There are many advantages of using timber systems, these include:

Durability

LVL is uniformly strong, stiff and dimensionally stable providing consistent structural performance.  it has been certified to comply with AS/NZA 4357.  LVL can only be used in enclosed applications only and LVL will not support decay if the moisture content in the wood remains below 18%.

Sustainable Wood

Choosing engineered wood products over other energy-intensive building materials has a substantial impact on carbon emissions. Using LVL in place of steel saves nearly half the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the manufacture of equivalent new steel.  With LVL, you can reduce a building’s carbon footprint and achieve maximum New Zealand Green Building Council rating points for timber.

Corrosion Resistance

Timber is inert to most acids and alkalines, so LVL is especially suitable for buildings where structural elements may be exposed to the corrosive effects of chemical vapours such as fertiliser storage, swimming pools and composting facilities. As an added bonus LVL is made from wood, so it cannot rust like steel structural components.

Fire Resistance

Fire affects timber sections by the slow loss of section, unlike unprotected steel components that suffer a sudden loss of strength in a fire above a certain temperature.

Acoustics

Timber presents a softer surface and hence a surface that is less reflective of sound. Timber panels are often used as acoustic panels with CNC cut slots or holes to further improve the acoustic performance. Timber – Concrete composite (TCC) floor systems, utilising LVL, offer improved impact noise resistance over conventional timber floors.

Weight

It also has a superior strength to weight ratio compared with steel and is five times lighter than an equivalent structure made of concrete. In areas where seismic risk is a key consideration or foundation soils are poor, lightweight timber structures can have important performance and cost advantages.

Strength and Accuracy

Laminated Veneer Lumber is manufactured using rotary-peeled, micro-thin veneers that are laminated together under intense heat and pressure. The effects of natural defects such as knots are minimised and the grain direction of the veneers is specially orientated to enhance strength and rigidity. The result is a solid, uniformly consistent material that delivers proven structural reliability along with unlimited design versatility.  

Speed and installation efficiency

Like all wood, LVL is comparatively light, easy to handle and easy to work with using every day woodworking tools. Builders are familiar with wood and, in many situations; it means they can complete a job faster than would be the case using concrete or steel. With portal frame buildings, the LVL sections are supplied fully prefabricated and ready for immediate erection.

Functionality

LVL can be used as a basic structural element which is covered up by internal finishes, or it can be exposed to the interior of a building as a feature.  Beacuse it is precisely engineered, LVL provides reliable structural certainty within a lightweight building framework, enabling buildings of all kinds to be constructed simply and economically. Even multi storey developments are easily possible using modern pre-tensioned LVL construction techniques.

Aesthetics

LVL can be finished by leaving it in its natural form unpainted, a film forming stains can be applied or it can be painted on site. With LVL you are not restricted to straight lines so you can create different building shapes and features, in addition to the above finishes there are also various connections available.