In production, NLT lumber can be arranged as a flat surface or include curves – an impossible feat in most other mass timber options. Plywood sheathing is often added to the top side of a finished NLT panel to increase the diaphragm capabilities.
Nail-laminated timber
Nail-laminated timber, commonly known as NLT, is a centuries-old structural element that uses dimensional lumber oriented on its edge and either nailed or screwed together. This process results in stunning panels suitable for exposed floors, roofs and even walls.
Installation is up to 25% faster than conventional construction, such as a cast-in-place concrete floor. The finished product is gorgeous. Although NLT is wood, it is highly resistant to moisture ingress and mold growth, and is even highly resistant to fire.
Silvaspan NLT vs Conventional Construction
 | Timber Solutions | Steel & Concrete | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilvaSpan NLT | Conventional CLT | Composite Steel Deck | Cast-in-place Concrete Floor | |
| Cost | Medium | High | Comparable cost to NLT | |
| Spans | Greater span opportunities between supporting conditions | Comparable to NLT, but requires greater thickness to achieve same span | Limited to deck span between supports | Slab thickness increases as span increases |
| Quality | Factory-controlled tolerances and quality control | On-site review, lower standards of quality control | ||
| Site Benefits | Panels manufactured off-site | Site-installed deck, studs, reinforcing and concrete | Site-installed forms, reinforcing and concrete | |
| Construction Benefits | Excellent speed of construction with trade accessibility almost immediately | Trade accessible after reinforcing and concrete cure, weeks later | Trade accessible weeks after form, reinforce, pour and cure | |
| Sustainability | Sustainable construction | Concrete is non-sustainable | ||
| Carbon Impact | Minimal | Substantial | ||
Calculate Your Carbon Savings
This easy-to-use free carbon calculator will help estimate the carbon impact of your wood building. Discover how much time it takes Canadian and U.S. forests to grow the wood required for your building and the carbon benefits (amount of carbon stored and amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided).