LifeCore H3V is an H3-treated LVL framing timber made as a direct substitute for H3 MGP10 treated pine. Every veneer in it is treated before the LVL is pressed, so the H3 protection runs through the full depth of the piece and cut ends do not need re-treating on site. It comes dressed all round with arrised edges, in 70 × 35 to 290 × 45 mm, in lengths to 6.0 m from stock and 7.2 m to order, and it is now carried at our yard at 170 Settlement Road, Thomastown. The 45 mm sizes are priced $1 per lineal metre over the same size in H3 LOSP treated pine; the table below has every price.
What LifeCore H3V is
It is laminated veneer lumber, the same construction as the LVL beams in our LVL range, with one difference: the veneers are H3 treated individually before manufacture, so there is no untreated core. H3 is the hazard class in AS 1604 for timber used outside, above the ground and exposed to the weather; the preservative is supplied by Koppers and meets AS/NZS 1604.1. The manufacturer specifies it as a fit-for-purpose substitute for H3 MGP10 treated pine, so it goes where H3 MGP10 framing goes.
Each piece carries a clear “Weather Shielded” coating that the manufacturer says resists moisture, mould growth and UV during construction, is dressed smooth on all four faces with arrised edges, and has its branding printed on the edge so the faces stay clean. There is no chemical odour in the rack or on site and no solvent residue on the surface, which is the main thing you notice next to a pack of LOSP-treated pine.
How it differs from H3 MGP10 treated pine
| LifeCore H3V | H3 LOSP treated pine (MGP10) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | LVL made from H3-treated veneers | Sawn radiata pine, treated after machining |
| Treatment depth | Through every veneer, full depth | Penetrates the sapwood; heartwood takes less |
| Cut ends and notches | No re-treatment needed; seal the end grain as good practice | Must be re-treated with an H3 end-grain preservative |
| Straightness | Engineered: the manufacturer rates it low in bow, twist and warp and in movement over time | Varies piece to piece; some culling on site |
| Lengths | To 6.0 m from stock, 7.2 m to order | Usually to 6.0 m |
| Smell and residue | None stated by the manufacturer | Solvent smell on fresh LOSP stock |
| Design | Specified as a direct substitute for H3 MGP10 | MGP10 span tables (AS 1684) |
Where a job calls for H3 MGP10 in a size we stock in LifeCore, either will do the work; LifeCore costs $1 a metre more and saves the culling, the re-treating of cuts and the straightening. Where price per metre is everything, our H3 LOSP treated pine is still there.
Sizes and lengths
| Size | Stock lengths | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 70 × 35 mm | 6.0 m | $4.11 per lineal metre |
| 70 × 45 mm | 6.0 m | $6.56 per lineal metre |
| 90 × 35 mm | 6.0 m | $5.48 per lineal metre |
| 90 × 45 mm | 3.6 to 6.0 m | $8.43 per lineal metre |
| 140 × 45 mm | 3.6 to 6.0 m | $11.35 per lineal metre |
| 190 × 45 mm | 3.6 to 6.0 m | $14.82 per lineal metre |
| 240 × 45 mm | 3.6 to 6.0 m | $20.41 per lineal metre |
| 290 × 45 mm | 3.6 to 6.0 m | $28.00 per lineal metre |
These are the stock sizes for Victoria; click a price to buy that size by the length. The 45 mm sizes are priced $1 per lineal metre over our H3 LOSP treated pine in the same size; the two 35 mm sizes, which we do not carry in treated pine, are priced from cost. 7.2 m lengths are available to order in 140 × 45 mm and larger. Call (03) 9465 9875 or send the cutting list and we will quote the job.
Where to use it
Anywhere H3 framing is called for: deck joists and bearers, pergola and verandah framing, carports, fascias and rafters, outdoor structures, and wall framing that will be exposed to the weather for a long time before it is clad. H3 is for timber above the ground. It is not for posts set in the ground, sleepers or anything in permanent contact with soil or standing water; those need H4, which is what our H4 treated posts are.
In bushfire-prone areas, AS 3959 allows any timber for enclosed framing at BAL-12.5 through BAL-40. For the exposed subfloor framing of a deck in a BAL-19 or BAL-29 area the standard sets conditions on the timber and its height above ground, so tell us the BAL and the deck height and we will work through it with you.
Working with it
- Cuts: cut clean, remove loose fibres, let wet timber dry, then seal the end grain with an exterior end-grain sealer. The manufacturer’s installation guide is clear that re-treating is not required because the core is treated, but sealing end grain is standard practice for any exterior timber. Check the sealer is compatible with any paint system going over it.
- Water: design cuts to shed water, flash or cap exposed end grain where practical, and avoid horizontal faces where water ponds. Inspect exposed end grain each year and recoat when the finish wears.
- Deck screws into joists: use corrosion-resistant exterior screws long enough to go 25–30 mm into the LVL after passing through the board, keep them 20 mm or more from the joist edges, and pre-drill with a bit about the screw’s root diameter. LVL is dense, and pre-drilling near joist ends is what stops splitting.
- Joist tape: fit a deck joist tape over the top face before the boards go down, on dry, clean joists. We stock VapourSeal joist tape and the screws in decking accessories.
- Tools: ordinary framing tools. It nails, screws and cuts like pine; it is a little harder on blades.
Questions we get asked
Is LifeCore H3V an LVL?
Yes. It is laminated veneer lumber in which every veneer was H3 treated before pressing, which is how the treatment reaches the full depth.
Do I have to re-treat cut ends?
No. The manufacturer’s installation guide says re-applying end-grain preservative is not required because the product is treated right through. Sealing the end grain against moisture is still recommended, as it is for any exterior timber.
Is it the same strength as MGP10 treated pine?
The manufacturer specifies it as a fit-for-purpose, direct substitute for H3 MGP10 framing. Use it where H3 MGP10 is specified and confirm spans against the manufacturer’s specification and user guide, which we keep at the counter.
Can I put it in the ground?
No. H3 is for above-ground use only. Posts in the ground need H4 treated timber.
Does it need painting or oiling?
Not for durability; the treatment does that. The factory coating protects it during construction. If the framing stays visible, finish it as you would any exterior pine, and seal the cut ends either way.
What lengths are in stock?
6.0 m in the three small sizes, and 3.6 to 6.0 m from 90 × 45 up to 290 × 45. 7.2 m is to order in 140 × 45 and larger.
Also at the yard
- H3 LOSP treated pine: the MGP10 sizes LifeCore replaces, from 70 × 45 to 290 × 45 mm
- Framing pine, MGP10 and MGP12: untreated, for enclosed internal framing
- LVL beams: for the spans sawn timber cannot make
- H4 treated posts: for in-ground use
- Timber grades explained: what H3, H4, MGP10 and F7 mean
Pickup and delivery
170 Settlement Road, Thomastown, Mon–Fri 7 am–4:30 pm and Sat 9 am–1 pm. We load it for you, or deliver across Melbourne and regional Victoria with delivery quoted on the order. Call (03) 9465 9875 with the cutting list and we will price it against treated pine so you can see the difference for your job.