Glulam
Lightweight structural timber engineered for long spans, seismic stability, and tropical durability.
What Is Glulam?
Lighter Than Steel.
Stronger Than You Expect.
Glulam, or glued laminated timber, is manufactured by bonding kiln-dried hardwood lamellas into high-capacity structural beams.
Because the lamellas are oriented parallel to the grain and bonded under controlled pressure, glulam behaves more predictably than solid timber of the same size.
function
structural
product form
Glued laminated timber beam
Suitability
Interior & Exterior
Species
Jabon / Meranti / Keruing
Applications
Structural Frames
Primary beams, portal frames, roof structures, trusses, curved members, and long-span structural elements.
Unique Builds
Halls, pavilions, retail spaces, schools, exhibition structures, and gyms requiring open spans and controlled structural behaviour.
Residential & Hospitality
Villas, resorts, roof frames, terraces, and hybrid timber structures where glulam functions as the primary load-bearing system.
Hybrid Systems
Glulam integrates effectively with steel connectors and concrete sub-structures to form efficient hybrid span solutions.
Why Glulam Makes Long Spans Possible Without Compromise
Performs Reliably in the Tropics
All glulam is kiln-dried to 12–14 percent moisture content, stabilised for humid climates, and can be supplied with ACQ treatment for termite resistance where required. Movement is controlled and predictable when detailing follows specification.
Install Faster
Glulam beams arrive prefabricated, machined, and labelled for DFMA workflows. Compared to steel, on-site work is typically reduced by 30–50 percent, provided coordination is resolved during engineering.
Build Lighter
At roughly half the weight of steel, glulam reduces:
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foundation sizes
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seismic forces
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transport and lifting requirements
This directly lowers civil and structural costs in multi-storey and roof-heavy designs.
Open Up Your Space
Glulam spans up to 15 metres without intermediate columns, allowing uninterrupted interiors, clearer sightlines, and simpler layouts. Where steel often forces column grids or bulky sections, glulam achieves the same span with cleaner geometry.
Species Options
Jabon – GL28
Natural
Lightweight and economical for residential and light commercial spans.
Meranti – GL32
Natural
Higher load capacity, suitable for larger spans and architectural roofs.
Keruing – GL55
Natural
Premium strength class for demanding structural conditions (MOQ applies)
Performance Characteristics
Dimensional Stability
high
Parallel lamination and controlled manufacturing ensure beams stay straight and resist warping.
Moisture Content
12 – 14%
Kiln-dried to a stable level for tropical conditions, reducing movement after installation.
Moisture Movement
0.25 – 0.35% per 1% MC change
Standard movement for hardwoods; requires proper detailing in design.
Adhesive System
EN 301 Type I (Phenol-Resorcinol)
Weather-resistant, structural-grade bond ensuring long-term glue-line integrity in heat and humidity.
Thermal Performance
Low Conductivity
Contributes to comfortable surface temperatures and slight thermal insulation.
Seismic Suitability
High
High strength-to-weight ratio supports long spans with controlled deflection while reducing foundation demand.
Bending Strength
28 – 55 N/mm²
Resistance to bending forces, ensuring stable, predictable performance for long spans.
Modulus of Elasticity
15,200 N/mm²
High stiffness allows for longer spans with minimal deflection.
Fire Rating
R30 – R120
Predictable failure mode. Unlike steel which buckles suddenly under heat, Glulam maintains load-bearing capacity.
Is Glulam Right for Your Project?
Glulam is not a visual upgrade. It is a structural system.
It is most effective when:
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spans exceed what solid timber can handle
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weight reduction matters
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speed and coordination affect programme risk
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tropical climate behaviour must be controlled
If those constraints apply to your project, glulam deserves early consideration.
Download our Product Catalog
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Is glulam suitable for tropical climates?
Yes. When manufactured with kiln-dried lamellas, moisture-resistant structural adhesives, and climate-aware detailing, glulam performs more predictably than solid timber in tropical humidity.
Can glulam be used outdoors?
Glulam is suitable for interior and protected exterior applications when detailed correctly with appropriate coatings, drainage, and ventilation. It should not be directly exposed to weather without protection.
Is glulam stronger than solid timber?
Yes. Laminated construction reduces natural defects, increases load capacity, and delivers more predictable strength and stiffness than solid timber members.