These mass timber composites make it easier to build all-wood structures

When we talk about timber innovation, we’re talking about mass timber. Between glue-laminated (glulam) beams, dowel-laminated timber (DLT), and cross-laminated timber (CLT), there’s a slew of solutions available to architects, engineers, and contractors tasked with building larger, smarter, and more sustainable structures.

a builder on top of a wooden roof — (Courtesy DR Johnson)

Cross-Laminated Timber
DR Johnson

Available in three-, five-, and seven-layer variants, DR Johnson’s cross-laminated timber was the first to receive an APA certification. These 90-degree layered CLT panels are produced using the latest CNC technology.

the interior of a bedroom — (Courtesy Freres Lumber)

Mass Plywood Panel
Freres Lumber

Freres Lumber’s mass plywood panel uses 20-to-30 percent less wood than standard CLT but with comparable structural integrity. Assembled with Freres structural composite lumber panels, this engineered timber product includes layers of density-graded Douglas fir veneers. Platforms and beams come in thicknesses of up to 24 inches.

the ceiling of a double height room — (Courtesy LIGNIA)

LIGNIA Fire
LIGNIA

Sourced from FSC-certified softwoods, LIGNIA Fire has an ASTM E84-20 Class A flame spread rating extended to 30 minutes. The engineered wood’s flame-retardant properties are incorporated on a molecular level and require no additional coating. This material exceeds the durability and aesthetic appeal of tropical hardwoods and provides architects and contractors with a more sustainable solution.

Glulam Beams
Texas Timber Frames

Noted for their strength and stiffness, Texas Timber Frames’ glulam beams can span longer distances than comparable products. Prefabricated and CNC-milled for the structures of large-scale public and commercial projects, these lightweight, pressure-formed joists are easily and efficiently assembled.

an exposed wooden truss system within a building's interior — (Courtesy WholeTrees)

Structural Round Timber Columns
WholeTrees

A bountiful by-product of sustainable forestry, unmilled round timber is 50 percent stronger than milled alternatives. WholeTrees’ SRT columns harness this material in 8- to 40-inch variants. These naturally formed, hand-peeled, lathed, or undulating pillars are precut and fabricated with steel connections for quick installation and strong connections.