Frequently Asked Questions

Mass timber is a fairly new and innovative construction technique that uses engineered wood rather than concrete or steel as the primary load-bearing building structure. While mass timber building practices have been widely used in Europe, mass timber structures in North America have only been implemented over the last 10 years.

CLT stands for “cross laminated timber” and is an engineered wood product used in mass timber construction. At Kalesnikoff Lumber, our CLT is produced in our mass timber facility through our own sustainably sourced lumber supply from Fir, Spruce and Hem-Fir tree species. The wood from these trees is cut, planed, kiln dried and stacked into layers, glued with the grain alternating at 90 degree angles with each layer, and then pressed to create super strong structural panels.

Glulam stands for “glue laminated timber.” Glulam beams differs from CLT in that the timber is glued together by layering with the grain, rather than alternating grains. Layering with the grain produces bigger pieces of wood and can be used to erect arches that span great distances without the need for intermittent columns. This allows for broader, more creative design flexibilities and aesthetics. Our glulam beams are manufactured from Douglas Fir, Spruce and Western Hemlock tree species.

A “glue laminated timber” or GLT panel is a glulam beam that is laid flat, and used for floor or roofing construction in mass timber buildings. While GLT panels have been used for many years in wall assembly, this mass timber product is now being used for progressive construction design including elevator and stair shafts.

Engineered wood refers to mass timber, CLT, Glulam beams, GLT panels and other mass timber products that require manufacturing through machines and assembly to meet precise design specifications that turn it into dimensionally stable construction material.

Yes, mass timber is sustainable. It is more sustainable than steel or concrete, which emits carbon into the atmosphere—in fact, 8% of the global total of carbon emissions comes from concrete construction. Mass timber on the other hand, sequesters carbon. It’s also known as a “carbon sink” or “carbon vault,” keeping carbon from releasing into the atmosphere for the lifespan of the building, which can be 100+ years.

We offer three different species available for mass timber products and these are: Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Spruce.

The cost of mass timber will be project dependent, although its benefits include efficiencies in cost and fabrication when compared to concrete and steel.

Yes, mass timber has proven to have significant fire resistance inherent in its design and meets if not exceeds fire safety standards depending on its application. During exposure to fire, the outer layer of mass timber will char, which then forms an insulating layer of protection for the interior wood.

Yes, mass timber has proven to be resilient against earthquakes and is designed to meet the same safety standards of steel and concrete construction. Global tests and research have proven that when under duress mass timber remains stable and durable, and can see minimal structural damage in the event of an earthquake.