LVL clear span and bearing length name different parts of one beam. Clear span is the gap between support faces set by the current drawing or span table. Bearing length is the contact length at each support. Overall order length is the end-to-end cut length. For a straight beam with square ends and no overhang, it may equal clear span plus left and right bearing. Check that shape before using the formula. Never assume one bearing length fits all jobs. End loads, product data, support type, site use and the design code set it.

LVL Clear Span and Bearing Length Definitions for Buyers

A span check and a cut note answer different questions. The first checks the gap between supports. The second tells the mill what to make. So, LVL clear span and bearing length must stay in separate fields.

Dimension	Working definition	Main use	Common error
Clear span	Unsupported distance between the support faces named by the current document	Beam check or approved span-table lookup	Using support centres or an unchecked opening
Left and right bearing	Contact length at each support	Reaction transfer and support check	Assuming equal ends or a generic minimum
Overall beam length	Finished end-to-end cut length	Quotation, cutting, packing and fit	Ordering clear span as finished length
Structural opening	Opening shown on the relevant plan or detail	Coordination with walls, posts and finishes	Treating it as clear span without proof

The controlled LVL beam span tables owner page should state how it measures span. Use that rule for its rows. But record any other project baseline before release.

The same three fields apply to floor beams, roof beams, lintels and bearers. Yet each member uses its own load and support detail.

Record LVL clear span and bearing length in one controlled formula

For a square-ended simple beam with no overhang and supports below both ends, use this order check:

This checks size, not design. It does not choose either bearing or prove that the beam and supports work.

For example, a buyer copies an opening into a purchase order and calls it “length.” The mill cannot tell if this means span or cut length. The cut beam may then miss a support. Instead, stop and obtain the clear span, both checked bearings and the overall cut length. Do not guess a beam size or bearing value.

How LVL Clear Span and Bearing Length Change the Checks

Clear span affects bending, shear and sag. Bearing length affects how the end load enters its support. Overall length controls fit and handling. As a result, a mix-up in LVL clear span and bearing length can harm both design and cutting.

Check	Key dimension	Must also match
Span and sag	Clear span	Use, loads, section, grade, restraint and site state
End reaction	Bearing at each support	Reaction, width, product data, support and connection
Cutting and fit	Overall length	End shape, pockets, hangers, overhang and tolerance
Freight and lifting	Overall length	Piece mass, pack support, route and unloading plan

Let the load path set the bearing check

The end load comes from the real load path. AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 sets design values for permanent, imposed and other actions. Next, the engineer applies the right load cases.

The bearing check then uses the named LVL data and support detail. AS 1720.1-2010 sets methods to design and accept timber structures. But it does not create one support length for every LVL order.

• First, check each end load because the two ends may differ.
• Then name timber, steel, masonry, concrete or the checked connector.
• Also check beam width, load direction and product design data.
• Finally, list site moisture, treatment, holes, notches and edge damage.

So, mark any open bearing “design pending.” Never turn a sales estimate into a released cut length.

Match the product documents to the support detail

LVL is an engineered wood member built from bonded veneer layers. Still, the generic name does not supply project design data.

AS/NZS 4357.0:2022 covers LVL manufacture, structural characterisation and checks. But a standard reference alone does not approve a beam or its end bearing.

Ask for files that name the product, grade or property set, source, standard edition and marking system. Check their scope and date. Then match them to the support check. The structural LVL decision guide shows why product identity and use must stay linked.

For example, a SENSO order should cite the data and records for the quoted product. A test or certificate for another grade, plant or product is not proof for that beam.

Recognise details where simple addition fails

Detail	Why the formula may fail	Order action
Cantilever	Timber extends past a support	Show support line and overhang
Hanger or steel shoe	Connector shape defines support	Name the approved connector and revision
Wall pocket	Insertion, clearance and bearing differ	Dimension each item
Skewed or sloping end	Length changes with the baseline	Issue a dimensioned shop drawing
Continuous beam	Several spans and supports apply	Show every support point as defined
End notch or hole	Material leaves a high-reaction zone	Get written approval before cutting

Audit the supplier’s cut-length controls

A certificate does not show that the current drawing reached the saw. So, mill checks for LVL clear span and bearing length must cover drawing release and length checks.

Audit point	Evidence	Hold point
Drawing control	Approved revision tied to each member mark	Stop if revisions differ
Measurement control	Calibration status for tapes, stops or systems	Stop if expired or missing
First piece	Recorded length, end detail and mark	Accept before the full run
Traceability	Product, grade, batch and piece or bundle ID	Separate unverified stock
Nonconformance	Quarantine, review and disposition record	No unapproved recut or repair
Pack support	Bearers, straps, end cover and handling plan	Correct exposed or unsupported packs

Use the LVL beam sizes comparison guide to sort section and length options. Still, confirm stock, tolerance and cut service for the quoted SENSO product.

Add LVL Clear Span and Bearing Length to the RFQ

First, use one row per member mark. It keeps LVL clear span and bearing length in view. But release only checked cut data.

RFQ field	What to state
Member	Mark, role, quantity and project zone
Product	Named LVL, grade or property set, treatment and records
Section	Finished width × depth and source
Span	Clear span, unit, measurement points and drawing revision
Supports	Left and right bearing, support material and connector
Cut work	Overall length, end shape, holes, notches and tolerance
Site state	Interior, protected, exposed or treated use
Logistics	Mass source, pack limits, delivery length and unloading
Release	Budget, review or approved for manufacture

Questions buyers ask about LVL order dimensions

Do LVL clear span and bearing length equal the wall opening?

No. An opening and the gap between supports may use different end points. So, follow the current beam detail and its terms.

Can I add two bearing lengths to get the order length?

Only for the simple geometry stated above. Hangers, pockets, skewed ends and cantilevers need a detailed check.

Is there one minimum bearing length for every LVL beam?

No. End load, beam data, support data, joint, site state and design method all matter. Use a checked detail or project check.

Does a longer beam carry more load?

No. The model, product, section, load, bracing and supports set what the beam can carry. Extra timber may only form an overhang.

Can the supplier choose bearing from the beam depth?

No. Depth does not state the end load or support strength. The project engineer should approve both supports and joints.

What if the two end bearings are different?

List both ends separately. Also name each support and drawing detail. Never average them or copy one value.

What should I send with a SENSO quotation request?

Send the beam list, current drawings, beam role, loads or checked choice, product, section, supports, cut lengths, treatment, quantity, destination and needed records.

Send the LVL clear span and bearing length, loads and support details for preliminary product guidance. Contact SENSO with the drawings, cut list and project location. A qualified project designer must approve the final member, bearing and connection before manufacture or site work.