LVL Wood Beam Span Tables: A Guide to Choosing the Right Lumber

When it comes to designing a basement ceiling or kitchen floor, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right lumber for your joists. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of wood beam will best suit your needs. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and examine the span tables outlined in the IRC 2018 to help you make an informed decision.

Firstly, let's consider the challenges of using traditional 2x8 lumber for your joists. As mentioned earlier, hacking up these beams can make it difficult to assign design values to them, as they will no longer be graded. Instead of replacing the existing joists entirely, sistering each 2x8 joist to an LVL beam and trimming off the bottom 2 inches can provide a strong and durable solution.

So, what are the benefits of using LVL beams? For starters, they offer greater strength and stability compared to traditional lumber. This is due in part to their unique construction process, which involves layering wood veneers together under heat and pressure. The result is a beam that is both stronger and more resistant to warping than its 2x8 counterpart.

But how do LVL beams stack up against the IRC 2018's span tables? According to Table R502.3.1(2), a 2' x 12' Douglas fir-larch beam with a spacing of 12' can span an impressive 11' 4' for both dead and live loads of 20psf and 40psf, respectively. So, if you're looking to create a basement ceiling or kitchen floor that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, using LVL beams could be the way to go.

In conclusion, choosing the right lumber for your joists can make all the difference in creating a safe and durable structure. By considering the benefits of LVL beams and examining the span tables outlined in the IRC 2018, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect solution for your basement ceiling or kitchen floor.

Lvl wood beam span tables