Glulam beam profiles represent one of the most versatile structural timber products available to B2B dealers. Understanding the relationship between wall thickness, lamella configuration, and performance characteristics enables dealers to specify the correct profile for each project and communicate technical advantages to their customers. This guide covers profiles from 88mm to 220mm and their applications across the timber construction spectrum.
What is a Glulam Beam Profile?
Glulam (glue-laminated timber) is an engineered wood product created by bonding multiple layers of dimensioned timber (lamellae) with structural adhesive under controlled pressure and temperature. Each lamella is typically 30-45mm thick and is kiln-dried to the 12-14% production moisture target before assembly.
The resulting beam profile combines the natural aesthetic of timber with engineered performance characteristics that exceed those of solid timber of equivalent dimensions. The grain direction of each lamella is aligned along the length of the beam, and the adhesive bonds create a homogeneous structural element that resists splitting, warping, and checking.
For dealers, the key advantage of glulam is predictability. Unlike solid timber, where natural defects (knots, grain deviation, moisture variation) create unpredictable performance, glulam delivers consistent structural properties that can be specified with confidence.
How Are Glulam Wall Thicknesses Classified?
Eurodita manufactures glulam profiles across a range of wall thicknesses, each designed for specific structural and aesthetic requirements:
| Wall Thickness | Lamella Layers | Primary Application | Thermal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88mm | 3-4 layers | Large garden buildings, guest annexes | Good (adequate for three-season use) |
| 88mm | 4 layers | Premium garden offices, workshops | Good to high |
| 135mm | 4-5 layers | Residential annexes, small houses | High (assessed per project on the complete build-up) |
| 135mm | 5 layers | Full residential construction | Very high |
| 220mm | 6-7 layers | Premium residential, multi-storey | Supports project-specific performance review |
| 220mm | 7 layers | Premium residential, extreme climates | Supports project-specific performance review |
The progression from 88mm to 220mm represents a spectrum from lightweight garden structures to fully insulated residential buildings. Dealers should understand this spectrum to recommend appropriate products and avoid over- or under-specifying for each project.
What Determines the Appropriate Wall Thickness?
Four primary factors determine which glulam wall thickness is appropriate for a given project:
- Structural requirements: Larger spans, higher wind loads, and multi-storey construction demand thicker profiles with greater load-bearing capacity.
- Thermal review: year-round or habitable-building claims require project-level review of wall, roof, floor, glazing, insulation and local requirements.
- Aesthetic preferences: Thicker profiles create a more substantial visual impression, which some customers prefer for residential applications.
- Local review: different jurisdictions have varying requirements for structural adequacy, fire resistance, thermal performance and intended use.
Dealers should consider all four factors when recommending a wall thickness, rather than defaulting to the thickest available option. Over-specifying increases cost without proportional benefit, while under-specifying creates performance problems and customer dissatisfaction.
How Does Lamella Configuration Affect Performance?
The number and arrangement of lamellae within a glulam profile directly affect its structural and thermal characteristics:
3- to 4-Layer Configuration (88mm Entry Glulam Route)
Three lamellae bonded together provide adequate structural performance for single-storey garden buildings and offices. The symmetrical arrangement ensures balanced stress distribution. This configuration is the most cost-effective and suits the majority of non-residential applications.
5-Layer Configuration (135mm Project Route)
Five lamellae provide significantly greater load-bearing capacity and dimensional stability. The additional layers distribute stress more evenly, reducing the risk of localised failure. This configuration is standard for residential construction and premium commercial buildings.
7-Layer Configuration (220mm)
Seven lamellae represent the premium tier of glulam construction. This configuration is used for large residential properties, multi-storey buildings, and structures in extreme climate zones where maximum thermal mass and structural integrity are required. The timber alone provides substantial insulation, often reducing or eliminating the need for supplementary insulation materials.
What Are the Structural Load Capacities?
Glulam load capacity varies by thickness, grade, and the specific loading conditions. The following table provides general guidance for horizontally loaded wall elements:
| Wall Thickness | Compressive Strength (N/mm²) | Bending Strength (N/mm²) | Suitable Span (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88mm | 24 | 24 | Up to 5.0 |
| 135mm | 24-28 | 24-28 | Up to 6.5 |
| 135mm | 28 | 28 | Up to 8.0 |
| 220mm | 28-32 | 28-32 | Up to 10.0 |
| 220mm | 32 | 32 | Up to 12.0+ |
These values are indicative and depend on the specific glulam grade (GL24, GL28, GL32 per European standard). Dealers should always refer to the structural engineer’s calculations for specific projects, particularly for residential and multi-storey applications.
Which Applications Suit Each Thickness Range?
Garden Buildings and Studios (88mm Glulam Route)
For Eurodita engineered laminated buildings, use the confirmed wall profile range: 88mm, 135mm, 180mm and 220mm. Non-standard wall uses should only be presented when a current project drawing proves them.
Residential-Intent and Larger Accommodation Review (135mm and Above)
For accommodation or residential-intent projects, 135mm and above should be reviewed as part of the complete project specification. Profile data can support the dealer, designer and local authority review, but wall thickness alone does not confirm compliance.
Premium Residential (220mm)
The premium thickness range is specified for high-end residential projects, properties in harsh climates, and applications where the visual mass of the timber is a key design element. At 220mm, the walls are specified for projects whose design calls for the heaviest glulam section; thermal and acoustic performance is assessed per project. These profiles are typically used in bespoke projects where standard configurations are insufficient.
How Does Eurodita Manufacture Glulam Profiles?
UAB Eurodita, manufacturing in Lithuania since 1994, produces glulam profiles using a vertically integrated production process that ensures quality consistency from raw timber to finished product:
- Timber selection: Northern European timber is sourced from Northern European suppliers and graded for structural use.
- Kiln drying: Nardi kilns (Italy) bring timber to the 12-14% production moisture target, ensuring dimensional stability.
- Lamella preparation: Timber is planed, finger-jointed for length, and graded for defects.
- Adhesive application and pressing: Structural adhesive is applied under controlled conditions. Hydraulic presses maintain consistent pressure during curing.
- CNC machining: Hundegger (Germany) and Auer (Austria) CNC machines cut profiles to exact specifications, including joints, channels, and openings.
- Quality control: Each batch is tested for moisture content, bond integrity, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality.
Eurodita manufactures approximately 1,800-2,000 bespoke timber structures per year. Glulam output is separate and additional to that total. Eurodita processes 150,000 m³ of timber annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum glulam thickness for residential construction?
For projects that require residential or Building Regulations review, 135mm and above can be considered as part of the complete wall, roof, floor, glazing and insulation package. Part L review, where relevant, is a project-level check, not a wall-thickness-only result.
When is glulam the right choice for wall construction?
Glulam is the right choice for wall and beam profiles where dimensional stability, strength, and log-house aesthetics are required. It uses parallel grain orientation for maximum longitudinal strength, making it suitable for residential walls, beams, and dealer-ready timber house systems. Eurodita standard range focuses on log cabin and glulam systems rather than panel-based wall products.
Can different wall thicknesses be combined in one building?
Yes. It is common to use thicker profiles for external load-bearing walls and thinner profiles for internal partitions. This approach optimises material usage and cost while maintaining structural integrity. The connection details between different thicknesses must be carefully designed.
What maintenance do glulam walls require?
Glulam walls require the same maintenance as solid timber: periodic application of protective stain or paint (typically every 3-5 years for external surfaces), regular inspection of sealant joints, and monitoring for moisture ingress. The laminated structure is more resistant to checking and splitting than solid timber, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Does Eurodita offer custom glulam profiles?
Yes. UAB Eurodita manufactures bespoke glulam profiles to customer specifications, including non-standard thicknesses, curved elements, and special joint configurations. Custom profiles require an engineering and tooling preparation stage, and its timing is confirmed in the written quotation.
For technical specifications or to discuss glulam profiles for your product range, contact the Eurodita partner team.
Frequently asked questions
Which glulam wall profiles does Eurodita manufacture for dealer orders?
Five glulam profiles: 70×130, 88×260, 135×260, 180×260 and 220×260 mm, the first figure being the wall thickness and the second the log width. Dovetail corners are available on the 88 to 220 mm profiles. Any approved profile can be specified on any model, so the building design and the wall profile are chosen separately in the quotation.
Does Eurodita publish U-values for its glulam wall thicknesses?
Preliminary U-values are published for the timber wall element alone, not for a finished wall. A thicker timber wall raises the thermal resistance of that element, but the energy performance of a building depends on the complete envelope, including roof, floor, glazing, insulation, airtightness and installation quality. Thermal review is a project-level check carried out by the dealer’s or client’s appointed professionals against local requirements.
Are glulam building sizes quoted as internal or external dimensions?
Building dimensions are stated as external dimensions. With glulam walls from 88 mm to 220 mm thick, the difference between external and internal floor area is significant, so dealers should calculate usable internal space from the drawings for the selected profile. Dimensions and profile for each order are confirmed in the written quotation.
Who carries out structural calculations for a glulam building project?
Structural calculations, where a project needs them, are provided by specialist engineering partners rather than in-house, and the span and strength values in this guide are indicative only. Building approval remains with the buyer’s local route. The dealer or client project team submits the drawings and calculations to the relevant authority for the destination.
Is a single glulam building accepted as a first order?
Yes. Glulam and bespoke buildings can be single projects; there is no single fixed minimum order across the range, and a pilot unit is accepted practice. Standard ranges in 19 to 44 mm profiles are volume-driven. The scope, price and production timing of any first glulam order are confirmed in the written quotation.