LP 1-3/4″ x 16″ Versa-Lam LVL Beam

The 1-3/4″ x 16″ Versa-Lam delivers 2.1E 3100 performance ratings with spans up to 60 feet — eliminating the need for multi-ply beams in most Montana applications. At 7.4 pounds per linear foot, this laminated veneer lumber (LVL) handles the long-span agricultural buildings and open floor plans that define modern Montana construction.

Load Capacity and Structural Performance

The beam carries a 2.1E modulus rating with 3100 psi bending stress capacity. Design values include 2.0 million psi modulus of elasticity, 285-325 psi horizontal shear, 3000 psi compression parallel to grain, and 525-750 psi compression perpendicular.

Available lengths run from 1 foot to 60 feet — that 60-foot capability matters when you’re spanning a pole barn or creating the great room that every Montana homeowner wants. At approximately 7.4 pounds per linear foot, a 16-foot beam weighs 118.24 pounds — manageable for a two-person crew without equipment.

Specification	Value	Source
Modulus Rating	2.1E	TurkstraLumber
Bending Stress	3100 psi	TurkstraLumber
Modulus of Elasticity	2.0 million psi	manufacturer
Horizontal Shear	285-325 psi	manufacturer
Compression Parallel	3000 psi	manufacturer
Compression Perpendicular	525-750 psi	manufacturer
Weight	7.4 lbs/linear foot	manufacturer
Maximum Length	60 feet	manufacturer

The controlled manufacturing environment produces superior strength and uniformity compared to dimensional lumber. This high-performance alternative resists warping, twisting, shrinking, and splitting — defects that plague solid-sawn beams in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Installation Requirements and Field Realities

Bearing requirements are straightforward: minimum 1.5 inches on wood or steel end supports, 3 inches for intermediate supports or cantilevers. Those numbers aren’t suggestions — undersized bearing leads to crushing and settlement.

Multi-ply beams require proper fastening according to side-loading tables — typically 2 rows of 16d nails at 12 inches on center. Skip the fastening schedule and you’ve got independent beams that don’t share loads properly.

Holes follow strict limits: round holes only, maximum 2-3 inches depending on beam depth, no more than 3 holes in any 4-foot section. Contractors who treat LVL like dimensional lumber and swiss-cheese it with holes learn expensive lessons about structural integrity.

The interior-use-only specification matters in Montana — this material must stay protected from weather during construction and away from direct contact with concrete or masonry. That means tarping during framing season and proper vapor barriers where beams pocket into foundation walls.

Installation Requirement	Specification
End Bearing	1.5″ minimum (wood/steel)
Intermediate Bearing	3″ minimum
Hole Size	2-3″ maximum (round only)
Hole Spacing	Max 3 holes per 4 feet
Multi-Ply Fastening	2 rows 16d @ 12″ o.c.
Moisture Protection	Interior use only
Storage	Stickers @ 15′ max spacing

Performance Advantages That Justify the Premium

Compared to dimensional lumber, Versa-Lam LVL delivers stronger performance, more stability, and allows for much longer spans up to 60 feet while resisting natural defects like knots and shakes. The no-camber design creates flatter, quieter floors — a real selling point when customers complain about squeaky second stories.

The beam works seamlessly with BCI Joists and standard dimension lumber, while accepting standard hangers from Simpson Strong-Tie and USP, including THA and HGUS series. No special connectors, no proprietary hardware — just the standard stuff every framer carries.

The consistent sizing across the entire length eliminates the crown-checking ritual that wastes time with solid-sawn beams. Wide dimensions reduce bolting and nailing requirements — fewer fasteners, faster installation, same strength.

For Montana’s extreme temperature swings, the resistance to warping, twisting, and splitting proves its worth season after season. Dimensional lumber moves. LVL stays put.

Brand Confusion and Product Reality

Versa-Lam is actually a Boise Cascade trademark, not LP. LP makes SolidStart LVL 2900Fb-2.0E with similar structural performance but backed by LP’s own warranty and tech guides, while Boise Cascade’s Versa-Lam carries a Lifetime Guarantee.

Both products deliver engineered reliability. The real difference lies in warranty terms and technical support — considerations that matter more to engineers than framers. On the jobsite, they frame the same.

Boise Cascade backs Versa-Lam with a Lifetime Guaranteed Quality and Performance warranty, promising defect-free performance for the life of the structure when installed per guidelines. That’s confidence worth noting when customers ask about long-term reliability.

FAQs

Can I use Versa-Lam LVL for exterior applications? No. This is an interior-use-only product that must be protected from weather during construction and kept away from direct contact with concrete or masonry. For exterior applications, consider treated glulam or steel beams.

What’s the actual thickness of a 1-3/4″ Versa-Lam? Actual dimensions range from 1.65 to 1.75 inches. That variance matters when calculating bearing pocket depths and hanger selections.

How does Versa-Lam compare to glulam beams? LVL is often more cost-effective for standard structural headers, while glulam is preferred for exposed aesthetic applications where higher finish quality is required. If it’s getting buried in a wall, use LVL. If it’s exposed in a timber frame, consider glulam.

What certifications does this product carry? ICC-ES ESR-1336, CSA O86 (Canadian Standard), CCMC 12472-R, IBC/IRC Building Code Compliance, and sustainability certifications including SFI, FSC, PEFC, and NAHB Green Approved.

Can I drill or notch Versa-Lam beams? Round holes only, maximum 2-3 inches depending on depth, with no more than 3 holes in any 4-foot section. No notching allowed — that compromises the laminated structure.