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 for project-specific architectural and technical review.
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, finger-jointed for length, and bonded together with structural adhesives under hydraulic pressure. The resulting beams and wall profiles are engineered for dimensional stability and project-specific structural review.
The manufacturing process takes place entirely in controlled factory conditions using CNC machinery. At Eurodita, Hundegger CNC machining cuts every joint, notch, window opening and connection point to the approved drawings, with the tolerances for a specific product confirmed with the order. Factory machining removes much of the dimensional variability of site-built construction.
Key Properties of Glulam
- Dimensional stability: Glulam typically settles and moves less than solid log construction, whose settlement is allowed for in the detailing
- Structural strength: More uniform strength properties than a single solid section, with the structural design confirmed for each project
- Clear spans: Glulam beams can span further than solid timber of the same size, with spans set by the project’s structural design
- Consistency: Lamination spreads natural defects across several layers, so glulam is more uniform than natural solid 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 four public glulam wall profiles for different construction applications:
| Profile | Application | Thermal Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 88mm glulam | Garden rooms, holiday accommodation, small commercial units | Requires project-specific review |
| 135mm glulam | Larger accommodation and residential-intent projects | Requires project-specific review |
| 180mm glulam | Higher-specification residential projects | Requires project-specific review |
| 220mm glulam | Architect-led and higher-performance residential projects | Requires project-specific review |
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
Northern European timber is preferred for glulam because of its consistent grain structure and light weight relative to strength. Eurodita uses Northern European spruce and pine, and dries its timber in Nardi kilns (manufactured in Italy) to the 12-14% production moisture target.
3. Profiling
Glulam blanks are planed and profiled to their final wall profile dimensions and surface finish within Eurodita’s production operation.
4. CNC Machining
Profiled glulam beams and wall profiles then go to CNC machining. Hundegger CNC machining cuts all joints, notches, bolt holes, window and door openings, and decorative profiles to the approved drawings, with the tolerances for a specific product confirmed with the order.
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 scheduled from order confirmation and stated in the written quotation.
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 keeps on-site cutting and modification to a minimum.
Glulam vs Alternative Construction Methods
Glulam vs Solid Log Construction
Solid log construction uses single-piece timber profiles subject to natural drying, settlement and dimensional movement, which are allowed for in the detailing. Glulam typically settles and moves less, because lamination spreads natural defects across several layers. For a detailed comparison, see our Glulam vs Solid Log Buyers Guide.
Glulam vs Panel-Based Timber Systems
Glulam uses parallel-grain lamination for beams, wall profiles, and log-house structures where dimensional stability and visible timber aesthetics matter. Panel-based timber systems are engineered for different project types and require separate structural specification. For Eurodita dealers comparing active product ranges, see our glulam vs solid log 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 output includes bespoke and glulam projects alongside high-volume standard garden-cabin production.
- Private-label manufacturing: Every kit ships under your brand identity
- No single fixed minimum order: order quantity, price and scope are confirmed in each quotation, and one glulam home can be a complete order
- Visual quotations: Custom designs receive 3D renders and pricing in the written quotation
- Complete kit supply: Walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, hardware, and assembly drawings
- European delivery: Container shipping to multiple markets worldwide
Ready to discuss a glulam construction project? Contact our B2B partner team or explore our complete glulam homes range.
Frequently asked questions
What glulam wall profiles does Eurodita manufacture for its homes?
Five approved profiles: 70x130, 88x260, 135x260, 180x260 and 220x260 mm. Dovetail corner joints are available on the 88 to 220 mm sections. Any approved profile can be specified on any model, and stated building dimensions are external. The exact section for a project is confirmed in the written quotation together with its drawings.
Is a single glulam home an acceptable order for Eurodita?
Yes. Glulam homes, bespoke structures and 58 to 70 mm cabins can be single projects, and a single pilot unit is accepted practice. Eurodita manufactures around 50 glulam homes over 100 m2 per year on average. Scope, price and documentation for the order are confirmed in the written quotation.
Does Eurodita erect glulam homes on site or supply installers?
No. Eurodita supplies the flat-packed kit with numbered components and assembly drawings; installation, foundations, utilities and turnkey delivery are outside its scope, and unloading is the buyer's responsibility. Assembly is carried out by the buyer's or dealer's own team. Building approval stays with the buyer's local route.
Are Eurodita glulam kits CE marked for the EU market?
Eurodita makes no blanket CE or UKCA claim and holds no ISO 9001 or own FSC/PEFC chain of custody. The documentation available for a specific order, including any destination-market marking or sourcing records, is confirmed at quotation. Structural calculations are sourced from specialist partners where a project needs them.
What commercial terms apply to a glulam home order?
Every order is quoted in writing in EUR, excluding VAT and delivery, on an EXW Kaunas basis by default; DAP per order, DDP case by case only. Payment is 50% with the order and 50% before dispatch. No public price list is published, and production timing is stated in the quotation for the specific project.