Glulam construction represents the most advanced form of engineered timber building available to the commercial market. As a B2B manufacturing method, glulam (glued laminated timber) combines the natural warmth and sustainability of wood with engineered precision that meets the demands of modern architecture and building regulations.
This guide examines how glulam construction works, where it excels compared to alternative building methods, and what B2B dealers and construction partners should understand when specifying glulam structures for their projects.
What Is Glulam Construction?
Glulam construction uses glued laminated timber as the primary structural material. Individual timber laminations (typically 33mm or 45mm thick boards) are kiln-dried to 16–18% moisture content, finger-jointed for length, and bonded together with structural adhesives under hydraulic pressure. The resulting beams and wall profiles are approximately 70% stronger than equivalent solid timber sections.
The manufacturing process takes place entirely in controlled factory conditions using CNC machinery. At Eurodita, our Hundegger CNC systems (manufactured in Germany) cut every joint, notch, window opening, and connection point to a tolerance of ±2mm. This factory precision eliminates the dimensional variability inherent in site-built construction.
Key Properties of Glulam
- Dimensional stability: Zero settling after installation (solid log can settle 5–10%)
- Structural strength: Approximately 70% greater load-bearing capacity than equivalent solid timber
- Clear spans: Glulam beams allow spans of 30+ metres without intermediate supports
- Consistency: Factory-controlled bonding eliminates weak points found in natural timber
- Fire resistance: Glulam chars at a predictable rate (0.7mm per minute), maintaining structural integrity longer than unprotected steel
Glulam Wall Systems for Construction
Eurodita manufactures five standard glulam wall profiles for different construction applications:
| Profile | Application | Thermal Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 70mm glulam | Garden offices, studios, seasonal structures | Good with external insulation |
| 88mm glulam | Year-round garden rooms, small commercial units | Good standalone |
| 135mm glulam | Permanent residential in temperate climates | Meets most national standards |
| 180mm glulam | High-performance residential homes | Exceeds standard requirements |
| 220mm glulam | Premium residential, passive-house standard | Near-passive performance |
Glulam Construction Process: From Design to Assembly
1. Design and Engineering
Glulam construction begins with CAD/CAM design. Architectural plans are converted into manufacturing data that programs the CNC cutting centre. Every component is assigned a unique reference number, and the complete structure is virtually assembled before any timber is cut.
2. Timber Selection and Preparation
Eurodita uses FSC-certified Nordic spruce (Picea abies) for all glulam production. Nordic spruce is preferred for glulam construction because of its consistent grain structure, light weight relative to strength, and excellent glue-line performance. Timber is kiln-dried in Nardi kilns (manufactured in Italy) to 16–18% moisture content before lamination.
3. Lamination and Pressing
Individual laminations are finger-jointed for length, then bonded using structural adhesives. Hydraulic presses apply uniform pressure across the full length of the beam during curing. The bonding process is monitored and tested to EN 14080 standards.
4. CNC Machining
Cured glulam beams and wall profiles are transferred to the CNC cutting centre. Hundegger machines cut all joints, notches, bolt holes, window and door openings, and decorative profiles with ±2mm tolerance across components up to 12 metres long.
5. Kit Packaging and Delivery
Completed glulam construction kits are packaged with numbered components, assembly drawings, and all structural hardware. Standard production time for glulam construction is 8–12 weeks from order confirmation.
6. On-Site Assembly
Glulam kits arrive as a complete system. Professional assembly teams typically erect the weathertight shell in 3–5 days for a standard residential structure. The precision of CNC-cut components means no on-site cutting or modification is required.
Glulam vs Alternative Construction Methods
Glulam vs Solid Log Construction
Solid log construction uses single-piece timber profiles subject to natural drying, settling (up to 10%), and dimensional movement. Glulam eliminates these issues through engineered lamination. For a detailed comparison, see our Glulam vs Solid Log Buyers Guide.
Glulam vs CLT (Cross Laminated Timber)
While glulam uses parallel-grain lamination for beams and wall profiles, CLT uses cross-grain layering for large panels. Glulam excels for post-and-beam structures and traditional log-cabin aesthetics; CLT suits multi-storey commercial buildings. See our Cross Laminated Timber vs Glulam comparison.
Glulam vs Steel and Concrete
Glulam construction offers a significantly lower carbon footprint than steel or concrete. Timber stores carbon rather than emitting it during production. A typical glulam house stores approximately 20 tonnes of CO2, while an equivalent concrete structure emits 30–50 tonnes during manufacture.
Applications of Glulam Construction
- Residential homes: From compact 2-bedroom cabins to luxury 200+ square metre family homes
- Commercial buildings: Offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and hospitality venues
- Leisure and tourism: Holiday lodges, glamping structures, eco-resorts
- Public buildings: Schools, community centres, sports halls
- Agricultural: Equestrian centres, farm buildings, workshops
Why B2B Partners Choose Eurodita for Glulam Construction
Eurodita has manufactured glulam structures since 1994 from our production facility in Kaunas, Lithuania. Our annual capacity includes approximately 50 large glulam homes (100+ square metres) alongside thousands of standard glulam structures.
- Private-label manufacturing: Every kit ships under your brand identity
- No minimum order quantity: Order a single structure or a development of 50
- Rapid quoting: Custom designs receive 3D renders and pricing within 24–48 hours
- Complete kit supply: Walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, hardware, and assembly drawings
- European delivery: Container shipping to 38+ countries worldwide
Ready to discuss a glulam construction project? Contact our B2B partner team or explore our complete glulam homes range.
