Glulam Timber Species

The most common timber used in the manufacture of glulam is Spruce, followed by European Larch, Douglas Fir, European Redwood (Scots Pine) and Oak. We are always looking to try other species or modified timbers, examples include Iroko, Accoya and recently we have had good results with trials of the UK grown Ash and Sweet Chestnut.

It is sometimes quite easy to forget that timber is a natural product – it varies in colour texture and grain. Even a single plank of wood visually changes greatly across its length. It is a beautiful, natural product and when adopted within a building it can bring a natural resonance second to no other material.​

Wood has been used in some of the largest construction projects in the world and adopted for use in the smallest utilitarian tools (from toothpicks to matches). It is a sustainable, versatile material and its use and application have helped to shape history – from bridges and boats through to arrows and pencils! Its application affords an unmatchable natural resonance, and it continues to enhance both the smallest of interior spaces and the largest exterior projects worldwide.

There are over 60,000 different species of trees on the planet. Some differ in such small ways that are hardly discernible to the naked eye whilst others are worlds apart. Even with this huge variety to choose from we predominantly use only five different varieties: Oak, Larch, Douglas Fir, Spruce and Redwood. Their characteristics differ greatly but we have found this small combination can provide the widest possible option when used in the manufacture of glulam beams.