STEICO LVL: The Ultimate Solution for Stable, Strong, and Resilient Wood-Based Materials

STEICO LVL: The Ultimate Solution for Stable, Strong, and Resilient Wood-Based Materials

When it comes to wood-based materials, dimensional stability, strength, and resilience are essential qualities that cannot be compromised.

STEICO LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is a high-performance material that excels in all these areas, making it an excellent choice for innovative timber construction.

What is STEICO LVL, and How is it Made?

STEICO LVL is made by gluing several layers of approx. 3 mm thick softwood veneers (spruce / pine) together.

This structure distributes any imperfections evenly over the cross-section, making it as homogeneous as can be.

As a result, STEICO LVL boasts maximum strength, dimensional stability, and resilience.

To make STEICO LVL, debarked softwood logs are put in hot water to soften and are then peeled into veneer layers in a rotation process.

The veneers are dried, sorted, glued, pressed, and cut to their final format.

The clever bit is that where naturally grown wood has flaws, such as knots stretching over the entire cross-section, STEICO LVL restricts the flaw to a single sheet of veneer.

This unique characteristic is what makes STEICO LVL so resilient.

Different Types of STEICO LVL Components

There are three main types of STEICO LVL components: STEICO LVL R, STEICO LVL X, and STEICO GLVL. Each has its unique features and areas of application.

STEICO LVL R: All veneer layers in the rod-shaped STEICO LVL R components are glued lengthways.

This high-performance wood-based material is ideal for rod-shaped components such as floor beams, rafters, purlins, studs, primary beams, and much more.

STEICO LVL X: In STEICO LVL X components, around a fifth of the veneer layers are glued crosswise.

This significantly increases the load-bearing capacity of panels, as well as the dimensional stability and rigidity.

Areas of application include edge planks, reinforcing roof, ceiling, and wall formwork, junction plates, roof overhangs, and much more.

STEICO GLVL: For STEICO GLVL (Glued Laminated Veneer Lumber), several LVL lamellas are bonded to form large-format components.

Areas of application include beams, roof and ceiling elements, thresholds, heads, and much more.

In general, building a timber frame using STEICO LVL can take less time than traditional building methods because the material is pre-cut to precise specifications, making it quicker to assemble.

Additionally, STEICO LVL’s strength and stability mean that it can be used for larger spans, reducing the need for additional structural elements and simplifying the construction process.

• Laminated veneer lumber for diverse areas of application
• Available in various formats and thicknesses
• Very high strength
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Good withdrawal strength for fixings
• Slender cross-sections, low weight
• Reduction of settlement due to compression
• High connection strength when using timber connectors
• Particularly efficient use of the wood raw material

The Benefits of STEICO LVL

Building a timber frame using STEICO LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) requires careful planning and preparation.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Design your frame: Start by designing your frame using CAD software or hiring a professional designer. The design should take into account the load-bearing requirements, the layout of the building, and any architectural features.

2. Choose your STEICO LVL components: Once you have your design, you can choose the appropriate STEICO LVL components for your project. STEICO LVL R is ideal for rod-shaped components such as floor beams, rafters, purlins, studs, and primary beams. STEICO LVL X is best for applications that require increased load-bearing capacity, such as edge planks, reinforcing roof, ceiling, and wall formwork, junction plates, and roof overhangs. STEICO GLVL (Glued Laminated Veneer Lumber) is perfect for large-format components such as beams, roof and ceiling elements, thresholds, and heads.

3. Cut and fit your components: Once you have your STEICO LVL components, you can begin cutting and fitting them together according to your design. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cutting and drilling STEICO LVL to ensure the structural integrity of the material.

4. Install your frame: Once your components are cut and fitted, you can begin installing your frame. Use appropriate fasteners and adhesives to secure the components together, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation.

5. Finish your frame: Once your frame is installed, you can finish it according to your desired aesthetic. This may include adding insulation, exterior cladding, and interior finishes.

Building a timber frame using STEICO LVL requires skill and experience, so it’s important to work with professionals who have expertise in timber construction.

With proper planning and execution, however, a timber frame built with STEICO LVL can provide a strong, durable, and sustainable foundation for your building project.

If you already have a building plan and you would like a free quote use the form below or call us for more information.

Characteristics

Dimensions

What’s the best use cases for Steico LVL?

STEICO LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) has a wide range of use cases in timber construction due to its strength, dimensional stability, and resilience.

Here are some of the most common applications for STEICO LVL:

1. Structural components: STEICO LVL is ideal for use in structural components such as floor beams, rafters, purlins, studs, and primary beams. Its strength and stability make it a reliable choice for supporting the weight of a structure.

2. Edge planks and formwork: STEICO LVL can be used for edge planks and formwork due to its increased load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, and rigidity. It can be used to reinforce roofs, ceilings, and walls, as well as for junction plates and roof overhangs.

3. Large-format components: STEICO GLVL (Glued Laminated Veneer Lumber) is made by bonding several LVL lamellas to form large-format components. It is commonly used for beams, roof and ceiling elements, thresholds, and heads.

4. Rod-shaped components: STEICO LVL R is made by gluing all veneer layers lengthways and is a high-performance wood-based material for rod-shaped components such as floor beams, rafters, purlins, studs, primary beams, and more.