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Message
Which is stronger: 2x12 header vs. 3.5 x 9.5 LVL
Posted on 12/5/22 at 3:30 am
Posted on 12/5/22 at 3:30 am
I'm building a pass-through window and want the strongest header with the shortest profile.
I already know making the header from two 2x12 and a 1/4 inch plywood will be strong enough.
What I don't know and can't find a simple answer to is whether a 3-1/2 x 9-1/2 LVL will be stronger than the 2x12s. I think yes, but can't seem to find a straight-forward strength comparison between different depth LVLs and conventional lumber.
I already know making the header from two 2x12 and a 1/4 inch plywood will be strong enough.
What I don't know and can't find a simple answer to is whether a 3-1/2 x 9-1/2 LVL will be stronger than the 2x12s. I think yes, but can't seem to find a straight-forward strength comparison between different depth LVLs and conventional lumber.
5
Posted on 12/5/22 at 6:34 am to Huey Lewis
What’s your span?
Posted on 12/5/22 at 6:49 am to poochie
About 7 feet
Posted on 12/5/22 at 7:11 am to Huey Lewis
Find a span table online and compare the 2x12 vs lvl capacity.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 7:54 am to eng08
My thoughts exactly. Op, what exactly are you trying to support? Or do you just want to get as tight to the ceiling as possible? Paint is a picture of the whole system so we can help out.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 8:14 am to Huey Lewis
I’m not sure the strength advantage an LVL has over the wood you’d be using, but the dimensional Moment of Inertia of the two is fairly significantly different.
The 2x12 is about 1.5x stronger than the 3.5x9.5.
I agree with the others if you want to know if it’s “strong enough”, probably need to find a span chart and compare/apply it to your application.
The 2x12 is about 1.5x stronger than the 3.5x9.5.
I agree with the others if you want to know if it’s “strong enough”, probably need to find a span chart and compare/apply it to your application.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 8:47 am to Huey Lewis
why are you not comparing a 2x10? If that's your option you can probably find a 11.5" LVL?
You may consider calling a lumber store that sells LVL's as they may be able to tell you.
You may consider calling a lumber store that sells LVL's as they may be able to tell you.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 8:58 am to Huey Lewis
There is no simple unless we know everything. If you are good with the depth of 11.5” then go with the 2x12. For an exterior header that’s plenty at 7’.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 9:44 am to LSUtigerME
The Ym of LVL looks to be about 3000 while pine is 1500 so I think the LVL is the better option but it’s been a long time since I’ve designed beams and then never in wood
Posted on 12/5/22 at 12:18 pm to Art Vandelay
Span charts don’t even register double 9.5 lvl’s at 7’. I’d be more worried about your studs below if you’re that worried about carrying weight or if the floor below won’t be pierced if you’re that concerned with overloading a 7’ span.
Posted on 12/5/22 at 4:07 pm to Huey Lewis
I'll run the numbers but I need to know the tributary width on the 7' span. A fitch beam (double 2Xs with 1/2" plywood) will probably be stronger than that LVL but 7' span is nothing unless the tributary load is substantial.
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