I am building a bridge/ramp up to a deck that is suspended above a ravine. The span is about 28-30 ft. I am considering steel, but also wondering if I could use either an LVL or glu-lam, as long as I painted it or adequately sealed it from the elements. Does anyone know whether it is possible to use LVLs in such an exterior application?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Engineered-stone shower panels are waterproof, but proper installation relies on tight seams and silicone sealing.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
LVL...No. But you can special order pressure treated laminated beams....I've used them for structural members on docks and piers.
Ask Trus Joist. My guess is no.
That is why, when wooden bridges were built, they built a barn and roof structure over them. Covered bridges.
Maybe you can reconsider your design, and go for the antique look.
I've heard of treated glulams, but don't know much about them. You'd have to ask locally about availability.
LVLs are like plywood - They're just not for exterior use.
Bumpersticker: Don't be sexist. Broads hate that.