LVL beam is an engineered wood product and it comes in different sizes. So how much does an LVL beam weigh per foot it depends on the LVL beam sizes. By the way, the LVL span calculator also depends on the LVL size beam size.
What is LVL
LVL (laminated veneer lumber ) is a type of engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood that are bonded together with strong adhesive. The veneer is typically oriented in the same direction, which provides the LVL a superior strength and stiffness when compared to the same conventional lumber. The best thing about LVL is that is less likely to be wrapped, twisted, or bow making it the best choice for a wide range of structural uses.
Let’s have a clear view of LVL and why they are best.
LVL is a very strong material and that makes it an ideal choice for structural application such as beams it an ideal choice for applications such as beams, headers, and joists.
LVL is available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses and thus they are also available easily and we can find the right product according to our needs.
The LVL is more durable and is less likely to be wrapped, twisted, or bow when compared to any conventional lumber. LVL is relatively a sustainable material cause it is made from small trees and other waste products that are primarily made of wood.
LVL is cost-effective too cause of its strength and durability it can lead to cost savings over time due to lower maintenance and longer service life.
The LVL is a versatile material and thus it can be used in a wide range of applications, including
- Residential construction.
- Commercial construction.
- Industrial construction.
- Remodeling projects.
LVL beam ( Laminated veneer lumber ) Size
LVL sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but there are a few standard thicknesses of it, they are 1 3/4 inches (1 ply), 3 1/2 inches (2 ply) 5 1/4 (3 ply), and 7 inches (4 ply).
Width of LVL beam – The typical width of an LVL beam is 1 3/4 inches. It can further be increased by laminating in multiple of 1 3/4 inches more beam to it.
Depth of a LVL beam – The typical depth of beams varies from 5 1/2 inches ( i.e. 140 mm) to 7 1/4 inches(184 mm), 9 1/4 inches (235 mm) 9 1/2 inches (241 mm), and further goes up to 23 7/8 inches (606 mm).
How much does an LVL beam weigh per foot?
The width of the LVL beam is measured in three units
- Weight per cubic feet ( lbs/ft.)
- Weight per linear foot ( lbs/ft.)
- Weight per board foot (FBM).
NOTE- This unit is used in the United States and Canada.
Laminated veneer lumber (12″,14″, 16″, 18″ LVL) generally weighs around 41 pounds per cubic foot,3.42 pounds per board foot. The weight per linear foot is different for various sizes of LVL beams.
Let’s look at the different weights of LVL beam per foot
How much does a 12″ LVL weigh per foot?
A 12-inch double-ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam weighs approximately 11.83 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, a 12-inch double-pound pounds ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 11.83 pounds per linear foot.
According to the general rules and guidelines, a 12″ Inch one-ply (1 -3/4″) Thick beam weighs up to 5.61 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2 ) LVL weighs around 11.83 pounds.
So, the general weight of a 12-inch of ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 5.61 pounds per linear foot, and a two-ply ( 3 1/2 )thick LVL weighs 11.83 pounds per linear foot.
How much does a 14″ LVL beam weigh per foot?
A 14-inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam weighs approx. 13.95 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, a 14-inch double-pound ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 13.95 pounds per linear foot. According to the general rules and guidelines, a 14″ Inch one-ply (1 -3/4″ Thick beam weighs up to 6.98 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2 ) LVL weighs around 13.95 pounds.
So, the general weight of a 14-inch of one-ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 6.98 pounds per linear foot and two-ply (3 – 1/2) thick LVL weighs 13.95 pounds per linear foot.
How much does a 16″ LVL beam weight per foot?
A 16-inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam weighs approx. 15.94 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, a 16-inch double-pound ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 15.94 pounds per linear foot. According to the general rules and guidelines, a 16″ Inch one-ply (1 -3/4″) thick beam weighs up to 7.97 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2 ) LVL weighs around 15.94 pounds.
So, the general weight of a 16-inch of one-ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 7.97 pounds per linear foot, and a two-ply ( 3 – 1/2 )thick LVL weighs 15.94 pounds per linear foot.
How much does an 18″ LVL beam weight per foot?
An 18-inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam weighs approx. 17.94 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, an 18″ Inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 17.94 pounds per linear foot. According to the general rules and guidelines, an 18″ Inch one-ply (1 -3/4″) Thick beam weighs up to 8.97 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2 ) LVL weighs around 17.94 pounds.
So, the general weight of an 18-inch ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 8.97 pounds per linear foot, and two-ply ( 3 – 1/2 ) thick LVL weighs 17.94 pounds per linear foot.
How much does a 20″ LVL beam weigh per foot?
A 20-inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam weighs approx. 19.85 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, a 20″ Inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 19.85 pounds per linear foot. According to the general rules and guidelines, a 20″ Inch of one-ply (1 -3/4″ Thick beam weighs up to 9.93 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2) LVL weighs around 19.85 pounds.
So, the general weight of a 20-inch of one-ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 9.93 pounds per linear foot and two-ply ( 3 – 1/2 ) thick LVL weighs 19.85 pounds per linear foot.
How much does a 24″ LVL beam weigh per foot?
A 24-inch double ply (3-1\2 inch) LVL beam weighs approx. 23.92 pounds per linear foot. It weighs around 41 pounds if measured per cubic foot.
Therefore, a 24″ Inch double ply (3-1/2 inch) LVL beam typically weighs about 23.92 pounds per linear foot. According to the general rules and guidelines, a 20″ Inch of one-ply (1 -3/4″ Thick beam weighs up to 11.96 pounds per linear foot. The same 2-ply (3-1/2 ) LVL weighs around 23.92 pounds.
So, the general weight of a 24-inch of one-ply (1-3/4) thick LVL beam is around 11.96 pounds per linear foot and two-ply (3 – 1/2) thick LVL weighs 23.92 pounds per linear foot.
Conclusion
The typical weight of an LVL beam is about 41 pounds per cubic foot or 3.42 pounds per foot. The weight of a 12-inch (1-3/4 inch) single-ply LVL beam is approximately 5.61 pounds per linear foot. The weight of a 14-inch (1-3/4 inch) LVL beam is approximately 6.98 pounds per linear foot Foot.