LVL vs. Glulam Beams | Haselton Lumber Co.

Quick Comparison

Criterion	LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)	Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber)
Bending Strength (Fb)	2,600–2,900 psi	2,000–2,600 psi (24F-V4 to 26F)
Modulus of Elasticity	1.9–2.0 million psi	1.5–1.8 million psi
Standard Widths	1-3/4" per ply (multi-ply for wider)	3-1/8", 5-1/8", 6-3/4", 8-3/4"
Maximum Depth	Up to 24"	Up to 72"+ (custom)
Appearance	Layered veneer face — not suitable for exposed applications	Architectural and Premium grades available for exposed beams
Cost	$3.50–$6.00/lf (1-3/4" x 11-7/8")	$8–$18/lf (5-1/8" x 12")
Availability	Stocked at most lumber yards — same-day pickup	Stock sizes available; custom sizes are 2-4 week lead time
Curved/Tapered	Not available — straight members only	Available — arches, tapered, pitched-tapered-curved
Exterior Use	Not rated — must be protected	Available with preservative treatment for exterior
Column Use	Not practical — too narrow in single ply	Available as columns in larger widths
Manufacturing	Thin veneers, all parallel, continuous press	Dimensional lumber laminations, finger-jointed, clamped

Our Recommendation

Choose LVL for concealed beams and headers where appearance does not matter and where multi-ply widths fit the wall thickness. LVL is the most economical engineered beam for spans under 20 feet in standard residential applications.

Choose glulam for exposed structural beams where appearance matters, for spans over 20 feet, for applications requiring wider single-piece widths, and for exterior or curved applications. The cost premium is justified by appearance, span capability, and design flexibility.

Detailed Analysis

Choosing the Right Engineered Beam

LVL and glulam are the two primary engineered beam products in residential and light commercial construction. Both replace solid lumber when spans or loads exceed what dimensional lumber can handle. But they serve different niches, and choosing the wrong one wastes money or compromises the design.

The simplest decision framework: if the beam is hidden inside a wall or floor system, LVL is almost always the right choice — it is stronger per dollar and readily available. If the beam is exposed, located outdoors, requires a single-piece width over 3-1/2 inches, or spans more than 20-25 feet, glulam is the better option.

Strength Comparison

LVL has higher allowable bending stress than glulam — roughly 2,800 psi versus 2,400 psi for the most common grades. This means that for a given load and span, an LVL beam can be shallower or narrower than an equivalent glulam beam. However, glulam is available in larger overall cross sections (up to 10-3/4" wide and over 6 feet deep), so it can carry higher total loads by being physically bigger.

For most residential headers and beams up to about 20 feet, the strength difference does not matter — both products have adequate capacity and the choice comes down to width, appearance, and cost.

Cost Comparison

LVL is significantly less expensive per unit of load capacity. A double 1-3/4" x 11-7/8" LVL beam (3-1/2" wide) costs approximately $7-$12 per lineal foot. An equivalent-capacity 5-1/8" x 12" glulam costs $8-$18 per lineal foot. For a 16-foot header, the LVL option saves $50-$100 in material cost.

The cost gap narrows at wider widths because multi-ply LVL requires labor to nail together, while glulam comes as a single piece. A triple LVL (5-1/4" wide, requiring nailing) may cost the same installed as a 5-1/8" glulam.

Appearance and Finish

This is where glulam has a decisive advantage. LVL has a layered veneer face that looks industrial — perfectly acceptable inside a wall cavity but unsuitable for exposed applications. Glulam in Architectural or Premium grade shows natural wood grain, accepts stain beautifully, and provides the warm structural aesthetic that architects and homeowners want in great rooms, covered porches, and timber-frame-style homes.