Choosing the right timber construction system is one of the most consequential decisions for B2B dealers and their clients. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), and Solid Log construction each serve distinct market segments, offer different structural properties, and carry different cost and supply chain implications. For dealers positioning themselves in the timber building market, a clear technical understanding of these three systems is essential — both for product selection and for advising clients with confidence.
This comparison examines CLT, glulam, and solid log construction from a B2B dealer perspective: structural performance, cost structure, manufacturing processes, market applications, and the practical implications of each system for your dealership business.
What Are the Fundamental Differences Between CLT, Glulam, and Solid Log?
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
CLT is an engineered wood panel product composed of layers of dimensional lumber oriented at right angles to one another and bonded with structural adhesive. Panels typically consist of 3, 5, or 7 layers, with each layer perpendicular to the adjacent layers. This cross-lamination creates a panel with excellent structural properties in both directions — effectively creating a solid timber wall, floor, or roof element that can be used as a primary structural system.
CLT panels are factory-produced in large dimensions (typically up to 3.5m wide and 16m long, though dimensions vary by manufacturer), CNC-machined to precise specifications including window and door openings, service penetrations, and connection details. The finished panels are delivered to site and erected using cranes, achieving remarkably fast on-site assembly times.
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam)
Glulam is an engineered wood product manufactured by bonding multiple layers (laminations) of dimensional timber together with structural adhesive, with the grain of all laminations running parallel. This distinguishes glulam from CLT, where alternating layers are perpendicular. Glulam is primarily used as a beam, column, or post-and-beam framing system rather than as a panel product.
The lamination process allows glulam to achieve structural capacities that exceed equivalent-dimension solid timber, while also enabling curved and non-standard geometries that solid timber cannot achieve. Glulam members can be manufactured in lengths exceeding 40 metres and depths exceeding 2 metres, making it suitable for large-span structural applications where solid timber is impractical.
In the context of residential and commercial timber buildings — the primary market for most B2B dealers — glulam is used as the structural framing system for wall logs, beams, purlins, and columns. Glulam wall logs offer dimensional stability, resistance to cracking and twisting, and precision interlocking profiles that are difficult to achieve with solid timber.
Solid Log Construction
Solid log construction uses single-piece timber logs — either round, D-shaped, or rectangular-profiled — that interlock at corners using various joint systems (saddle notch, dovetail, tongue-and-groove, and proprietary profiles). Solid log cabins represent the oldest form of timber construction and remain popular across European markets, particularly for garden buildings, holiday accommodation, and traditional-style residential properties.
Modern solid log construction bears limited resemblance to traditional log building. Contemporary solid log products are kiln-dried, precision-machined on CNC systems, and engineered with interlocking profiles that create tight, weatherproof joints. Wall thicknesses typically range from 28mm (garden buildings) to 134mm+ (residential grade), with thicker walls providing better thermal performance and structural capacity.
How Do CLT, Glulam, and Solid Log Compare on Structural Properties?
Load-Bearing Capacity
The three systems differ significantly in their structural behaviour and load-bearing characteristics:
CLT functions as a plate or slab structural element, carrying loads in two directions simultaneously. This makes CLT particularly effective for floor and roof applications where loads are distributed across the panel, and for multi-storey construction where the wall panels serve as primary load-bearing elements. CLT has been used in buildings up to 18 storeys, demonstrating its structural potential in the tall timber building segment.
Glulam is a linear structural element, carrying loads along the beam or column axis. Glulam beams achieve higher bending strength than equivalent solid timber sections because the lamination process distributes natural defects (knots, grain variations) across multiple laminations, reducing their structural impact. Characteristic bending strengths for glulam typically range from 24 to 32 MPa (GL24h to GL32h), compared to 18-24 MPa for equivalent solid timber grades.
Solid log walls carry vertical loads through direct compression and transfer lateral loads through the interlocking corner joints and log-to-log connections. For buildings within typical residential and commercial scales (single to two storeys, spans up to approximately 6 metres), solid log construction provides adequate structural performance. Beyond these parameters, solid log requires supplementary framing — typically glulam beams and columns — for larger spans and increased loads.
Dimensional Stability
Dimensional stability — the tendency of timber to change dimensions as it gains or loses moisture — is a critical consideration for all timber construction systems:
CLT achieves excellent dimensional stability because the cross-laminated layers restrain each other’s movement. Moisture-induced dimensional changes in CLT panels are approximately 10-15% of those in solid timber of the same species, making CLT the most dimensionally stable of the three systems.
Glulam achieves good dimensional stability because the lamination process uses kiln-dried timber (typically 10-12% moisture content) and the adhesive bonds resist moisture movement across lamination interfaces. Glulam wall logs exhibit significantly less settlement and shrinkage than solid log walls — an important practical advantage for building construction where finishes, doors, and windows must accommodate structural movement.
Solid log construction is the most susceptible to dimensional change. Solid logs will shrink, settle, and potentially twist as they equilibrate to their service environment. A well-dried solid log wall (12% moisture content) will still experience some settlement — typically 15-30mm per metre of wall height — requiring settlement gaps above doors and windows, sliding connections for internal partitions, and flexible service pipe connections. This settlement behaviour is well understood and manageable with proper design, but it does add complexity to the construction process.
Thermal Performance
Thermal performance considerations differ across the three systems:
CLT panels offer moderate thermal performance from the timber itself (thermal conductivity approximately 0.12 W/mK), but CLT buildings almost always incorporate additional external or internal insulation to meet current energy performance requirements. A standard CLT wall assembly typically combines the CLT structural panel with an insulated service cavity and a weather-resistant cladding system.
Glulam wall logs in residential and commercial buildings provide good thermal mass properties. The thermal performance of a glulam wall depends on the profile thickness and the specific wall assembly. Thicker glulam profiles (90mm+) with modern interlocking designs and optional external insulation meet current building regulation requirements for thermal performance in most European climates.
Solid log walls rely on timber thickness for thermal performance. Thicker logs (70mm+) provide reasonable thermal performance for seasonal use, while residential-grade log buildings (90mm+) typically require additional insulation or thicker wall profiles (134mm+) to meet current thermal regulations. The thermal mass of solid log walls provides a beneficial moderating effect on internal temperatures, reducing peak heating and cooling loads.
How Do Manufacturing Processes Differ for CLT, Glulam, and Solid Log?
CLT Production
CLT manufacturing is a capital-intensive process requiring specialised production lines. Raw timber is graded, kiln-dried, planed, finger-jointed into continuous laminations, assembled into panels with alternating grain orientations, and pressed with structural adhesive under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. The finished panels are then CNC-machined to specification.
CLT production requires substantial capital investment (production line costs typically exceed €10 million), and the industry is concentrated among a relatively small number of large-scale manufacturers, predominantly in Austria, Germany, Sweden, and the UK. This concentration affects supply chain dynamics for dealers: lead times can be long (8-16 weeks), order flexibility is limited, and minimum order values tend to be high.
Glulam Production
Glulam manufacturing follows a well-established production process: timber selection and grading, kiln drying, planing, finger-jointing of laminations, adhesive application, pressing, and final machining. The process is less capital-intensive than CLT production and is accessible to medium-scale manufacturers.
Eurodita’s production facility exemplifies contemporary glulam manufacturing: Hundegger CNC systems cut and profile glulam members with sub-millimetre accuracy, while Nardi kiln drying achieves the consistent moisture content required for durable adhesive bonds. The combination of European CNC technology and experienced production staff delivers the quality consistency that B2B dealers require for commercial supply.
Solid Log Production
Solid log production involves timber selection, kiln drying, profiling (creating interlocking tongue-and-groove or similar profiles), CNC cutting for length, window and door openings, and corner joint machining. The production process is well-suited to medium-scale manufacturing and offers flexibility in production batch sizes that CLT production does not.
For dealers, solid log products offer the advantage of shorter lead times, lower minimum order quantities, and a broader range of standard product options compared to CLT. The trade-off is that solid log is limited to building typologies where its structural and dimensional characteristics are appropriate.
Market Applications: Which System for Which Segment?
CLT: Mid-Rise, Commercial, and Institutional
CLT’s primary market advantage lies in applications where its panel-based structural system outperforms linear framing systems:
- Multi-storey residential: 3+ storey apartment and housing developments where CLT panels serve as walls, floors, and roof simultaneously
- Commercial buildings: Office buildings, retail premises, and mixed-use developments where large open floor plans require floor spans exceeding 6 metres
- Institutional buildings: Schools, healthcare facilities, and community buildings where rapid on-site construction and minimal disruption are valued
- Hybrid structures: Buildings combining CLT floors and walls with glulam beams and columns for specific structural requirements
CLT is less competitive for smaller-scale applications — garden buildings, single-storey cabins, standard residential buildings — where its structural over-capacity translates to unnecessary cost.
Glulam: Premium Residential, Holiday Accommodation, and Bespoke
Glulam’s combination of structural performance, aesthetic quality, and manufacturing flexibility makes it the optimal system for many B2B dealer market segments:
- Residential homes: Glulam homes offer the structural performance, dimensional stability, and design flexibility that the premium residential market demands
- Holiday accommodation: Timber lodges, mobile homes, and premium holiday cabins where the warmth and aesthetic of exposed glulam structure commands premium rates
- Garden offices and annexes: Higher-specification garden buildings where dimensional stability and build quality justify glulam over solid log
- Bespoke projects: Custom-designed buildings where specific dimensions, profiles, and structural requirements need engineered timber solutions
- Commercial buildings: Restaurants, retail premises, showrooms, and workshop buildings where exposed glulam structure creates distinctive architectural character
Solid Log: Garden Buildings, Standard Cabins, and Traditional-Style Properties
Solid log construction remains the most cost-effective system for many standard applications:
- Garden buildings: Sheds, workshops, storage buildings, and standard garden offices where cost-effectiveness and straightforward construction are priorities
- Standard log cabins: Holiday cabins, weekend retreats, and camping site accommodation in standard configurations
- Traditional-style homes: Markets where the traditional log cabin aesthetic is specifically desired, particularly in Scandinavian, Alpine, and rural markets
- Agricultural and rural buildings: Farm buildings, equestrian facilities, and rural storage where solid log provides a durable, practical solution
What Are the Cost Differences Between CLT, Glulam, and Solid Log?
Material Cost Hierarchy
In general terms, the material cost hierarchy (per square metre of finished building) is: CLT is the most expensive, followed by glulam, then solid log. However, this simple ranking obscures important nuances:
- CLT material costs are higher, but total project costs can be competitive because of dramatically reduced on-site construction time and labour. For commercial projects where site access is restricted, programme speed is critical, or labour costs are high, CLT’s total installed cost can match or beat conventional construction
- Glulam occupies the middle ground: moderate material cost, excellent structural performance, and the ability to command premium pricing from end customers based on build quality and aesthetics. For most B2B dealers, glulam represents the optimal balance of cost, quality, and market positioning
- Solid log offers the lowest material cost, particularly for standard products in volume production. This cost advantage makes solid log the preferred choice for price-sensitive market segments and high-volume applications
Margin Implications for Dealers
For B2B dealers, the margin implications of each system differ:
CLT projects tend to be large-value orders with correspondingly large absolute margins, but the competitive landscape and project complexity mean that percentage margins are often tighter. CLT dealership also requires technical engineering capability that adds overhead cost.
Glulam projects offer the most attractive margin profile for most dealers. Glulam products command premium pricing based on quality and performance, while manufacturing costs are moderate. The customisation capability of glulam production also creates opportunities for differentiated offerings that resist price competition.
Solid log products in standard configurations face more price competition, particularly from imports and lower-cost manufacturers. However, the volume potential of the solid log market — garden buildings alone represent hundreds of thousands of unit sales annually across Europe — means that solid log can generate substantial revenue even at lower per-unit margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between CLT and glulam?
CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) is a panel product with alternating grain layers that creates a structural wall or floor element. Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) is a beam and column product with parallel grain layers used for post-and-beam framing. CLT is ideal for multi-storey and large commercial buildings, while glulam is optimal for residential homes, holiday accommodation, and bespoke structures.
Is glulam stronger than solid log?
Yes. Glulam achieves higher bending strength (24-32 MPa) than equivalent solid timber sections (18-24 MPa) because the lamination process distributes natural defects across multiple layers. Glulam is also significantly more dimensionally stable, resisting the shrinkage, settlement, and twisting that can affect solid log construction.
Which timber construction system is most cost-effective?
Solid log construction has the lowest material cost per square metre for standard building configurations. However, total project cost depends on the application. For multi-storey buildings, CLT can be most cost-effective due to reduced construction time. For premium residential and commercial buildings, glulam offers the best balance of cost and value. The most cost-effective choice depends on the specific project requirements and market segment.
Can CLT, glulam, and solid log be combined in one building?
Yes. Hybrid construction combining different timber systems is common and often optimal. For example, a building might use solid log or glulam walls with CLT floor panels for upper storeys, or glulam beams and columns supporting solid log wall infill. Hybrid approaches allow designers to use each material where its properties are most advantageous.
Which system has the best thermal performance?
CLT and glulam wall assemblies can achieve equivalent thermal performance when designed with appropriate insulation layers. Solid log walls rely primarily on timber thickness for thermal resistance, requiring thicker walls (90mm+) or supplementary insulation to match the thermal performance of insulated CLT or glulam assemblies. All three systems benefit from timber’s natural thermal mass, which moderates temperature fluctuations.
Does Eurodita manufacture CLT?
Eurodita specialises in glulam and solid log construction. The company’s product range includes glulam homes, log cabins, mobile homes, garden offices, and bespoke timber structures — all manufactured using glulam or solid log systems. CLT production requires different manufacturing infrastructure and serves primarily the multi-storey and large commercial segment, which represents a different market from Eurodita’s core B2B dealer-focused product range.
Which Timber Construction System Should Your Dealership Offer?
For B2B dealers evaluating which timber construction systems to offer, the decision should be guided by your target market, client base, and business model:
- If your market is residential homes and premium holiday accommodation: Glulam should be your primary product offering, supplemented by solid log for standard and budget-oriented products
- If your market is garden buildings and standard cabins: Solid log is your core product, with glulam available for clients requiring premium specifications
- If your market is commercial and multi-storey construction: CLT capability is important, potentially in combination with glulam for hybrid structures
- If you want the broadest market coverage: Partner with a manufacturer who can supply both glulam and solid log products from a single production facility, enabling you to serve multiple market segments efficiently
Eurodita’s manufacturing capability spans both glulam and solid log construction, with a product range of 198+ models that covers residential homes, holiday accommodation, garden buildings, mobile homes, and commercial structures. This breadth enables dealers to serve diverse market segments from a single manufacturing partnership.
Need technical guidance on the right timber system for your market? Contact Eurodita to discuss product specifications, technical requirements, and B2B partnership opportunities.
