Glulam Truss beam thickness is normally 3”–7”, but can be larger. Because of the laminated construction technique, beam depth can be supplied much larger than solid timbers (which are normally limited to 16-20 inches of depth), with beams up to 60” deep having been manufactured.
Common materials used for manufacture of Glulam beams are: Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and other species. Like solid wood, each of these species has different appearance, structural performance properties and resistance to the elements.
Various Glulam appearance grades are also available, including Industrial, Visual, Architectural and Premium grades. Each of these is determined by characteristics such as amount of wane, number of knots, surface finish applied and number or size of defects filled.
Glulam beams and trusses may also be treated using a variety of water or petroleum-based treatments, depending on the components application and level of protection required.
