LVL vs. Plywood vs. Glulam: A Supplier's Comparison Guide from Ply Supply's blog

Are you struggling to choose between LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), plywood, and glulam for your next construction project? With so many engineered wood products on the market, understanding their unique benefits and limitations can be a daunting task. As an industry supplier, I break the way LVL compares with other options and help you make the most reasonable decisions for your project needs.

Why choose LVL?
LVL stands out among engineered wood products due to its exceptional strength and uniformity. Made from thin layers of veneer glued together, LVL has excellent dimensional stability. This means that LVL can support heavy loads and span long distances with minimal deflection, making it ideal for applications such as beams, lintels, and columns. But is LVL the right choice for every project?
How does LVL compare to plywood?
Plywood is another popular engineered wood product known for its versatility and durability. It is made by gluing together layers of veneer, with the grain of each layer aligned perpendicular to the other layers. While plywood excels in applications requiring a flexible, lightweight material, LVL surpasses it in load-bearing capacity. Plywood is ideal for surfacing and structural applications where weight and flexibility are factors to consider, while LVL offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it the material of choice for structural components that will be subject to heavy constraints. 
What About Glulam?
Glued laminated timber is a product made by bonding three-dimensional layers of wood together using adhesives. It is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and structural performance. Glulam can be shaped into intricate curves and patterns, making it popular for architectural applications. However, it tends to be more expensive and requires more space to produce than LVL. On the other hand, LVL is more cost-effective for high-strength applications, offering reliable performance at a lower cost. 
What are the Limitations of LVL?
While LVL offers many benefits, it is not without its limitations. It doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal as laminated timber in exposed building elements and can be prone to expansion if not properly treated or sealed. Additionally, the manufacturing process for LVL is more intensive, which can impact its environmental footprint compared to more natural wood products. 
Where does Ply Supply fit in?
As a leading LVL supplier, Ply Supply is proud to offer premium LVL products that meet exacting standards for strength, durability, and performance. Our LVL comes from Premium Materials and is made accurately to guarantee the best standards in the industry. If you are looking for a reliable LVL that will resist the project requirements while providing high-profit solutions, you no longer need to look. 
Ready to make the right choice for your project?
The choice of the right engineering wooden product can change the situation for your construction or repair project. Whether you want the strength of LVL, the versatility of plywood, or the aesthetic appeal of laminated timber, understanding the benefits and limitations of each will help you make an informed decision. At Ply Supply, we have the best LVL solution to fit your needs.