What Is LRV, and How Does It Affect Your Next Project?

Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, measures how much light a surface reflects.

A higher number indicates a more reflective surface. In architectural features and exterior facades, materials that are too reflective can cause glare, unwanted heat build-up, and may even fail to meet building regulations – but if too low, they can contribute to higher temperatures.

That’s where Knotwood comes in, offering the best of both worlds by combining the aesthetic of wood with the heat-dissipating properties of aluminum.

What sets Knotwood apart?

Low-LRV wood grain finishes Engineered to achieve deep, natural wood colors while keeping reflectivity under control. This means you can enjoy the warmth and traditional character of wood without the harsh glare or unwanted shine of aluminum.

Realism: Our wood grain colors range from light to dark, providing visual authenticity that architects, designers, and homeowners want. Unlike untreated wood, Knotwood’s finishes maintain color stability over time.

Regulation-friendly: Knotwood’s complete low-LRV color range maintains compliance with building standards, giving you the freedom to choose deep, rich wood tones without being limited to typical standard colors.

Durability and low maintenance: Made for both indoor and outdoor use, Knotwood resists weathering, fading, and wear, so you can achieve beautiful wood tones without the upkeep.

For example, our Queensland Walnut finish has an LRV of 18.84 – a deep, low-reflective tone that delivers striking visual contrast for modern designs while remaining compliant with accessibility standards. A competitor’s darker sample may appear less reflective at first glance, but shine doesn’t equal performance; in fact, overly glossy finishes can look cheaper.

What sets Knotwood apart is the technology behind the finish. Through advanced sublimation techniques, we achieve authentic wood detail with controlled reflectivity, ensuring a refined, natural look that lasts.

Because darker finishes like Queensland Walnut absorb more heat, we also guide specifiers on surface comfort and coating longevity, so projects not only look incredible but perform reliably for years to come.

With Knotwood’s low-LRV, wood-inspired finishes, you get the sophistication of timber with the durability of aluminum – beautiful, resilient, and built to endure.

See for yourself! Order your free samples today!