LVL User’s Guide - Canadian Edition - 2026-07-14 - v1.1

Oct 12, 2026

Technical data and guidance for LVL headers, beams, columns, and related residential floor and roof applications in the Canadian edition. Explains LVL grade rationale using MOE, stiffness (EI), strength, and deflection criteria, including comparisons across 1.8E, 1.9E, and 2.0E products. Provides product line descriptions (West Fraser LVL variants), storage, handling, and installation precautions, and detailed design properties with factored resistance tables and specified strengths for selected grades and thicknesses.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

A Word About LVL Grades

Product Line

West Fraser™ LVL 3100Fb-2.0E

West Fraser™ LVL 3000Fb-1.9E

West Fraser™ LVL 3000Fb-1.8E

West Fraser™ LVL 2750Fb-1.7E

Storage, Handling & Installation

Installation requirements and cautions

Design Properties

3100Fb 2.0E - 1¾” thick header & beams

Specified strengths (standard term)

Factored Resistance Tables

3100Fb 2.0E

Multiple Member Connections

Columns

LVL USER’S GUIDE Technical Data for LVL Headers, Beams, Column Applications for Residential Floor and Roof Systems CANADIAN EDITION 2026-07-14-v1 .1 Introduction A WORD ABOUT LVL GRADES Did you know that... If you are using 2.0E beams and headers exclusively in residential wood construction, you are leaving money on the table approximately 85% of the time. When sizing beams and headers, you need to have sufficient moment capacity (Fb), sufficient shear capacity (Fv), sufficient stiffness (EI) to satisfy the live and total load deflection criteria and you need to have adequate bearing sizes (Fci ) . The industry markets LVL beams and headers based on the MOE value (modulus of elasticity = E) which along with the size of the beam (moment of inertia = I) determines the stiffness (EI) of the beam. The stiffness of a beam determineshow much deflection a beam will experience under a given load. Deflection is a performance criteria established by building codes (L/360) . Stiffness is not the same as strength! Not all applications are controlled by stiffness, many are controlled by strength (Fband Fv) . In some applications, a 1.9E or 2.0E beam cannot be used as a substitute for a 1.8E beam that has superior strength properties (Fband Fv) . A beam 16’ long, carrying 300 PLF, with 1.9E material will deflect 0.0344 inches less (¹⁄₃₂”) under total load compared to the same beam with 1.8E material. This is not much, especially when you consider the premium you pay for high MOE products. TABLE OF CONTENTS Product Line 3 Storage, Handling & Installation 3 3100Fb 2.0EWEST FRASER™ LVL 4 1³⁄₄”AND 3⁄¹₂” THICK Design Properties 4 Factored Resistance Tables 6 Multiple Member Connections 9 3000Fb 1.9EWEST FRASER™ LVL 10 1³⁄₄” THICK Design Properties 10 Multiple Member Connections 11 Factored Resistance Tables 12 3000Fb 1.8EWEST FRASER™ LVL 14 1⁄¹₂” THICK Design Properties 14 Multiple Member Connections 15 Factored Resistance Tables 16 1³⁄₄” AND 3¹⁄₂” THICK Design Properties 18 Factored Resistance Tables 20 Multiple Member Connections 22 Columns 23 | 2750Fb 1.7EWEST FRASER™ LVL 1³⁄₄”AND 3⁄¹₂” THICK | 26 | | --- | --- | | Design Properties | 26 | Miscellaneous Details, & Software Information 26 Bearing Details 16 Our Software 27 Minimum Nail Spacing 27 Our Weather Resistant Coating 27 Allowable Holes 27 Product & Storage Guidelines PRODUCT LINE With the use of ultrasonic grading technology, West Fraser wisely utilizes the inherent attributes of its wood resources to manufacture products that effectively satisfy the needs of the market while at the same time, contribute to a greener, more sustainable environment. In addition, these attributes also allow for superior fiber bending strength and workability. West Fraser™ LVL 3100Fb-2.0E 1³⁄₄” and 3¹⁄₂” thick in I-Joist and lumber compatible depths to 24” deep. West Fraser™ LVL 3000Fb-1.9E 1³⁄₄” thick in I-Joist and lumber compatible depths to 24” deep. All products have face, back and edges sealed for improved performance under normal construction exposure. West Fraser™ LVL 3000Fb-1.8E 1¹⁄₂”, 1³⁄₄” and 3¹⁄₂” thick in I-Joist and lumber compatible depths to 18” deep. 1³⁄₄” & 3¹⁄₂” to 24”, 3¹⁄₂” thick in columns. West Fraser™ LVL 2750Fb-1.7E 1³⁄₄” and 3¹⁄₂” thick in I-Joist and lumber compatible depths to 24” deep CODE EVALUATION REPORT NUMBERS: CCMC 12904-R Check product availability with supplier prior to specifying LVL sizes. STORAGE, HANDLING & INSTALLATION Failure to follow good procedures for installation, storage and handling could result in unsatisfactory performance and unsafe structures. • West Fraser™ LVL should be stored lying flat and protected from the weather. • Do not exceed a storage bundle height of 10’-0”. • Report all forklift damage prior to shipment. • Place first set of stickers on hard, level dry surface. • Stickers to be aligned one above the other a

FAQs

Why does the guide emphasize MOE (E) and stiffness (EI) when sizing LVL beams and headers?

The guide explains that industry marketing often uses MOE, and together with beam size (moment of inertia I) it determines stiffness (EI). Stiffness relates to deflection under load, which must meet building code deflection criteria.

Is stiffness the only factor controlling LVL performance in all applications?

No. The guide states that some applications are controlled by strength, not stiffness, using values such as Fb and Fv. In those cases, a higher-strength lower-E product may be required instead of a higher-MOE substitute.

What key storage and installation precautions are recommended for West Fraser™ LVL?

Store LVL lying flat and protected from the weather, do not exceed a bundle height of 10'-0”, keep material above ground to reduce moisture absorption, and use the product only in covered, dry conditions. The guide also warns against cutting/drilling/notching except for cutting to length and advises not to install damaged LVL.

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Malam Tenang