In the Atlanta remodeling market, a local builder reports that they are receiving a lot of requests to put additions on homes that consist of a large opening through an exterior wall or large opening in an interior load bearing wall. This requires the load that is carried by that wall to be held up some other way. Since conventional lumber is somewhat limited in its ability to span large openings the builder has found that they need another material that can be used in these situations.
Traditionally, the home owner would have to settle for a column in the middle of their span or have a steel beam made for the application. However, the builder recommends using a product called Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), which has many benefits. Laminated Veneer Lumber is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives.
The advantages of Laminated Veneer Lumber over typical milled lumber include:
- It is a stronger, straighter, and more uniform product.
- LVL is much less likely than conventional lumber to wrap, twist, bow, or shrink due to its composite nature.
- The product is made in a factory under controlled specification.
- LVL products allow users to reduce onsite labor.
Laminated Veneer Lumber is typically used for headers, beams, rim board, and edge-forming material. To use this product for your next home remodeling project, the builder has to simply call his engineer and tell him what size LVL is needed for the application. Laminated Veneer Lumber can typically be picked up the next day from the supplier. LVL cuts like wood and, at an average of $3.00 to $5.00 per foot, it is very affordable.
Similar Posts:
- Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) – A Replacement For Traditional Dimensional Lumber
- Using Laminated Logs For Log Home Siding
- Is Laminated Wood a Laminate?
- Are Recycled Wood Flooring Options All Antique?
- Solid Wood Furniture Versus Veneer
