Structural timber sizes are normally limited by the dimensions of trees. However, a method of overcoming these size limitations is to employ a process whereby smaller sections of timber are laminated together to produce larger members known as glulam. In addition to producing timber components capable of spanning greater distances glulam allows for production of complex shapes with curves.

This unit described the production and different types of structural glued laminated timber available in the UK market. The unit also summarises the strength classes and the strength values as required by the designers.