What Are Glulam Beams?
Glulam beams are an evolution of a standard timber beam. They’re manufactured by bonding multiple smaller timber sections together, helping to reduce the natural weak points found in a single piece of timber. As a result, glulam beams can span further and provide greater stiffness than traditional timber alternatives while also weighing significantly less than steel. This makes them an excellent choice for smaller projects or where load-bearing requirements are more moderate. Additionally, glulam is a renewable, sustainable material and remains lightweight compared to steel. We stock various depths and widths, all up to 12m in length. Click here to view all of our glulam sizes.
| Feature | Glulam | Solid Timber | Steel |
| Max Span | High | Limited | Very High |
| Aesthetics | Natural/warm | Rustic | Industrial |
| Eco-Friendly | High (renewable) | High (renewable) | Low |
Glulam Beam Weight Calculator
Use this glulam beam weight calculator to quickly estimate the total weight of your beam based on its depth, width and span.
Once the lamellae are prepared, they’re glued together face to face using a high-performance adhesive. The glued assembly is then pressed under controlled pressure to ensure a strong, consistent bond across the full depth of the beam. This is what gives glulam its excellent load-carrying capacity and dimensional stability.
After curing, the beam is planed smooth on all four sides to give it clean, straight edges and a finished appearance. At this stage, the beams can also be cut to specific lengths. We offer beams in 12m lengths, cut down to whatever span you require.
What is glulam?
Glulam (glued laminated timber) is a type of engineered wood product made by gluing together layers of wood to form beams, columns, or other structural elements. It offers high strength, flexibility, and design versatility while maintaining a natural wood appearance.
What are the advantages of using glulam beams?
Glulam offers several advantages, including its ability to span long distances without intermediate supports, its sustainability (since it uses renewable wood), its aesthetic appeal and its strength and flexibility in design.
Can glulam be used instead of steel beams?
Yes, glulam can replace steel beams in some structural applications, particularly in building designs where aesthetics or sustainability are priorities and the loads are slightly lower.
How much does glulam weigh?
Depending on the span, it can weigh from 10kg to over 300kg. Please see this table for detailed weights.
How does glulam perform in a fire?
Unlike steel, which rapidly loses strength and deforms under high heat, glulam maintains its structural integrity for a longer period. As it burns, a protective char layer forms on the surface, slowing further combustion and acting as a thermal barrier to protect the inner core. The Charring rate for glulam is predictable and slow (~0.6–0.7 mm/min for many species), allowing engineers to design for fire resistance. Steel's strength can drop by 50% or more at just 600°C (1112°F) — well below its melting point.
Can I order glulam in any length?
We can supply glulam beams up to 12m long, cut down to whatever length you require. We also stock a range of widths and depths. Click here to order glulam online.
Can I get a custom quote
Of course—fill out this form for a free quote.