoffs and budget projections for every job.
LVL beams span farther than solid sawn lumber at the same depth, making them ideal for open floor plans and large headers. This calculator quickly narrows down the right LVL size for your span and load. Having precise numbers at hand streamlines project planning discussions with clients, architects, and subcontractors, building trust and reducing costly misunderstandings on the job.
Bending span: L = √(8 × Fb × S / (w × 12)) Deflection span: L = ⁴√(384 × E × I / (5 × w/12 × 12³ / (ratio))) Max span = min(bending, deflection)
Result: Max span ≈ 18.5 ft (deflection controls)
A 2-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL (b = 3.5″, d = 11.25″) with Fb = 2,600 psi and E = 1.9M psi: S = 3.5×11.25²/6 = 73.8 in³, I = 415 in⁴. At 400 plf, bending allows ~21 ft but deflection (L/360) limits to ~18.5 ft.
Major LVL manufacturers include Weyerhaeuser (Microllam), Louisiana-Pacific (LPI), and Boise Cascade (Versa-Lam). While properties are similar across brands (1.9E is the most common grade), always use the specific manufacturer's published span tables for design.
LVL is best for narrow, deep beams in concealed applications (floor beams, headers in walls). Glulam is better for exposed applications (aesthetics), very long spans (30+ ft), and when a wider, shallower beam is preferred.
LVL is the standard header material in modern residential construction. A 2-ply 1.75″×11.25″ LVL can header a garage-door-sized opening (16 ft) in many load conditions where a 4×12 solid beam would be marginal.
LVL has higher and more consistent strength (Fb = 2,600 psi vs. 1,000 psi for DF-L #2), less variability (no knots or grain defects), and is available in long lengths. It also doesn't crown, twist, or warp like solid lumber.
It depends on the load and span. A 2-ply 11.25″ LVL (3.5″ wide) replaces a 4×12 solid beam in many cases. A 3-ply fits inside a 2×6 wall (5.25″ width). Use span tables to find the minimum number of plies.
Minor trimming of the ends is OK. Never notch or bore holes in the tension (bottom) face of an LVL beam. Consult the manufacturer for any modifications—LVL is engineered and modifications can void its rated capacity.
The number refers to the modulus of elasticity (E) in millions of psi. A 1.9E LVL has E = 1,900,000 psi; 2.0E has E = 2,000,000 psi. Higher E means less deflection. The bending strength (Fb) is also typically different.
LVL beams connect to posts via beam-to-post connectors (Simpson BC, LPC series), to bearing walls with bearing plates, or to other beams with engineered connectors. Standard nailing or lag screws per the manufacturer's guidelines.
LVL has a predictable char rate (~1.5″ per hour) and can achieve 1-hour fire ratings when sized to account for charring. It's treated the same as solid sawn lumber for fire design purposes per NDS Chapter 16.