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A microlam, also known as a lam beam or LVL, is a relatively recent development in construction
materials. It is an engineered timber that is made to allow for more support over a greater
span. This means that basements can have fewer support posts, and that rooms may be designed
and built to larger specs. The main secret to the strength of the laminated beam is similar to that of plywood, but on a grander scale. |
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The beam is made by adhering layer after layer of thin wood together.
These
layers are glued in place so that the wood grain alternates, giving strength in each direction.
The glue itself is also incredibly strong, so that the layers stay together.
The lam beams are not often used as joists. Instead, they are mostly installed as a carrying beam that supports the floor joists from below. It is also common to use several microlams fastened together, so that a larger and stronger main beam is created. We stock several different sizes of microlams, including 9 1/2", 11 7/8", as well as some 14" and 16" wide. They are also 1 3/4" thick, and up to 40' long. |
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