Futuretech Glulam Engineered Beams

Futuretech Glulam Engineered Beams and Pillars are ideal to use where strength and aesthetics give a structural or architectural advantage. Used in domestic and commercial applications for roof and floor structures.

We manufacture all our own beams so we can supply lengths of up to 13 meters long and up to 1500 x 200 in dimensions.

Grades Of Glulam.

Higher grades
- (like GL30h or GL32h) offer greater strength and stiffness, making them ideal for demanding applications like large-span roofs or industrial floors.
- Lower grades (GL20h or GL24h) are more economical and suitable for lighter loads or shorter spans.

Choosing the right glulam grade depends on what your project demands structurally and visually. Here's how to make a smart selection:

Step 1: Define Structural Requirements

Start by identifying the load conditions and span lengths your beam must handle.

For light loads or short spans, grades like GL20h or GL24h are economical and sufficient.
For medium to heavy loads, go for GL28h to GL32h—these offer higher bending, compression, and tension strengths.
If you're working with curved or arched members, consider grades with “EX” designation (e.g., 24f-EX) for stress reversals.

💡 Tip: Use structural design tables or consult Eurocode 5 standards to match grade to load requirements.

Step 2: Consider Appearance Grade

Will the beam be exposed or hidden?

Appearance Grade	Best For
Premium	High-end finishes, visible interiors
Architectural	Most exposed applications
Industrial	Warehouses, utility spaces
Framing	Concealed structural use

Architectural grade is often recommended for exposed elements.
Premium grade is custom-ordered and ideal for high-traffic or visually prominent areas.

Step 3: Choose Wood Species

Different species offer different strengths and aesthetics:

Douglas Fir: High strength, warm grain, great for structural and visual appeal
Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF): Economical, lighter strength
Larch or Cedar: Used for durability and appearance
Scandinavian Whitewood for standard Irish application.

Step 4: Match Grade to Application

Application	Recommended Grade
Residential floors	GL24h or GL28h
Long-span roofs	GL30h or GL32h
Decorative exposed beams	Architectural or Premium
Columns or posts	GL24c or GL28c

📐 Step 5: Consult a Specialist: info@gwp.ie

For complex designs or custom shapes (like curved beams or trusses), it's best to work with a structural engineer or glulam supplier early in the process.

Want help narrowing it down for a specific project type—like a home extension or a commercial roof? We can walk you through it.

Having a strength to weight advantage over steel.
STABLE	Superior stability compared to any solid timber. Being strips of solid timber kiln dried to 10-12% moisture content. They will not cup, bow, twist or spring !
FIRE RESISTANCE	In larger cross sections the charred outer layer will protect the core from fire by restricting the oxygen supply. By maintaining structural integrity, glulam beams allow fireman to enter burning structures. Steel beams only retain about 10% of its strength at 750oC.
ANTI-CORROSIVE	High resistance to corrosive effects reduces the cost and complexity of building maintenance.
EASY TO USE	Can be sawn, drilled and nailed using standard carpenters tools.
DIVERSE IN SIZE & LENGTH	Cross section size up to 900mm deep and 18.0m long.
VERSATILE IN STRENGTH	Abundant choice of GL18 - GL32 Preservative Treated Glulam.
MULTI SHAPES	While they come in standard 600 M camber; straight, curved and double curved structural members can be produced.