Laminated Veneer Lumber, or LVL, has established itself across the building industry as a solid solution for timber frame.

"Compared to traditional timber, LVL has greater load-carrying capacity," said Don Sloan, quality and Lean Six Sigma manager at LP Building Products.

"It also surpasses traditional timber for straighter, consistent dimensions; design flexibility; and enhanced durability even at lengths up to 12m."

LP Building Products introduced its LVL to the UK in 2009 as part of its full line of LP SolidStart engineered wood products and now has five grades of LVL available to provide alternatives to solid timber in Europe.

While LVL is typically priced higher than traditional timber, the additional investment provides longer spans, more predictability and uniform structures in the long run.

"LVL is more reliable than traditional timber as it’s engineered to precise dimensional tolerances and eliminates the natural defects that occur with solid timber," said Andrew Caldwell, EWP manager for UK bulk dealer MBM Forest Products.

"This makes it ideal for use in floor systems, where it is critical for the depth of solid beams or trimming joists to match the depth of the main joists."

Mr Caldwell said the product could have higher strength and load-carrying capacity than other competitive products, often allowing customers to save by using lower volumes of material to create their floors and roofs.

LP’s SolidStart LVL begins with timber sourced through programmes certified by both PEFC and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

LVL is created by arranging ultrasonically graded veneers in specific patterns to maximize the product’s strength and stiffness.

The veneers are bonded with exterior-grade adhesives under a combination of heat and pressure to form billets, which are then tested for quality.

Finally, the billets are cut to size and finished with LP’s SiteCote protective seal.

According to James Waddell, one of LP’s LVL plant managers, the result is a product with low moisture content that lends itself to greater dimensional stability.

Mr Sloan added that in addition to LP SolidStart LVL’s advantages over traditional timber in strength and straightness, it is manufactured to weather the European temperatures and precipitation patterns.

The SiteCote protective seal comprises a water-resistant coating that comes standard from the mill applied on all six faces.

"In regions like the UK prone to shifting weather characterised by frequent precipitation, builders need confidence that their framing products can be exposed to the elements but maintain their shape and dimensions," said Mr Sloan.

"As a result, many builders have turned to LP SolidStart LVL as a dependable viable framing product."

Mr Caldwell said the SiteCote wax seal adds protection against the elements, "which is crucial with the unpredictable British weather!"

The complete line of LP SolidStart engineered wood products was designed to work as a system.

Mr Caldwell said for builders trying to curb costs, LP SolidStart LSL (laminated strand lumber) with end and edge seal can provide a cost-competitive alternative in some applications. When combined, he said LVL and LSL could produce an optimal framing solution, where strength, precision, and ease of installation are of concern.