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 70mm 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 a consistent moisture content of approximately 12% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70mm | 3 layers | Garden buildings, studios, small offices | Moderate (requires additional insulation for year-round use) |
| 88mm | 3–4 layers | Large garden buildings, guest annexes | Good (adequate for three-season use) |
| 92mm | 4 layers | Premium garden offices, workshops | Good to high |
| 112mm | 4–5 layers | Residential annexes, small houses | High (approaches Part L compliance) |
| 135mm | 5 layers | Full residential construction | Very high |
| 200mm | 6–7 layers | Premium residential, multi-storey | Exceeds standard requirements |
| 220mm | 7 layers | Premium residential, extreme climates | Maximum thermal performance |
The progression from 70mm 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 performance: Year-round habitable buildings require wall assemblies that achieve U-values specified by national building regulations.
- Aesthetic preferences: Thicker profiles create a more substantial visual impression, which some customers prefer for residential applications.
- Building regulations: Different jurisdictions have varying requirements for structural adequacy, fire resistance, and thermal performance.
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-Layer Configuration (70–88mm)
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 (112–135mm)
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 (200–220mm)
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70mm | 24 | 24 | Up to 4.0 |
| 88mm | 24 | 24 | Up to 5.0 |
| 112mm | 24–28 | 24–28 | Up to 6.5 |
| 135mm | 28 | 28 | Up to 8.0 |
| 200mm | 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 EN 14080). 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 (70–88mm)
The entry-level glulam thicknesses are ideal for garden offices, studios, workshops, and seasonal structures. At 70mm, the glulam provides a noticeable quality upgrade over standard interlocking log construction, with improved dimensional stability and a more refined finish. The 88mm option adds thermal performance for three-season use.
Residential Construction (112–135mm)
For permanent residential structures, 112mm and 135mm profiles provide the structural integrity and thermal performance required by building regulations. These thicknesses support open-plan designs with longer spans, higher ceilings, and larger window openings. They represent the core product range for glulam residential construction.
Premium Residential (200–220mm)
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 200–220mm, the walls provide exceptional thermal performance, acoustic insulation, and structural capability for complex architectural designs. These profiles are typically used in bespoke projects where standard configurations are insufficient.
How Does Eurodita Manufacture Glulam Profiles?
UAB Eurodita, founded in 1994 in Kaunas, Lithuania, manufactures glulam profiles using a vertically integrated production process that ensures quality consistency from raw timber to finished product:
- Timber selection: Nordic spruce is sourced from certified suppliers and graded for structural use.
- Kiln drying: Nardi kilns (Italy) reduce moisture content to 12% (+/- 2%), 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.
This manufacturing process produces approximately 1,800–2,000 bespoke glulam houses per year, alongside a capacity of 150,000 m² of Nordic spruce annually across all product lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum glulam thickness for residential construction?
For permanent residential construction that must comply with building regulations, 112mm is the recommended minimum. This thickness provides adequate structural performance and, with appropriate additional insulation, can achieve the U-values required by Part L of the Building Regulations.
How does glulam compare to CLT for wall construction?
Glulam and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serve different structural purposes. Glulam uses parallel grain orientation for maximum longitudinal strength, making it ideal for walls and beams. CLT uses alternating grain directions for panel-based construction. For log house-style construction, glulam is the preferred choice. For panel-based modern designs, CLT may be more appropriate.
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 typically require a 2–3 week lead time for engineering and tooling preparation.
For technical specifications or to discuss glulam profiles for your product range, contact the Eurodita partner team.
