Timber Frame Construction

Glulam

Glulam is glued laminated timber known for its exceptional stability, strength and dimensional accuracy. It is composed of carefully selected, dried and pre‑planed lamellas that are bonded under high pressure into a single homogeneous structural element. In German‑speaking regions, this material is also known as BSH (Brettschichtholz), but in the international timber construction sector, Glulam is the standard term. Thanks to its engineered lamella structure, Glulam outperforms solid wood mechanically and enables larger spans and more complex architectural forms.

Delivery subject to stock availability.
Free pick up in our warehouse at Ghent.
Shipping within Europe possible.

Available dimensions and thickness
- Thickness: 60–280 mm (in 20 mm increments)
- Width: 100–1000 mm (in 40 mm increments)
- Length: 4–18 m (longer lengths available on request)
Qualities
Glued laminated timber consists of individual lamellas that are finger‑jointed in the longitudinal direction and then laminated and planed to the required height. This results in structural elements that are stronger than solid wood and offer superior technical and static performance.
Key characteristics
- exceptional stiffness and dimensional stability
- high load‑bearing capacity at relatively low weight
- strong performance in fire due to predictable charring behaviour
- high‑quality visual appearance thanks to smooth, planed surfaces
- no torsion (unlike solid wood)
- flexible in design — ideal for curved or complex structures
- PEFC‑certified and sourced from sustainably managed forests
Quality grades
- Visual quality (for exposed applications)
- Non‑visual / industrial quality (for structural use)
Lamella configurations
- Homogeneous (h): all lamellas in the same strength class
- Combined (c): outer lamellas in a higher strength class than inner layers
Applications
Glulam is widely used in structural timber construction, both for technical and architectural purposes:
- Load‑bearing beams and girders: suitable for floors, roof structures and large spans; combines strength with aesthetics
- Columns and vertical supports: stable vertical elements for halls, residential buildings and utility projects
- Curved structures: ideal for sports halls, swimming pools, churches and other architectural forms
- Roof trusses and frameworks: high dimensional stability and strong fire performance
- Exterior applications & architecture: with proper finishing suitable for bridges, canopies, shelters and exposed structural elements
Technical specifications
- Species:Picea abies (spruce)
- Country of origin: Germany
- Natural durability class: 4
- Strength classes: GL24, GL28, GL30, GL32 (homogeneous or combined)
- Quality: visual or industrial
- Reaction to fire: D‑s2,d0
- Formaldehyde class: E1
- Density: approx. 300–650 kg/m³ (depending on strength class)
- Modulus of elasticity: 11,000–13,000 N/mm²
- Shear modulus: 365–390 N/mm²
- Bending strength: 24–30 N/mm²
- Knots: may be visible depending on quality grade (visual vs. structural)