When it comes to residential and commercial construction projects, the materials you choose can make a significant impact on the durability and lifespan of a building. As leading providers of high-quality engineered wood products, the team at Country Lumber knows how important it is to choose the right material for your project and the environment it is located in. That is why we have provided some information to outline what glulam timbers are, where they are used, and the benefits they offer to help you determine if they are the right choice for your project.
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How are Glulam Timbers Made?
Glulam (glued-laminated timber) is an engineered wood product that consists of multiple individual layers of dimensional lumber that are glued together under controlled conditions. Glulam is made from a wide variety of wood species including Douglas-fir, spruce-pine-fir (SPF), and western hemlock. Multiple laminations are pressed together using a mechanized hydraulic press and bonded with weather-resistant adhesives. Glulam can be customized as straight, curved, arched, or tapered, making it a versatile choice for many projects.
Common Forms of Glulam Timbers
Glulam timbers can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor projects. Common forms include, but are not limited to:
· Straight beams (lintels, purlins, ridge beams, and floor beams)
· Round and square columns
· Tied rafters
· Trusses
· Tied arches
· Arched bridge supports
· Curved beams
Benefits of Glulam Timbers
Glulam timbers are a popular choice for various industries due to their strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you are working on a large custom home or an intricate townhouse complex, glulam timbers offer the following benefits:
· Can be used for roof and floor beams, columns, bracing, decking, and other structural components
· Eco-friendly material with very low formaldehyde levels
· Highly sustainable due to being constructed from smaller pieces of “leftover” lumber
· Reduced transportation and handling costs due to lower weight
· Easy to install in any setting
· Customizable to fit unique projects or specific dimensions
· More readily available than conventional lumber
· Exceptional fire resistance that can outlast steel beams under the same fire conditions
To learn more about glulam timbers or other types of engineered wood, get in touch with the experts at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to help you choose the perfect materials for your project.