Header Question - doubled LVL

scootermcrad · 10-31-2012, 01:25 PM

Quick question... or at least it should be, right?

Framing a load-bearing wall in need of a header beam that will end up being approximately 11-feet long. I'm having a hard time finding someone that will order me a 3-1/2"x14" LVL or Microllam, for some reason. But no problem getting a 1-3/4"x14" and the price is very reasonable. The 3-1/2"x14" was overkill anyway. I'm being told it is okay to double up two 1-3/4"x14" to create the 3-1/2"x14" to do this as long as they are properly joined together.

What is the best technique for joining them? Construction adhesive between and staggered nail pattern from both sides? Staggered carriage bolts?

Input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

GBrackins · 10-31-2012, 02:21 PM

you'll appreciate using a 2 ply instead of the 3-1/2 width. less weight to lift into place, and will have the same load bearing capacity.

each manufacturer of structural composite lumber such as laminated veneer lumber have their own attachment schedule for their products. find out from the lumber yard if it is a microlam (manufactured by ILevel) or another brand, such as Boise, LP, Rosenburg, or GP. once you know the manufacturer you can google their website and it will have that information.

if you cannot find it once you know the manufacturer post back and I'll go through my product information.

hope this helps

scootermcrad · 10-31-2012, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBrackins

you'll appreciate using a 2 ply instead of the 3-1/2 width. less weight to lift into place, and will have the same load bearing capacity.

each manufacturer of structural composite lumber such as laminated veneer lumber have their own attachment schedule for their products. find out from the lumber yard if it is a microlam (manufactured by ILevel) or another brand, such as Boise, LP, Rosenburg, or GP. once you know the manufacturer you can google their website and it will have that information.

if you cannot find it once you know the manufacturer post back and I'll go through my product information.

hope this helps

Perfect! Thank you! I'm not sure who the manufacturer is. I'll get the stuff in-house and then check for website tech.

THANKS! And yes, I agree. Half the weight is GOOD!

brockhouse · 11-03-2012, 11:36 AM

Using 1-3/4" x14" LVL beams is the way to go, being LVL they are already heavier then dimensional lumber so using 2 ply LVL beams will be a lot easier to install. I just installed 4- 40'x14" LVL beams which weigh 400 lbs each which was a big job. The nailing schedules for a 14” LVL beam is nail 3- 31/4” commons in every 12” and try to stager the nails to get maximum strength.

woodworkbykirk · 11-03-2012, 02:44 PM

2 ply lvls are all thats needed as long as you glue it and spike the snot out of it to laminate your fine.. a lvl that long is heavy enough for two people to try and place let lone a single..

if you did want single ply you would probably be looking at a glulam instead of lvl anyway

hand drive · 11-04-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootermcrad

Quick question... or at least it should be, right?

Framing a load-bearing wall in need of a header beam that will end up being approximately 11-feet long. I'm having a hard time finding someone that will order me a 3-1/2"x14" LVL or Microllam, for some reason. But no problem getting a 1-3/4"x14" and the price is very reasonable. The 3-1/2"x14" was overkill anyway. I'm being told it is okay to double up two 1-3/4"x14" to create the 3-1/2"x14" to do this as long as they are properly joined together.

What is the best technique for joining them? Construction adhesive between and staggered nail pattern from both sides? Staggered carriage bolts?

Input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

the more common sizes for 3 1/2" beams are 2x8 and 2x10 sizes to match and fit in with rim joists and structural headers.

scootermcrad · 11-05-2012, 09:10 AM

Thanks guys!

I actually pulled up the info on LVL's from the manufacturer and they did indeed have a nailing schedule for 2-ply construction headers. Thanks for the tip! Got all the info I need from that! Looking forward to working with the LVL's, actually. They are making some things possible in our house that we otherwise wouldn't have considered!

Cheers!

GBrackins · 11-05-2012, 11:53 AM

glad to be of assistance .....

Good luck!

10-31-2012, 01:25 PM	#1
scootermcrad Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 60	Header Question - doubled LVL Quick question... or at least it should be, right? Framing a load-bearing wall in need of a header beam that will end up being approximately 11-feet long. I'm having a hard time finding someone that will order me a 3-1/2"x14" LVL or Microllam, for some reason. But no problem getting a 1-3/4"x14" and the price is very reasonable. The 3-1/2"x14" was overkill anyway. I'm being told it is okay to double up two 1-3/4"x14" to create the 3-1/2"x14" to do this as long as they are properly joined together. What is the best technique for joining them? Construction adhesive between and staggered nail pattern from both sides? Staggered carriage bolts? Input would be appreciated! Thanks! Last edited by scootermcrad; 10-31-2012 at 01:41 PM.

10-31-2012, 02:21 PM	#2
GBrackins Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fairhaven, Massachusetts Posts: 2,359	Header Question - doubled LVL you'll appreciate using a 2 ply instead of the 3-1/2 width. less weight to lift into place, and will have the same load bearing capacity. each manufacturer of structural composite lumber such as laminated veneer lumber have their own attachment schedule for their products. find out from the lumber yard if it is a microlam (manufactured by ILevel) or another brand, such as Boise, LP, Rosenburg, or GP. once you know the manufacturer you can google their website and it will have that information. if you cannot find it once you know the manufacturer post back and I'll go through my product information. hope this helps __________________ Gary "You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

11-03-2012, 11:36 AM	#4
brockhouse Newbie Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 10	Header Question - doubled LVL Using 1-3/4" x14" LVL beams is the way to go, being LVL they are already heavier then dimensional lumber so using 2 ply LVL beams will be a lot easier to install. I just installed 4- 40'x14" LVL beams which weigh 400 lbs each which was a big job. The nailing schedules for a 14” LVL beam is nail 3- 31/4” commons in every 12” and try to stager the nails to get maximum strength.

11-03-2012, 02:44 PM	#5
woodworkbykirk journeyman carpenter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: nova scotia canada Posts: 2,244	Header Question - doubled LVL 2 ply lvls are all thats needed as long as you glue it and spike the snot out of it to laminate your fine.. a lvl that long is heavy enough for two people to try and place let lone a single.. if you did want single ply you would probably be looking at a glulam instead of lvl anyway

11-05-2012, 09:10 AM	#7
scootermcrad Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 60	Header Question - doubled LVL Thanks guys! I actually pulled up the info on LVL's from the manufacturer and they did indeed have a nailing schedule for 2-ply construction headers. Thanks for the tip! Got all the info I need from that! Looking forward to working with the LVL's, actually. They are making some things possible in our house that we otherwise wouldn't have considered! Cheers!

Header Question - doubled LVL