Laminated beams are made by gluing timber together, with moisture-resistant SABS approved transparent glue, under pressure and heat. The resulting product is strong, stable, and rigid with significant advantages over structural steel and concrete. It is also aesthetically pleasing.

Glued laminated timber, also called glulam, or laminated beams is a type of structural man-made wood product comprising a number of layers of timber boards bonded together with durable, moisture-resistant structural adhesives. By laminating a number of smaller pieces of lumber, a single large, strong, structural member is manufactured from smaller pieces. These structural members are used as beams and columns, as well as curved, arched shapes. Laminated beams are produced in straight or curved shapes and are available in a range of species and appearance characteristics to meet varied end-use requirements.

Glulam optimises the structural values of wood, which is a renewable resource. Because of their composition, large glulam members can be manufactured from a variety of smaller trees to provide large beams. Glulam provides the strength and versatility of large wood members without relying on the old growth-dependent solid-sawn timbers. A quality laminated beam reduces the overall amount of wood used when compared to solid sawn timbers. OT laminated beams are manufactured to be SABS grade 8 or higher quality.

These products are produced by selecting, grading and diminishing the negative impact of knots and other small defects in each component board. The laminating process allows timber to be used for much longer spans, heavier loads and complex shapes.

Glulam is one tenth the weight of steel and one sixth the weight of concrete. Glulam can be manufactured to a variety of straight and curved configurations, so it offers architects artistic freedom without sacrificing structural requirements. The size is limited only by transportation and handling constraints.

The manufacture, distribution, and treatment of laminated beams all consume less energy than any other building materials. A laminated beam is a long-lasting material that’s easy to work with.

Laminated beams are the natural alternative to steel or concrete. It is a natural structural material that is economical, strong, and aesthetic.

Pine beams are manufactured to SANS 1460 Grade 8 hence the careful selection of the raw material. Grade 8 beams are stronger than stocklam (no grade) beams. In some cases Grade 8 beams of 50 % smaller cross sectional dimensions can be used instead of the stock lam beams.

We are able to manufacture beams to special sizes. We carry large stocks of standard size beams.

The popular sizes are:

Saligna (Eucalyptus grandis/saligna) is a hardwood of superior strength and characteristics. We only use kiln dried material to manufacture the beams with.

Saligna laminated beams is a Grade 10. Not only is it stronger than Pine it is much more durable.

The more popular cross sectional sizes of saligna beams are:

• 45 x 147
• 45 x 210
• 70 x 70
• 67 x 210
• 105 x 105

Beams of other dimensions will be manufactured on request.