Across the globe, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is experiencing a worldwide boost due to builders discovering that it performs better than traditional solid timber. That’s great for our business, but it’s also great for builders who are trying to do more with less, save money per project, and deal with fewer hassles from damaged products.
Reasons EWP Outperforms Solid Timber
Resistance to warping and twisting: Until natural timber is fixed in place, it absorbs and sheds moisture with climatic changes. This causes the timber to swell and contract, causing twisting and warping with the tension it creates. Replacing or discarding warped pieces wastes already-limited capital and can slow down production as new product ships to the jobsite.
In comparison, LVL only absorbs moisture in the outer layers, so if swelling occurs, it’s a small amount. There is not enough tension in the outer veneers to twist the entire piece. Every piece of LVL is made straight and stays straight in any construction environment.
Less waste/environmentally friendly: LVL is sourced from the same plantation forests as solid timber, but the advantage is how much of each log is turned into useable product. Transforming logs into solid timber beams creates massive waste. Although mills are very good at building a jigsaw of cuts, turning a round log into rectangular pieces will always leave wastage on the mill floor. From log to finished timber, close to 50% of each log cannot be used for construction use.
The difference with EWP is the log is peeled, not cut. A massive log can be peeled much like an apple, with nearly every square inch of the log ending up in the final product. LVL production results in only 20% wastage.
Also, solid timber mills require large diameter logs for maximum yield, and smaller logs often go to waste. LVL plants can utilize both large and small diameter logs.
Use it anywhere: Customers ask if there are certain types of builds or environments where LVL is not appropriate. The short answer is “no.” LVL comes in a variety of recipes and forms for different building needs, including:
- Treated and untreated options
- Joists
- Formwork and scaffolding
- Siding
- Moldings
- Door components
- And more
Fire resistance: Evolution is one of the only companies in the world that produces fire-rated LVL. For areas that are prone to fires or builds where materials can be exposed to sparks and flames, this product is a game changer.
Stronger than solid timber: Board to board, solid timber has a cost advantage over LVL. But over a project, LVL is the clear winner in the price race because its increased strength means builders can use less. For example, LVL joists are more expensive than solid timber joists, but LVL joists can be used for longer spans because they are stronger, making the building process more efficient and lowering costs overall due to lower usage.
LVL can be customized: One big reason LVL market share is growing so rapidly is that it can be customized to meet individual project needs. The world’s architects and builders are getting more innovative, and LVL is meeting their ever-changing needs. Customers come to us with an idea, and since LVL is man made, we can tinker and trial and find a solution to their problems.
Consistency: Natural products vary. Weather, growth spurts, fires and other environmental factors influence the characteristics of natural wood logs. So with each shipment, customers have to wonder what they’re getting until they unwrap their bundles.
LVL, although constituted from natural timber, is man made, so consistency and quality are tightly controlled. Customers love the reliability of LVL because its boringly consistent. Every piece looks the same and performs the same, so customers can relax knowing what they’re getting every time. Fewer surprises in the building process is always a good thing.
Evolution: Providing LVL to the world’s most innovative builders
Evolution is proud to be disrupting the world of construction with elite LVL products. Our nimble global shipping network makes sure our customers get the best LVL in the world on time, no matter where they are. We scan each veneer in house to ensure consistent mechanical properties every time, and our third-party certifications for both structural integrity and environmental compliance further ensure excellence our customers depend on. Evolution conducts multiple daily batch tests and bimonthly random 3rd party tests.
Want to see this quality for yourself? Contact your global sales rep at www.Evolution.ltd today.