Glulam (glued-laminated timber) is a structural timber product manufacture by gluing together individual pieces of dimension lumber under controlled conditions. The attributes of this wood product account for its frequent use as an attractive architectural and structural building material.

In the manufacutre of glulam, the wood pieces are end jointed and arranged in horizontal layers or laminations.

Laminating is an effective way of using high strength lumber of limited dimensions to manufacture large structural members in many shapes and sizes. Glulam is used for columns and for beams and frequently for curved members loaded in combined bending and compression.

Glulam is also energy efficient in use. The well known insulation property of timber eliminates the risk of cold bridging where the frame may penetrate external elements of the structure. Its low thermal mass helps reduce fuel an equivalent glulam beam.

The adhesives used in bonding glulam has a remarkable resistance to chemical attack and therefore glulam is often chosen as the preferred structural material for buildings such as salt barns, water treatment plants, etc.

A direct cost comparison shows that it is competitive with other structural materials; and the lower weight of glulam leads to savings on foundations, transport and erection.

The natural appearance of glulam is sufficiently attractive to make it eminently presentable with no cladding - indeed, used as exposed beams, glulam adds to the aesthetic appeal of a structure.

Glulam can be used for roof, lintel and floor beams, columns and rafters in almost any type of structure.