CLT Visual Grades and Finishes

There are four visual grades available for CLT:

1. Non-visual quality (Species: Spruce / Pine / Fir):

Where there are no visual demands on the surface. It is assumed that the surface will be positioned and finished or covered with other materials once in place.

2. Industrial-visual quality (Species: Spruce):

The CLT surface is finished in one species of wood; colour differences, the grain of wood and appearance less relevant. This grade of surface finish quality used specifically for industrial timber constructions, e.g. hall constructions (not for residential buildings, schools, offices, etc.)

3. Visual quality (Species: Spruce):

This finish consists of finger-jointed lamellas of one type of wood, which has a very homogeneous appearance in texture and grain and may be used without any additional finishing.

An ideal position for this grade of CLT would be ceiling panels. Growth features of the wood, such as compression wood or discolourations, etc. occur less.

4. Excellent quality (Species: Spruce):

This is the highest grade of CLT and consists of a cross-laminated, finger-jointed, three-layer ‘structural’ covering lamella and one-layer, highest quality visual. It can be used for wall, ceiling or floor panels. Please note where CLT is being used between floors and can be seen from above and below both faces will need to be specified as ‘visual quality’ when ordering.

For more information about visual grading in both CLT and glulam ask for a copy of the Buckland Timber Catalogue.

For more information about visual grading in both CLT and Glulam ask for a copy of the Buckland Timber Catalogue.

Buckland Timber 'work in progress' installation of CLT
keith o ceallaigh

Contact Keith O Ceallaigh:

If are considering CLT for a project and need some technical advice contact Keith by email keith@bucklandtimber.co.uk or by telephone on 01363 891 363.