LVL vs. Glulam – What Are the Differences for Vancouver Builders?
Choosing the right engineered wood products is critical for contractors and builders across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Two of the most commonly compared materials are Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam). Both offer exceptional performance compared to traditional solid-sawn lumber, but each has unique advantages depending on your project’s design, budget, and structural requirements.
At Kerrisdale Lumber, we supply Vancouver’s contractors, builders, and developers with premium building materials and engineered lumber solutions. Here’s a breakdown of how LVL and Glulam differ—and when you should use one over the other.
TimberStrand LSL via Weyerhaeuser
What is LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)?
LVL beams are created by bonding thin sheets of wood veneers under heat and pressure, with all grain aligned in the same direction. This process creates an incredibly strong and uniform product.
Why Vancouver builders use LVL:
Superior Strength – Ideal for beams, headers, and rafters.
Dimensional Stability – Resists warping, shrinking, and twisting.
Cost-Effective – Typically more affordable than Glulam.
Custom Sizes – Available in long, straight spans to fit structural requirements.
Trusted Brands – Kerrisdale Lumber supplies LVL from top names like Microlam (Weyerhaeuser), RigidLam (Prospan), and Roseburg.
LVL is often chosen for hidden structural applications in residential, commercial, and multi-family builds across Vancouver.
What is Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber)?
Glulam beams are manufactured by bonding together layers of dimensional lumber. Unlike LVL, Glulam can be fabricated into straight or curved shapes, making it a favorite for both structural strength and architectural design.
Why Vancouver Contractors Prefer Glulam:
Long Spans – Excellent for open-concept homes and commercial spaces.
Architectural Appeal – Natural wood look makes it ideal for exposed beams.
Design Flexibility – Can be curved or custom-shaped.
Dimensional Stability – Less prone to warping and twisting than solid sawn lumber.
Glulam is often selected for exposed structural applications, where both strength and aesthetics are equally important.
Which Should You Choose for Your Vancouver Build?
Choose LVL if you need cost-effective structural strength for beams, headers, and rafters that will not be exposed.
Choose Glulam if you need long spans with visible, natural appeal, such as in timber-style homes or open-concept commercial projects.
Both options outperform traditional lumber and are excellent choices for modern construction projects in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Why Vancouver Contractors Trust Kerrisdale Lumber
For over 100 years, Kerrisdale Lumber has supplied lumber, building supplies, and engineered wood to contractors across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and North Vancouver. Our expertise and local knowledge help ensure your project gets the right materials, on time and within budget.
Conveniently located in Vancouver, we’re the go-to supplier for builders looking for engineered wood solutions like LVL and Glulam, as well as a full range of building materials and lumber supplies.
Contact Us Today
Ready to source LVL or Glulam beams in Vancouver for your next project? Our team at Kerrisdale Lumber is here to provide expert advice and the best selection of engineered wood and building supplies.
Visit us in Vancouver or contact us today to get a quote on LVL, Glulam, and other building materials.
Phone: (604) 261-4274
Email: lumbersales@kerrisdalelumber.com
