Main types of mass timber

The main types of mass timber include:

  • Cross-laminated timber (CLT): CLT is well-suited for wall or floor panels as it consists of an odd number of solid lumber boards glued together at alternating 90°angles. 
  • Glue-laminated timber (Glulam): A structurally engineered and highly customizable wood product. Used for elements such as beams and columns and consisting of pieces of wood bonded together in a layer-cake style.
  • Dowel-laminated timber (DLT): An all-wood mass timber product for floor and wall panels. Made of individual laminations held together using wooden dowels. Easy to construct and modify on-site. 
  • Nail-laminated timber (NLT): Individual laminations mechanically fastened with nails or screws for extra strength. Used for floor and wall panels, its exposed aesthetic lends itself to open-space concepts.
  • Laminated veneer lumber (LVL): Vertical layers glued together with composites. Used for beams and columns. Generally made from softwoods, LVL is aesthetically pleasing but less durable.