Q: What exactly is “F17” in the Australian context?
A: F17 is a structural grade stamp confirming characteristic bending strength fb = 65 MPa and mean modulus of elasticity E ≈ 14 000 MPa (E14). It is the highest strength class tabulated in AS/NZS 4357.0 and is accepted as a direct replacement for MGP18 or GL18 solid timber.
Q: How does the load-carrying capacity compare with solid F17 pine?
A: Because defects are dispersed and 95 % of veneers are oriented in the longitudinal direction, F17 LVL delivers roughly 2.8–3.2× the bending capacity and ≈ 30 % better deflection control of an equivalent-size solid F17 member.
Q: Difference between H2-S and H3 treatment?
A: H2-S (LOSP) = interior, protection against termites only. H3 (CCA/ACQ/LOSP) = above-ground exterior, anti-termite + decay. Neither treatment reduces mechanical properties, but H3 members must be marked “NOT FOR IN-GROUND USE”.
Q: Can F17 LVL directly substitute steel beams?
A: Yes, provided deflection, vibration and connection capacity are checked. LVL is ≈ 1⁄7 the weight of steel and ideal for long-span lightweight roofs. For live loads > 5 kPa or natural frequency < 8 Hz, consider carbon-fiber reinforcement or closer centres.
Q: Price premium versus F14 or F11?
A: At 45 × 300 mm section, F17 costs ≈ 8 % more than F14 and ≈ 15 % more than F11 ex-works. The higher grade usually allows a smaller section or wider spacing, yielding an equivalent or lower total installed cost.
Q: Quick on-site verification of grade?
- Check ink-jet stamp: must show “F17”, “AS/NZS 4357”, batch number and BMP 773486.
- Colour stripe: red = F17, blue = F14, green = F11.
- If in doubt, cut a 300 mm specimen and test to AS/NZS 4357 Appendix E; mean bending strength ≥ 65 MPa confirms grade.
REPLACE STEEL WITH F17 LVL – 40 % LIGHTER, 30 % FASTER ERECTION
RADIATA & LARCH PINE LVL – LOW SHRINK, GREEN STAR CREDITS EARNED
Going green earns points—and our LVL helps. Each cubic metre locks 750 kg of CO₂, contributing directly to Green Star and NCC Section J credits. Switch from steel to F17 LVL and cut embodied carbon by up to 70 % while slashing erection time with lighter, nail-friendly members.
Consistency you can measure: our F11 (E10) floor joists arrive within ±0.5 mm of specified depth, eliminating the need for packing or on-site planing. The balanced LVL lay-up resists cupping, so floating floors and prefab wall panels fit perfectly the first time.
