Pros And Cons Of Using Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, is changing our thoughts about building with wood. This engineered wood product is strong, versatile, and sustainable, making it a game-changer for modern construction.

From wooden high-rises to eco-friendly housing, CLT has opened up new possibilities for builders and architects. But like any material, it has advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully weighed.

This guide will help you understand CLT, its advantages, and the challenges it brings to construction projects.

What Is Cross-Laminated Timber?

Cross-laminated timber is made by stacking layers of wooden boards at right angles and bonding them with adhesives. The result? Strong, stable panels come in various sizes, ranging from a couple of inches thick to over 20 inches.

The cross-grain layering is key to the strength of Cross-laminated timber. While single pieces of wood may bend or twist, the crisscrossed layers in CLT keep the panel sturdy and evenly balanced. These panels work well in large structures where materials like steel or concrete are typically used.

Why Use Cross-Laminated Timber? Key Advantages

Strong Yet Lightweight

Cross-laminated timber can handle heavy loads much lighter than concrete or steel. For example, a five-layer CLT panel supports a similar weight as reinforced concrete but only weighs about one-fifth as much. This lightweight property allows for smaller foundations and less steel reinforcement in construction, saving costs in some cases.

Faster Construction Times

Cross-laminated timber panels are prefabricated, meaning they’re cut and shaped in a factory before arriving at the job site. Because they’re ready to assemble, buildings can go up much faster than conventional methods. Entire floors of a building can often be installed within hours.

Fire Resistant

Though it might seem surprising, Cross-laminated timber performs impressively when exposed to fire. The outer layer chars to form a protective barrier, slowing the heat spread. Unlike steel, which weakens and can fail suddenly in high heat, CLT burns at a predictable rate, providing more time to evacuate if needed.

Environmentally Friendly

CLT panels store carbon because they’re made from trees, which absorb CO2 as they grow. This makes buildings made with Cross-laminated timber more sustainable and can contribute to a project’s carbon-negative status. Additionally, wood is a renewable resource, and responsible forestry practices ensure that trees used for Cross-laminated timber can be replaced.

Holds Its Shape

Thanks to its cross-grain design, CLT is more stable than solid wood. You won’t have to worry much about shrinking, swelling, or warping due to changes in weather or humidity, making it a dependable choice for long-term use.

Great Acoustic Insulation

The density and structure of Cross-laminated timber help block out noise. Many buildings made with this material are quieter and more comfortable for occupants than steel or concrete ones.

Creative Design Options

Modern CNC cutting tools can customize Cross-laminated timber panels into different shapes and sizes. Architects can create curved walls, angled designs, or intricate structures that go beyond what traditional wood or steel could achieve.

Challenges of Using Cross-Laminated Timber

Higher Upfront Costs

Cross-laminated timber is typically more expensive than traditional building materials like concrete or steel. Its manufacturing process and the need for precision cutting increase the price. However, lower labor and construction time may offset these costs.

Limited Availability

Not every region has access to local CLT manufacturers. Shipping large, heavy panels over long distances can add to costs and reduce some of the sustainability benefits.

Sensitive to Moisture During Construction

While Cross-laminated timber handles moisture well once installed, it’s vulnerable during construction. Panels exposed to rain or humidity on-site may need thorough drying, slowing down the project. Proper storage and weatherproofing are essential.

Complex Connections

Joining Cross-laminated timber panels isn’t as simple as nailing pieces of wood together. Special brackets, fasteners, and careful engineering are required for secure connections. These details can complicate and add costs to the design process.

Hard to Modify After Installation

Once in place, Cross-laminated timber panels are hard to change. Adding pipes, wiring, or new openings often requires specialized equipment and precise planning, making renovations more challenging.

Building Code Hurdles

Some local building codes haven’t fully caught up with CLT technology, leading to delays in permits or additional testing requirements. Builders may face extra steps to prove Cross-laminated timber meets safety and structural standards.

Adhesive Concerns

The adhesives used to bind Cross-laminated timber layers are strong and rigorously tested. However, some people worry about their performance over time in different conditions. Studies are ongoing to ensure their durability.

Requires Specialized Transport and Handling

CLT panels are big and heavy, needing special trucks and cranes to transport and place them. These requirements can limit their use in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Ensuring Quality

Not all Cross-laminated timber is created equal. Poor-quality panels can lead to problems like adhesive failures or structural weaknesses. Always choose certified manufacturers with proven track records. 

Quality control during production is vital, especially for maintaining consistent moisture levels and strong bonds between layers.

Traditional Timber or CLT? Both Have Their Place

At Bay & Bent, we admire the innovation behind CLT as well as the artistry of traditional timber framing. While Cross-laminated timber enables modern, large-scale projects, historic wood frames carry stories, character, and craftsmanship that connect us to the past.

Reclaimed timber from old barns or buildings gives new life to wood that has already proven its strength over centuries. These pieces bring a unique charm and history that mass-produced materials can’t replicate. By pairing time-tested methods with modern techniques, we believe wood construction can honor both tradition and progress.

Ideal Uses for CLT

Cross-laminated timber is best suited for mid-rise buildings (3-12 stories), such as office spaces, apartment complexes, schools, and libraries. It’s also great for large-span structures like gyms, auditoriums, and warehouses, where open space is needed without interior supports.

Deciding If CLT Is Right for Your Project

If you’re considering using Cross-laminated timber, here are some factors to think about:

• How quickly does the project need to be completed?
• Are there CLT manufacturers or suppliers nearby?
• Do local codes support CLT construction?
• Will your budget cover both initial costs and long-term savings?
• Are sustainability and carbon-reduction goals important to the project?

Careful planning is crucial to decide if Cross-laminated timber fits your needs. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, CLT is a powerful tool when the application is right.

Looking Ahead

Cross-laminated timber represents a bold step forward in sustainable construction. As adoption grows and technologies evolve, costs may decrease, making CLT more widely accessible. However, as with any material, understanding its advantages and limits is vital for success.

If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of CLT or want to explore traditional timber options, we’d be happy to share our expertise. At Bay & Bent, we bring craftsmanship and passion to every project, using both modern and historic materials to create structures that stand the test of time.