LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams offer predictable, consistent performance across spans that traditional timber cannot match. This guide provides practical span tables to help you select the right LVL beam size for floors, roofs, and wall openings in residential and commercial construction.
All span values in this guide assume standard load conditions common in Australian construction. Always verify with a qualified structural engineer for project-specific requirements.
What Affects LVL Beam Span Capacity
Several factors determine how far an LVL beam can span:
- Beam depth – Deeper beams provide greater span capacity. A 240mm deep LVL spans significantly further than a 130mm deep LVL of the same width.
- Load type – Floor loads, roof loads, and combined loads each have different span limits.
- Beam spacing – Closer spacing reduces the load on each beam, allowing longer spans.
- LVL grade – Higher grade LVL (such as LVL 12 or LVL 15) offers greater strength than standard LVL 10.
- Support conditions – Simply supported spans differ from continuous spans in capacity.
Understanding these factors helps you interpret span tables correctly and select the appropriate LVL beam for your specific application. For more details on LVL beam sizes and specifications, refer to our comprehensive LVL Beam Sizes Comparison Guide.
LVL Beam Span Tables for Floor Joists
These span values apply to typical residential floor joists using LVL beams spaced at 450mm centres. Values represent clear span in millimetres.
| LVL Depth (mm) | LVL 10 Span (mm) | LVL 12 Span (mm) | LVL 15 Span (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 3,600 | 3,900 | 4,300 |
| 150 | 4,200 | 4,600 | 5,100 |
| 170 | 4,800 | 5,300 | 5,900 |
| 190 | 5,400 | 6,000 | 6,700 |
| 240 | 6,800 | 7,500 | 8,400 |
| 300 | 8,500 | 9,400 | 10,500 |
These floor joist spans assume a live load of 1.5 kPa and a dead load of 0.5 kPa, typical for residential floors with ceiling beneath. For additional floor framing guidance, see our Timber Floor Frame Buyers Guide.
LVL Beam Span Tables for Roof Beams
Roof beams typically carry heavier loads than floor beams due to roofing materials, ceiling loads, and wind pressures. The following spans assume tile roofing (heavy) with ceiling load.
| LVL Depth (mm) | LVL 10 Span (mm) | LVL 12 Span (mm) | LVL 15 Span (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 2,800 | 3,100 | 3,500 |
| 150 | 3,300 | 3,700 | 4,200 |
| 170 | 3,800 | 4,300 | 4,900 |
| 190 | 4,400 | 4,900 | 5,600 |
| 240 | 5,600 | 6,300 | 7,200 |
| 300 | 7,100 | 8,000 | 9,100 |
For light roofing materials such as Colorbond, spans may increase by approximately 15%. Always confirm with structural calculations for your specific roof design. Australian standards for timber structures are maintained by Standards Australia.
LVL Beam Sizes for Wall Openings
When creating openings in walls for doors and windows, LVL lintels must span the opening while supporting loads from above. The following table shows maximum clear spans for typical wall openings.
| Opening Width (mm) | Single Story (mm) | Two Story (mm) | Recommended LVL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 900 | 1,200 | 900 | 90 x 170 |
| 1,200 | 1,500 | 1,100 | 90 x 190 |
| 1,800 | 2,100 | 1,500 | 90 x 240 |
| 2,400 | 2,600 | 1,900 | 90 x 300 |
| 3,000 | 3,100 | 2,200 | 90 x 360 |
Two-story construction places greater load on lintels, requiring deeper or stronger LVL sections. These values assume typical Australian brick veneer construction.
Choosing the Right LVL Beam Size
Selecting the correct LVL beam involves matching span requirements with load conditions. Consider these practical steps:
- Measure the clear span ??The distance between supports determines minimum beam capacity.
- Identify loads above ??Floor joists, roof trusses, or wall loads each transfer different forces to the beam.
- Check spacing ??Standard 450mm or 600mm spacing affects beam selection.
- Match depth constraints ??Available ceiling space may limit beam depth.
- Consult span tables ??Use tables above to find minimum depth that meets your span.
If your span exceeds table values or load conditions are unusual, engage a structural engineer for specific calculations. LVL beams can be laminated to create custom sizes for large spans. Our Wood Lam Beams Sizing and Spans guide covers advanced applications.
LVL Beam Specifications and Standards
All structural LVL beams in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 4357.0 and AS/NZS 4357.3 standards. Key specifications include:
| LVL Grade | Characteristic Stress (MPa) | Typical Use | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| LVL 8 | 8 MPa | Non-structural applications | Limited |
| LVL 10 | 10 MPa | Standard structural applications | Common |
| LVL 12 | 12 MPa | Higher load capacity | Common |
| LVL 15 | 15 MPa | Heavy loads, long spans | Special order |
SENSO LVL beams meet AS/NZS 4357.3 certification, providing consistent, reliable structural performance. Each beam is marked with grade, manufacturer, and production date for compliance verification. For detailed information on LVL standards and compliance, visit the International Organization for Standardization.
Why Choose LVL Over Traditional Timber
LVL offers several advantages over solid timber for structural beams:
- Consistent strength ??Engineered to predictable specifications, eliminating natural defects.
- Longer spans ??Can span further than equivalent solid timber sections.
- Minimal shrinkage ??Reduced movement compared to solid timber after installation.
- Straight and true ??Won’t warp, twist, or bow like natural timber.
- Available in long lengths ??Can be sourced up to 12 metres or longer for large projects.
These benefits make LVL the preferred choice for professional builders and contractors who need reliable, predictable structural performance. The American Wood Council provides additional technical resources on engineered wood products and span calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a 240mm LVL 10 beam span?
A 240mm deep LVL 10 beam can span approximately 6,800mm as a floor joist at 450mm spacing, or 5,600mm as a roof beam. Actual span depends on load conditions and spacing.
What size LVL beam do I need for a 3 metre span?
For a 3,000mm floor span with standard residential loads, a 130-150mm deep LVL 10 beam typically suffices. Always verify with span tables or structural calculations for your specific application.
Can LVL beams be used externally?
Standard LVL is designed for dry internal applications. For external use or areas exposed to moisture, specify treated LVL or consult the manufacturer for appropriate products.
How do I read LVL beam span tables?
Span tables list maximum clear spans for specific beam sizes under defined load conditions. Find your beam depth in the left column, then read across to find the maximum span for your LVL grade. Always round down slightly for safety margin.
Get Your LVL Beam Quote
Ready to source LVL beams for your project? We supply certified SENSO LVL beams in various sizes and grades to meet Australian construction standards.
Contact our team for competitive pricing on LVL beams, including custom cuts and delivery options. Provide your span requirements and load conditions, and we’ll recommend the right LVL specifications.
Post time: Mar-23-2026