| 63 T T Kelly Deeks Laminated timber ticking the boxes TIMBER INDUSTRY Laminated Beams Ltd “There are lots of creative people out there from builders to designers who want some high performing bits of timber to elevate their projects.” Producing a wide range of high-quality, handcrafted engineered timber products, the 100% New Zealand owned, licensed and Bureau Veritas certified timber glulam company Laminated Beams loves working closely with designers and builders to help them achieve high class results that couldn’t simply be made from solid timber. Laminated Beams has nearly 40 years’ experience manufacturing different types of products for the building trade, supplying major timber merchants as well as producing specialised products at the customers’ request. Ranging from curved portals for indoor swimming pool buildings, large office structures, Department of Conservation bridges, to the more common structurally engineered beams and posts for use in residential and commercial construction. Demand for engineered timber products is on the increase as its advantages over solid timber become more and more well-known. “We have a great domestic market here,” says Laminated Beams managing director Nick Kember. “There are lots of creative people out there from builders to designers who want some high performing bits of timber to elevate their projects. “Whether it’s for a pergola that’s going to look great for a really long time, or a massive piece of timber for a sculpture or carving, we can provide the highest quality, beautifully crafted laminated beams and other products to help bring their ideas to life.” Nick has owned Laminated Beams since 2019 and it has grown every year since then. In 2021 the business moved to a new factory at Tauriko, Tauranga and more than doubled its capacity. The new building allowed for the ideal setup of the workshop and alongside continuously upgraded machinery, gave Laminated Beams an increased output of more sophisticated timber products. “We can do very large beams up to 20m long, 1m deep, and as wide as they need to be, and massive engineered round posts up to 700mm diameter.” The engineered timber industry continues to grow as designers and builders become more aware of its advantages of over solid timber. Laminated timber, combines strength and versatility, allowing for large spans and various architectural designs. The warmth and beauty of its natural wood appearance and sustainability make it an attractive and eco-friendly choice. Additionally, glulam offers durability, efficiency in material use, and ease of construction. For premium finishes knots and imperfections are removed prior to processing and with many different timber species and treatments available, its character can be tailored to specific requirements. Glulam is so versatile it can be made to meet exact sizes and design specifications, such as long-span and curved designs. “You could never get a piece of solid timber to do what our big beams can do.” The environmental benefits of engineered timber have also been a huge driver for growth of the industry in recent years. Its main component, timber, is grown here in New Zealand and is not subjected to the high energy manufacturing processes that steel and concrete both require. Laminated Beams has nearly 40 years’ experience manufacturing different types of products for the building trade, NZ LIMITED Proud to be a supplier to Laminated Beams Ltd
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