To understand how to read LVL span tables, start with the table scope, not the beam depth. Confirm product, member role, clear span, support, dead and live loads, load width, bearing, restraint and deflection limit. Then find a row where every input matches. For example, reject a floor-joist row when sizing a bearer, even if the clear span is the same. A table cannot approve point loads or details outside its notes.
One safe reading rule: Reject the wrong table first. Compare beam sizes only after the member role, loads, supports and notes all match.
How to read LVL span tables in the right order
A span chart is a filtered design tool. It is not a list of universal beam lengths. Therefore, read it as a chain of gates. A failed gate means stop.
The following sequence explains how to read LVL span tables without jumping straight to a deep beam. Each step removes rows that do not fit the job.
| Reading gate | Question to answer | Action when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Table identity | Is this the current table for the named LVL product? | Find the current product table |
| 2 Member role | Does it cover a joist, bearer, lintel, rafter or beam? | Move to the correct use |
| 3 Span and support | Do clear span and support type match? | Use another row or a job design |
| 4 Loads | Do dead, live, point and wind loads match? | Set the correct load case |
| 5 Load width | Do spacing and supported width match? | Work out the real beam load |
| 6 Product and size | Do grade, width and depth match? | Check another listed section |
| 7 Use limits | Do strength, sag and bounce rules match? | Reject the row |
| 8 Details | Do bearing, restraint and fixing notes match? | Obtain a checked detail |
Reject the wrong table before comparing beam sizes
The fastest correct decision is often a rejection. This prevents a neat-looking number from hiding the wrong load path.
Consider this controlled example. The job needs a floor bearer across a 3.6 m clear span. Joists frame into both sides. Someone opens a floor-joist table set at 450 mm centres.
| Check | Job input | Candidate row | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member role | Floor bearer | Floor joist | Stop |
| Clear span | 3.6 m between support faces | Uses clear span | Match, but not enough |
| Load source | Joist reactions from both sides | Narrow floor strip | Stop |
| Load width | Set by supported joist spans | 450 mm joist spacing | Stop |
| Beam size | Not checked yet | Listed sections | Do not compare |
As a result, reject the row before grade or section choice. Use a bearer table with the right load width. Otherwise, ask for a job calculation. No span capacity is claimed.
Separate clear span from the ordered length
Next, find the exact span definition in the notes. Most tables use the gap between stated support faces. However, drawings may show support centres, opening width or overall member length.
Overall length includes the timber that bears on each support. Bearing is not spare length. It carries the end reaction into a wall, post, hanger or ledger. Therefore, do not use an order length as the clear span.
The controlled LVL beam span tables owner page lists the inputs that every SENSO table must state. Use that page for approved table data. Keep this article beside it as the reading sequence.
Turn dead load and live load into the right table case
A table row only works with its stated loads. AS/NZS 1170.1 gives design values for permanent, imposed and other actions. The project engineer must choose the values that fit the building use.
- Dead load includes the frame, sheeting, ceiling, services and fixed finishes.
- Live load reflects people, furniture, storage or another stated use.
- Point load needs its size and exact place on the beam.
- Wind load can push down, lift up or reverse force in roof members.
Also check which loads act at the same time. A row for one load set cannot stand in for another. In addition, do not add a guessed safety percentage to an unknown case.
Read member role and load width together
Member role tells you how load reaches the beam. Load width tells you how much area feeds that load. Read both before beam size selection.
For example, a joist often carries a narrow floor strip based on its spacing. A bearer can collect joist reactions from one or both sides. Meanwhile, a lintel may carry roof, floor and wall loads above an opening.
That is why two members with the same clear span can need different rows. The span does not describe the full demand. Still, the table title and load diagram often reveal the right path quickly.
Check the whole section instead of depth alone
After the load case matches, check the named product and full beam size. Use width × depth. Width affects strength, bearing area and room for fixings. Depth has a strong effect on stiffness and sag.
Next, check the grade and product code. Do not move values between brands or product families. AS/NZS 4357.0:2022 sets rules for LVL manufacture, property tests and checks. Yet the named product data still controls the table row.
Use the LVL beam sizes comparison guide to sort practical sections. Then return to the approved table for the final candidate.
Use strength and deflection as two pass marks
A beam can pass a strength check but sag too much for the floor or finish. Therefore, do not treat the first section that appears in a table as an automatic choice.
| Pass mark | What it checks | What the reader must find |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Bending, shear and bearing | Named design case and full section |
| Short-term sag | Movement under the stated load | Deflection limit in the table notes |
| Long-term movement | Load time and creep | Service factors used by the table |
| Floor response | Bounce or vibration where stated | Spacing, span and floor system rules |
AS 1720.1 gives the timber design route. However, the engineer also needs checked properties for the named LVL. The structural LVL decision guide explains why grade, section and use must remain linked.
Read every note before accepting the row
Knowing how to read LVL span tables means checking every note. Therefore, read the text above and below the table. Check linked diagrams as well.
- Confirm the least bearing length and support material.
- Check simple, multi-span and cantilever support rules.
- Provide the stated side restraint, blocking and fixings.
- Check dry, wet, treated or other site-use limits.
- Follow the named hole, notch and cut rules.
- Interpolate only when the table notes allow it.
If one detail falls outside the notes, the table stops. A larger beam does not fix an unapproved support or hole. Instead, obtain a checked design for the changed case.
Use the result as a candidate instead of a purchase order
Once all gates pass, record the exact table issue, product, grade, width, depth and clear span. Also record the load case, bearing, restraint and notes. This creates an audit trail for the quote and review.
Next, check the project drawing and connection detail. Then confirm current SENSO supply and treatment. Finally, obtain the approval required by the job before order, cutting or site work.
How to read LVL span tables questions
Can I use an approximate span chart for final beam selection?
No. Use an approximate chart only for early options. Final selection needs a current product table or a job design with stated loads and limits.
What if my clear span falls between two rows?
Follow the table notes. Do not interpolate unless they allow it. Otherwise, choose a listed case that meets the job or request a calculation.
Can a floor-joist row size a floor bearer?
No. The bearer collects a different load width and often receives joist reactions. Use the correct bearer case even when the clear span matches.
Does the highest LVL grade always give the best choice?
No. The best choice passes strength, sag, bearing and detail checks with a practical section. Supply, treatment, connections and cost also matter.
What should I send SENSO for early guidance?
Send the clear span, beam role, support type and loads or drawings. Add spacing, load width, bearing, restraint, site use, treatment and project location.
Send the span, load and support conditions for preliminary product guidance. Contact SENSO with the drawings and project location. A qualified project designer must approve the final beam and connection.
Post time: Sep-21-2026