At Casetas de Jardin 24 our focus is always on quality improvements that benefit our customers. Recently, we made a key upgrade to our wall construction, switching from 92mm timber to 88mm glulam – a choice that gives our products extra strength and durability, and it’s better value for money for our customers. If you’ve never heard of glulam, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in this article which is going to explore everything you need to know about why glulam stands out as the best option for your structure. Let’s get started.
Glued laminated timber, or glulam, is a wood based building material known for its impressive strength. It’s so strong that it’s even compared to concrete and steel as an alternative building material. This hulk-like strength comes from binding layers of timber together with glue, heat, and pressure, resulting in a material that’s both dense and durable.
Glulam was pioneered by Otto Karl Friedrich Hetzer, a German inventor and carpenter who, in 1901, patented a technique to bond multiple layers of timber into straight beams. This created something more resilient than solid wooden beams alone. Glulam gained traction and by WWII was a popular choice for building. The decades since have not quelled glulam’s popularity and it’s still used widely in construction today.
In the photo above: 88mm glulam summer house in the installation process
At Casetas de Jardin 24 we are hands-on at every stage of production. By manufacturing in-house, we maintain direct oversight of the quality of timber used in our structures and collaborate with some of the best timber suppliers in the Nordic region to source top-grade wood.
It has become increasingly difficult, however, to consistently find 92mm timber that meets our strict quality requirements. Rather than compromise on quality, we decided to explore alternatives and found our answer in 88mm glulam logs. Glulam checks all the boxes for our quality standard and offers remarkable properties that make it a great match for our builds.
In the photo above: Glulam timber at Summerhouse 24 factory
Here’s why glulam stands out as a top material for our summer houses, garden rooms, log cabins and other wooden structures.
Each piece of glulam undergoes individual inspection during manufacturing. This meticulous process means that unlike solid wood, glulam is examined multiple times before use reducing the likelihood of lower-quality timber making its way into our builds.
If you thought steel was the strongest building material, think again. Glulam is exceptionally strong – so strong, in fact, that it’s three times tougher than steel! This impressive durability makes it a no-brainer choice for construction because it provides a level of resilience that few other materials can match.
Say goodbye to cracks and warping wood for good. Outdoor wooden structures often fall prey to the elements over time and there is some natural cracking and warping that happens. At Casetas de Jardin 24 we are extremely particular about making sure that cracks do not exceed certain dimensions when we choose our source materials for building. While natural wood often develops small cracks that add rustic character, thicker logs like 92mm timber can be difficult to source without significant flaws.
With glulam, we achieve a consistent, smooth surface that maintains its shape and appearance for years, ensuring your product stands the test of time no matter the weather.
We use only the best Nordic Spruce trees for our glulam as this ensures an even higher quality end product. We source our Nordic Spruce from sustainably managed forests so you can rest easy that we harvest in an environmentally responsible way.
Each piece of our glulam meets rigorous standards for quality and performance and is certified by the Materials Testing Institute (MPA) in Stuttgart. This thorough testing ensures that our products consistently deliver the reliability you expect.
Glulam has a smooth, consistent surface that highlights the natural beauty of wood grain. This warm, even appearance complements both classic and contemporary architectural styles, creating an inviting aesthetic for any design.
One major advantage of glulam is its low moisture content (around 12-14%) which means it doesn’t shrink like traditional solid wood. With solid wood, you’d often need to wait up to a year before adding fixtures or insulation to allow the moisture content to settle. Glulam, however, is ready for immediate work, meaning you can add the finishing touches right away.
Thanks to its density, glulam has better thermal insulation. This means that a log cabin or garden room built with glulam walls stays comfortable year-round, keeping cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter compared to structures made from solid wood. This natural temperature control means less money spent on electric bills.
Glulam offers added fire protection due to the charring-resistant adhesive used to make it.
While in 1901, sustainability wasn’t a buzzword like it is now, glulam still is an environmentally responsible choice. By using timber sourced from responsibly managed forests, our end products have a reduced environmental footprint. In these forests, trees are replanted as others are harvested, supporting a continuous cycle of growth and renewal.
Since we don’t need whole, large logs for glulam production, we can source from younger trees in second- and third-growth forests. This approach makes glulam easier to replenish than traditional large timber logs and contributes to a more sustainable supply.
And the manufacturing process itself is highly efficient. There is minimal waste because even small timber pieces can be used to make glulam; pieces that would otherwise just be thrown away. Glulam is also easy to recycle and is often repurposed as biofuel at the end of its life, making it an environmentally sound choice from start to finish.
Glulam is still wood and so should be looked after the same way you would any other outdoor wooden structure. Use a wood preservative that offers protection from moisture and pests. Just follow the instructions when coating your wooden building and reapply when needed (this will be about every 2-6 years depending on the product).
If your curiosity is piqued, here’s how glulam is made:
Timber Selection and Prep: We start with our high-quality Nordic Spruce, which is then prepared through a process of planing. Planing smooths the wood to a uniform thickness and creates an even surface.
Drying for Stability: Next, the timber is dried to a controlled moisture content of about 12%, ensuring it remains stable.
Creating Lamellae: The dry timber is then sliced into 50mm thick strips, known as lamellae.
Adhesive Bonding: These lamellae are coated with a durable adhesive and assembled lengthwise into larger sections called members.
Compression: The assembled members are compressed under pressure to allow for the adhesive to cure properly. This is what makes glulam super strong.
Final Touches: Once cured, the glulam is planed to smooth out any irregularities and cut to the dimensions needed, ready for use in construction.
It should be clear that glulam stands out as a smart choice for environmentally conscious construction that doesn’t sacrifice beauty for strength. Choosing glulam for your log cabin, garden room, or any other wooden structure not only adds a sleek, modern aesthetic but it’s also cost effective.
If you have questions about glulam or need further details about our processes, our expert team is just a call or an email away. Reach out to us at 952 130 298 or contact us at info@casetasdejardin24.es for personalized advice and support.
