GLUE LAMINATED TIMBER (GLULAM)
Glulam is versatile, ranging from simple, straight beams to complex, curved members.
Glulam, short for glue-laminated timber, is a type of engineered wood made by bonding multiple layers of solid wood together using strong adhesives. By layering the wood this way, glulam becomes stronger, more stable, and more reliable than a single piece of timber.
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Because it is made in controlled factory conditions, glulam beams are straight, consistent in size, and less likely to twist, crack, or warp over time. This makes them a dependable choice for building structures.
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Glulam is available in different finish levels, ranging from basic structural use to high-quality finishes designed to be left visible. This means it can be hidden inside walls or proudly exposed as a design feature.
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Thanks to its strength and clean appearance, glulam is often used for large open spaces, high ceilings, and long spans. You’ll find it in homes, offices, schools, places of worship, and other buildings where both durability and good looks matter.
STRENGTH
Using glulam in construction offers a smart and more environmentally friendly alternative to steel and concrete. Even though it is very strong, glulam is much lighter. It weighs less than 10% of steel and about one-fifth the weight of concrete. This makes it easier and cheaper to transport, lowers carbon emissions, and reduces the load on the building structure.
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Glulam is also easier and faster to install compared to concrete. Because it is made off-site and delivered ready to use, installation is quicker and less affected by weather or seasons. This saves time on site and simplifies construction.
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Despite being lightweight, glulam is extremely strong.
SHAPE FLEXIBILITY
Glulam, or glue-laminated timber, is highly flexible and easy to work with, which makes it a great choice for architects and designers who want both strength and good looks in their buildings.
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Because glulam is made by layering and bonding pieces of wood together, it can be shaped into many different forms. This allows designers to create straight, curved, or custom shapes that match their design ideas. Curved glulam beams, in particular, have become increasingly popular because they combine structural strength with a smooth, elegant appearance.
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These beams are made in factory-controlled conditions where layers of wood are carefully bonded together. This process creates strong, durable beams that can be formed into gentle curves without losing their strength or reliability.
DURABILITY
Glulam has been used for many years in both indoor and outdoor spaces because it is strong, reliable, and long-lasting. When installed and maintained properly, it resists rot, mould, and decay, giving it a long service life.
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Glulam is made by bonding layers of wood together, which gives it excellent strength and stability. This makes it suitable for many different building uses, from structural beams to visible design features.
It also performs well in outdoor conditions.
With the right installation and regular maintenance, glulam keeps its shape, strength, and appearance over time, avoiding many of the common problems seen with other building materials.
SUSTAINABILITY
Glulam has been used for decades in many types of buildings, including schools, high-rise buildings, swimming pools, and supermarkets. Its long track record shows that it is both reliable and durable.
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Even though it is very strong, glulam is much lighter than traditional materials. It weighs less than 10% of steel and about one-fifth of concrete. This makes it easier to handle and install, while also reducing environmental impact. Glulam combines strength, efficiency, and sustainability in a clean, modern building material.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Glulam is naturally resistant to fire and is considered safe to use in exposed building structures. Because it is made from thick, solid layers of wood, it performs well in fire conditions.
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When exposed to fire, the outer surface of glulam slowly burns and forms a charred layer. This char layer protects the inner core, helping the beam keep its strength for a longer period and slowing the spread of fire.
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Glulam is also tested and approved to meet international fire safety standards. These approvals confirm that it can be safely used in many types of buildings while meeting modern fire safety requirements.
COST BENEFITS
Using prefabricated wood components, especially in mass timber construction, helps projects get built faster while maintaining better quality control. Since many parts are made in a factory, there is more precision and fewer on-site issues.
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This approach works well across many types of projects, including offices, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. One of the biggest advantages of mass timber is speed. Buildings can be assembled much faster than with steel, concrete, or traditional wood framing.
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Faster construction means lower labour costs, fewer delays, and earlier project completion. By using prefabricated timber elements, project owners save both time and money, making it a practical and efficient choice for modern construction.
