In the world of construction, selecting the right structural material is a critical decision that affects everything from cost and durability to safety, design flexibility, and overall building performance. One material that continues to gain traction among contractors, architects, and project managers is glulam—short for glued laminated timber. RedBuiltGlulam beams are engineered wood products that combine the natural beauty of wood with superior strength, exceptional durability, and versatile design options. Whether for driveways, floors, patios, or full-scale commercial buildings, glulam offers a unique combination of aesthetics and performance.
This article explores how glulam compares in strength to traditional timber beams, concrete, and even steel—while also covering key applications, fabrication, assembly, and project considerations.
What Makes Glulam So Strong?
The strength of glulam beams comes from their engineered construction. Unlike solid timber, glulam is made by bonding together layers of smaller pieces of wood, known as laminations. These layers are carefully aligned and glued under pressure to create structural beams with impressive load-bearing capacity. Because imperfections like knots are distributed throughout the laminations, glulam offers greater consistency and reliability than standard wood beams.
While traditional wood has character, it can be unpredictable. Glulam beams, however, are fabricated with exact moisture levels, grain orientation, and adhesive bonding for maximum performance.
Glulam vs. Steel and Concrete: Strength Comparison
Glulam beams boast a strength-to-weight ratio that surpasses steel in many situations. Pound for pound, glulam can achieve higher tensile and bending strength with far less material. In fact, glulam can sustain tensile strengths of approximately 2,400 psi and bending strengths of 2,100 psi—making them a smart choice for long spans and complex frameworks.
While concrete is often used for its compressive strength, it lacks the tensile strength glulam delivers in beam applications. Unlike steel or concrete, glulam is also more sustainable, easier to work with on the job site, and doesn’t require the same level of equipment during installation.
Manufacturing and Fabrication Process
The fabrication of glulam beams involves several key steps. First, selected timber is kiln-dried to achieve optimal moisture levels (typically around 12%). Then, lumber is graded based on appearance and structural quality. Shorter pieces are joined using finger joints, increasing beam size while maintaining integrity.
Next, each lamination is bonded using strong, moisture-resistant adhesives, and the layers are pressed and cured under high pressure. The result is a durable, dimensionally stable product ready for construction use. After curing, glulam beams are trimmed, sanded, and cut to fit specific applications, whether it’s for roofing trusses, support columns, walls, or decorative exposed beams.
This engineered assembly process enhances the material’s resistance to cracks, moisture, and surface flaws, improving both lifespan and safety.
Long Spans and Load-Bearing Applications
One of the biggest advantages of glulam is its ability to span long distances without intermediate supports. In large-scale projects like auditoriums, airports, and gymnasiums, glulam beams can span up to 500 feet—far beyond what solid timber can handle. That means fewer columns, which opens up spaces and allows for more flexible designs.
For residential, commercial, and public architecture, this capability transforms how interior layouts are planned. From foundations and floors to dramatic cathedral ceilings and archways, glulam enables architects to push boundaries with confidence in the structure’s support and performance.
Durability and Structural Stability
Thanks to the laminated design, glulam offers excellent resistance to warping, splitting, and environmental damage. Unlike traditional beams that can twist or degrade due to moisture or heat, glulam remains stable under challenging conditions. Its enhanced resistance to weather, pests, and wear makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use—from driveways and patios to bridges and roofs.
Glulam beams have proven to last over 50 years with minimal maintenance, making them an outstanding long-term solution in demanding construction environments. And when properly finished and maintained, glulam delivers both beauty and structural reliability that meet or exceed the expectations of clients and contractors alike.
Design Flexibility and Visual Appeal
A major benefit of glulam is its design versatility. Because of its engineered structure, glulam can be manufactured in custom sizes, curves, arches, and even tapering forms. This allows for bold architectural features like vaulted ceilings, dramatic trusses, and long, uninterrupted spans. The appearance of exposed glulam beams can be customized to enhance aesthetics—stained, painted, or left natural to match a variety of styles and projects.
Whether used in homes, civic buildings, retail centers, or recreational facilities, glulam beams combine form and function, helping deliver visual impact along with structural excellence.
Sustainable Building Material
Glulam is one of the most sustainable materials available in construction. It is made from renewable wood resources, and its production has a lower environmental impact than steel or concrete. Wood naturally sequesters carbon, meaning that buildings made with glulam can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. Because glulam uses smaller, faster-growing trees, it’s more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Choosing glulam supports green building practices and can contribute to certifications like LEED. Builders and businesses focused on sustainability find glulam to be a standout product that aligns with both ecological values and performance needs.
Real-World Applications
The use of glulam spans a wide variety of structures, from artistic pedestrian bridges to heavy-duty industrial buildings. It’s used in:
Vaulted ceilings in luxury homes
Trusses and columns in shopping malls
Structural framing in libraries and schools
Driveways, decks, and outdoor frameworks
Church roofs and recreation centers
No matter the type of project, glulam offers a solution that balances cost, visual look, and functionality. Builders rely on it for its adaptability and proven results, especially in areas where long spans and open layouts are essential.
Cost and Value
While the upfront cost of glulam may be higher than traditional lumber, the return on investment is often greater. Thanks to reduced maintenance, longer lifespan, faster installation, and superior performance, glulam beams often end up saving money across the life of a project.
The price efficiency comes from less need for extra materials, fewer structural supports, and reduced labor hours. With proper planning, the process of using glulam in construction becomes an investment in both form and function.
Installation and Services
Glulam beams are relatively easy to install compared to heavy steel or precast concrete, requiring less specialized equipment and faster turnaround on the job. Many suppliers offer prefabricated solutions and cutting services, ensuring each beam fits perfectly into your framework. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or contractor, partnering with a professional team ensures that the product meets your needs and the installation goes smoothly.
If you’re designing for unique architectural applications, many manufacturers provide design and engineering services to help tailor glulam to your vision.
Safety, Certifications, and Building Codes
Glulam is a safe, tested material that complies with international building codes and industry standards. Products are certified for structural use under codes such as ANSI/AITC A190.1 and APA PRG 320. When safety is a concern—as it always is in construction—glulam’s consistent quality and tested performance help professionals meet regulations without compromise.
Its fire resistance is also notable: glulam beams char slowly and predictably, allowing more time for evacuation and emergency response than steel, which can deform quickly under high temperatures.
Why Glulam Is the Right Choice
For builders seeking solutions that offer strength, efficiency, and sustainable impact, glulam beams are a smart, forward-thinking choice. They meet the most demanding application needs, provide beautiful and versatile design options, and maintain long-term performance. Whether you’re developing a new property or expanding an existing one, glulam supports your vision—literally and structurally.
The future of building depends on materials that are adaptable, high-performing, and environmentally conscious. Glulam checks all the boxes: it’s durable, flexible, strong, and beautiful—ready for a wide range of construction projects.
