Glulam Beams: Specification, Spans, and Cost

Glulam offers what timber alone can't: long spans, controlled performance, and architectural presence. For exposed structural elements in commercial and residential buildings, it's often the most beautiful — and structurally efficient — option.

What glulam is

Multiple laminations of stress-graded softwood (or hardwood) glued together. Produces beams of any practical depth and length, with predictable strength higher than equivalent solid timber.

Standard sections

• Widths: 90, 115, 140, 165, 190, 215mm
• Depths: typically 200–1500mm in 45mm increments
• Lengths: up to 35m+
• Strength classes: GL24h to GL32h (h = homogeneous)

Typical applications

• Long-span roofs (sports halls, churches, atria)
• Exposed structural beams in residential
• Schools and education
• Bridges and pedestrian footbridges
• Curved structures (glulam can be manufactured curved)

Span capabilities

• Simple span 6m: 115×270mm
• Simple span 9m: 140×360mm
• Simple span 12m: 165×495mm
• Simple span 18m: 190×720mm+

Cost comparison

Per metre of similar-capacity beam:

• Glulam: R3,600–R7,000 (medium sections)
• Equivalent steel: R3,000–R5,600

Glulam costs 15–30% more than steel for similar capacity, but no fire protection or applied finishes needed.

Detailing considerations

• Moisture protection during transport and installation
• Concealed steel connectors preferred for clean appearance
• Notching reduces capacity disproportionately — avoid
• End grain protection from water

Fire performance

Glulam chars predictably at ~0.7mm/min. Structural beams designed for 30 or 60 minutes fire resistance by adding sacrificial timber depth — no applied protection needed.

MCFAR designs glulam structures across South African projects.

Frequently Asked Questions